about the artist
WATCH FOR MAUDE LATE SUMMER-EARLY FALL AS THE HALLMARK CHANNEL AIRS HER INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF HOW SHE BEGAN TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OF FLOWERS ON THE "NEW MORNING" SHOW!
I have been on a spiritual path for the last 25 years, but in late 2004 I was compelled to take my practice to a higher level. I had been confronted in my relationship at the time about my behavior, impatient, judgmental, critical and unsupportive. Not terribly bad things, it was just the tone in which I related my words. There was hardness about me that I thought was normal, but came to realize it was about my lack of self-love. I wanted to change so I could live a joyous and happy life and make a difference in the world.
So when given direction from my " A Course in Miracles" workbook lesson when asking this question, "Where am I to go”? I heard, “ Go home, and then Second City, (which is a comedy training center in Chicago. I had been doing acting and some comedy for over twenty years but not giving it my all, this made so much sense to me and the feelings I had were a good sign it was the right thing to do, I was ecstatic).
Thus my journey to Chicago began at the end of 2005. After several synchronistic events from this answer, I packed my four bags, left California and headed to the Midwest on the plain. I visited family for Christmas in Minnesota, and then courageously headed to Chicago on New Years Eve where I knew no one in a $250.00 car I bought from a family friend.
Arriving in Chicago was quite shocking; I had never lived in a big city like this. What was more shocking was the discovery of a passion inside me I never knew existed just a few months after being here. A passion so incredibly strong that my mornings arrived with little sleep yet I arose with such joy, excitement and energy, tingles filling my body, it was incredible. I had picked a red tulip to watch it open while meditating and as I looked deep in side I saw how beautiful it was then decided to take a picture of it. When I got them developed I about fell over, they were so beautiful and thus the passion began. Most mornings when I awoke my first thoughts were, “ go take more pictures.” I couldn’t reach the flowers fast enough.
So I said YES to my new passion, thinking, how could I not do this? These feelings I was having were so incredibly fabulous, and knowing every cell of my being was being filled with such life, this is truly living, I thought to myself.
I have come to believe this new love was brought to life as the result of a near death experience in 2005.
My flowers are a reflection of my own true desire to live life to it’s fullest, in beauty, love and grace.
"A Course In Miricles" from the Foundation For Inner Peace.
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