by redclay | Jun 30, 2021 | Visual Arts
June 28, 2021 – Who doesn’t need an affirmation every once in awhile – or every day – to remind us of our awesomeness? Sometimes it’s hard to remember our unique and special selves, especially on those days when the rest of the world seems to say otherwise. So, our Heard artist Alison McHugh led the Friends of Guest House women through this wonderful papercraft class where they each chose their own affirmation (pre-printed, or they could create their own) and designed cards that they can place on a dresser, vanity, or desk to remind them of their greatness or to motivate them with love. What do you think?
by redclay | Jun 24, 2021 | Visual Arts
Who is your Super Hero? Wonder Woman? Batman? Or, as we did with the women at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center in Alexandria, VA, we made our own. Our super heroes have magic in them that help us and help the world. Take a look at what creative and healing superheroes the inmates created under the guidance of our amazing Heard teacher Sharmila Karamchandani. Don’t you wish these superheroes really existed?
This creature has a calming face and body of strength. The red fingertips have healing quality. She comes into your life to make you realize your own beauty.
Meet the Pain Relieving Octopus! It has healing tentacles. Wherever you have pain the tentacles can heal you upon touch.
by redclay | Jun 18, 2021 | Poetry
Merry Toth, Friends of Guest House, June 14, 2021
My Journey Began
My journey began as a loved child
Spoiled and disciplined
Then when I became the age of choosing,
I chose the wrong path.
The path I chose was fun.
There was a boat ahead
And when I got in that boat,
I wasn’t given any oars.
One day I knew
One day after drifting,
That time had gotten away from me
And I looked into the water
And realized I was becoming an old woman.
I knew that I had let life get away from me.
I looked to the land and saw my family.
While I was drifting down the rocky stream
Filled with darkness and struggle,
They had light and laughter I could hear.
I had missed so much.
I yelled for help.
Someone came and got me.
But when I was thrown a rope
I had consequences to pay.
Determined to save the only life I could
The consequences I had to pay
For the life I had no direction
But darkness had its consequences
Waiting at the shore.
Put in a cell where I could reflect
On the life I did not have and the things I had done
While drifting in the dark with no oars.
A demon had attached itself to me,
And directed my life and had chains on me,
but invisible they were,
but there all the same.
This time in a cell gave me time to think
About what to do now.
A new life awaited me.
Was I going to get back in that boat
And put the chains back on, or
Choose a new path?
A path full of life,
No longer being controlled by the demon that was my closest companion,
but my worst enemy who only wanted my soul.
Today, I have chosen life.
The years in the boat adrift I learned many lessons.
I am able to be a strong woman.
I have chosen God to direct my life.
No more chains, but
Freedom at last.
by redclay | Jun 18, 2021 | Poetry
Nicole Prince, Friends of Guest House, June 14, 2021
My journey began when I was young & new.
I was gullible & He knew.
He took me through ups and downs
good times & bad.
In the beginning it was fun & a lot of laughs.
We went everywhere together
I had his back & He had mine.
One day I knew it was too good to be true.
My journey was taking me on lefts
when I was supposed to go right
& rights when I was supposed to go left.
The sunshine & rainbows were fading away
along w/the good times & laughs.
This journey had me isolated but it was too late
I had already started on this road & had to see
which way would bring me home.
Determined to save the only life I could save
I knew I had to take the wheel again
& control where I was going
because my journey had gotten out of control
& I was lost,
just floating along in blindness
& I knew I had to get my life
back on track
& to do that I had to bring this journey to an end
so I could start a new one.
Today I am on a different journey
& I am focused and in tune with how I am
& with what I want
& I know I have to stay in control
& stick to the right path
so this journey doesn’t take me
down the dark valley which I knew all too well
& never want to see again.
From here on we are on a bright path of the journey.
Called “my life.”
by redclay | Jun 9, 2021 | Poetry
Tory R., Friends of Guest House, June 9, 2021
While I hate confined spaces
I love being outdoors
Music is my safe place
Silence is my killer
Being bored agonizes me
The feeling of loneliness fades
As love invades my life
New beginnings
Peak over the horizon
Sobriety has overtaken me
And darkness finally shatters
Hope overwhelms me for the first time
Failure is not an option now.
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