Miracles

I want to talk about miracles, especially today.
"Miracle" is not a word I use lightly. Here are some definitions from a Google search:

 "a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable
by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be
the work of a divine agency.

"a highly improbable or extraordinary event, development,
or accomplishment that brings very welcome consequences. 

"an amazing product or achievement, or an outstanding example of something."

The biggest miracle of this day is the arrival of our son, David, 24 years ago.

It's hard to find words to describe how I feel about David. He is - honestly - my dream of a son. 

He's a man, living in Montana and doing a job which he enjoys in a place he loves. 

He is loving, responsible, intelligent, kind, funny, fit, strong, capable, athletic, interesting - and growing more so. He is adventurous without being foolhardy 

(at least, the adventures that I know about). 

 His interests and experiences spark us to think in new ways and try things that we probably wouldn't, without his instigation. He is good with children and kind to the elderly.

I am grateful to God for sending him to us.

Another miracle - completely different in nature - is the opening of my own little art gallery this past Saturday. Two years ago - even one year ago! - this would not have crossed my mind as a possibility. It was beyond a dream - I had not even dreamed of it, because I was not painting two years ago. After many years of prayer, meditation, study, inner work and finally stepping out in faith, a huge block moved out of the way, and I became more my self. I am an artist, and I am happy to say it. Our Creator helped me to become free to be my creative self. In a nutshell, I have been painting steadily since September, 2015, and have been posting my work on my website and social media (Facebook , Redbubble and Instagram: karengberger). I had a show at the Bloedel Reserve for two months during the summer, and have sold about a dozen works of art, as well as donating some to charity. People have been asking, "Where can I see your work?" and I had to answer, "Online, or by contacting me directly." One recent Saturday morning, I said to Gregg, "Is there a way we could create a space for me to exhibit my work? Build a shed here, or find a little place nearby?" We discussed a few options, and decided to think more about it. That night, we had dinner with the family, and while we were dining, my brother-in-law turned to me and said, "We have a building at Savage Plants & Landscape that is not being used. Why don't you make a gallery there?" Um, yes. Yes. Why don't I do that? So I did. This does not just happen every day, people. This is serendipity, the Universe, the Creator, in action. It's a miracle. I have a long way to go, personally and in my craft. There are artists with far more expertise, and many more years of work behind them. I could feel undeserving; I could feel less worthy than those others, but this is not about them. This is my path, and this is the way it has unfolded. It's a miracle. The gallery is a beautifully shingled, two-room space with stone floors and wood beams, set in a glorious garden filled with healthy plants, stone work and original garden art. It is more than I could have asked or imagined. It's a miracle. We held the Grand Opening on Saturday. Family and friends (old and new) came from far and wide to celebrate with us. It was a day filled with love, joy, discovery, reunion, support, hospitality and sheer happiness. Katie made her presence and blessing known in very clear ways that day. The Gallery at Savage Plants & Landscape is up and running, and you are invited to visit every day between 9 AM and 4 PM. I won't be in the gallery every day, so please contact me if you want me to meet you there. The good folks at Savage Plants will be happy to help you with the purchase of a painting or greeting cards from my line. And if I'm not there, I'm likely in my studio at home, painting...which is also a miracle. It's right to believe in miracles. Ask, work, meditate, pray, take a leap of faith toward your miracle. If it can happen to me, it can happen to you...to anyone! And that's a good note on which to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving indeed.