April 24, 2007

Getting Back to Your Roots

Which is stronger?  Your roots?  Or the pull of events that gnarl and twist your branches changing the direction of your growth.
I did an art journal page to go along with some writing for Sunday Scribblings this week.

What are in your roots? Which events have the power to change the direction of that growth?

Tragic acts of violence such as the Virginia Tech and Columbine High School shootings shake me to my very core and stir my soul. My childhood was disturbing … full of trauma and controversy; those feelings of hatred and anger, desperation … feeling like an outcast … the tendency toward self-mutilation and that sense that I was an explosion waiting to happen -- I see those same things in these shooters. It is with great unease that I admit how close I came to wearing the shoes of one who keeps that chain of violence going.

I was one of the lucky ones that crossed paths with counselors that helped me change my destiny. Still you must wonder … what is the difference between me and the shooters. I found my way back to my roots and my roots were planted in whimsy and happiness … yet not everyone is able to make it full-circle back to that beginning. Sometimes events occur that change your path and you feel powerless to stop it.

Perhaps it depends on which is stronger … your roots … or the pull of events that gnarl and twist your branches changing the direction of your growth.

2 comments:

Joanne Huffman said...

Karen, you are journalling from your heart, which always leads you to making strong art.

And, your writing over the picture fits perfectly, as does using your broken heart stamp.

And, your Claudia page is full of interesting visual treasures.

Joanne

Janie said...

Thanks for your reflections. In our world in which we are encouraged to jump on the impulse to gratify our needs (the point of marketing and ads after all!) I think there's little that separates ourselves from a capacity to act out inner demons.
Sounds like you're on a good healing path. I can relate.
Warmth, Janie
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