Lisa Thorpe

Seeking Balance in a Strange Land

As most of you know I moved to Little Rock Arkansas in late March. I am two months into my new life in a new land. Lots of things have been turned on its head, I used to live and work at a retreat center my husband worked there too, our daily lives where very entwined now my husband goes off to work in the morning 5 days a week and returns each evening. Then there’s the leaving dear friends who I could call at a moment’s notice for a walk, talk or martini when needed now I have friendly conversations with my neighbors and new acquaintances. And of course, the language differences in the middle south here conversation is sprinkled generously with “ya all” (which I find charming) and “ma’am” (which I don’t enjoy so much). In these past two months I have been getting my home and studio organized and comfortable and I can say I am in house heaven here in Little Rock – it feels like a place of sanctuary and invitation. But I really wasn’t at ease in this new land until we finally got out on the water on our paddle boards to just explore and relax and renew. My husband and I got paddle boards mid pandemic and it was a balm. To be gliding on the surface of the water is an intensely wonderful sensation (as close to walking on water as I’ll ever achieve). The other aspect of paddle boarding that makes it so wonderful is that you must stay in touch with your body to stay in balance. There really isn’t room to be thinking too many thoughts beyond the balance of the board on the current and soaking in the environment. And oh what a beautiful place we have found ourselves in. A lush verdant place of giant trees growing out of the water and others with leaves the size of saucers, birds calling boldly and brightly throughout the lushness hidden from view until they dart across the water or rise up slowly like the great blue heron we saw on this paddle day. So like the heron – I am beginning to feel my wings, to rise up slowly to find my balance – to link with my strength and clear my head of disequilibrium to move onwards, outwards and inwards to reconnect with my gifts my, my creativity, my relationships – to stand firmly in my body holding my heart gently with kindness and compassion.

The fabric collage above is from my Time Stamp Series it documents my day paddling on the Little Maumelle River entering from Pinnacle Mountain State Park. The photo below is of my time Stamp sketch book where I focus on color, pattern and inspiration.