In the sanctuary of my garden, where the symphony of cicadas and the earth-kissed fragrance of rain envelop me, I find myself in a contemplative dance with the evolving tides of life.

The recent years for me, unfolded as waves of turquoise and deep blue—a peacock's plumage of inspiration transmuted into the resilient roots of an unwavering oak tree. It is the journey through the crucible's fire, a pilgrimage intrinsic to a woman's path when she endeavours to bestow her wisdom as a sacred gift to the world.

These are rites of passage carved into the marrow of passing years, where the lines of laughter weave together with strands of sorrow and the intricate shades that reside in the spaces in between. The emergence of a woman's beauty, often obscured by the societal clamour for the perpetual pull to remain in the maiden's realm even amidst the responsibilities of motherhood and the wisdom bestowed upon us in the years of the crone.

What an intricate and bewildering tale we tell ourselves at times...

This painting unfolds as my personal myth—a narrative of love, connection, growth, and a descent into the concealed recesses of my being. It is an exploration of the facets I once sought to evade but can no longer shield with armour and sword. The pivotal choice was to lay down the sword and, at times, ungracefully dismantle the walls. This act allowed not only those I hold dear but also myself and the world to witness the authentic self, liberated from the masks of societal conditioning, fears of loss, and the shadow of betrayal.

As the year comes to an end, I present my most recent creation—a beauty that has blossomed across two seasons, now culminating with its final touches. Yet, its essence will live on, entwined in the stories shared through the strokes of paint on canvas, the intricacies of lines and layers, the whispers of leaves, and borne by the caress of the ocean breeze.

May we unearth joy in every step of life's pilgrimage, mastering the art of feeling deeply and sharing openly.  As I contemplate the writings from the beginning of the year, I sit in introspection of our collective blossoming, often unnoticed until we pause to look back. 

How did you, dear soul, love, live, and descend into the depths this year? How did your heart unfurl and blossom—a mythic flower in the sacred garden of your existence?