Good art is a form of prayer. It’s a way to say what is not sayable ~Frederich Busch

Despite my efforts to try to match the reviews randomly they seem to connect all on their own. Synchronicity at work? Maybe.

Our first item up for review are the artistic tools belonging to Carol, a wonderful artist as you can see from the picture above. The scanned picture does not do the original justice, but it will give you an idea of the depth of her talent.

And as a bonus here is a useful random fact for you: the idea of mixing two paint colors to produce a third is credited to the Greek philosopher Plato. And now you know how the retail store Plato’s closet came upon its name! All those clothes waiting to be mixed and matched into new outfits.

Our second item is a prayer wheel on a keychain accompanied by a cat’s paw. One of our reviewers did such a great job writing the description and significance of the prayer wheel that the only thing left for me to do is show you a picture of Rachel touching her toes, yoga style and share this random quote:

“Yoga is not about touching your toes; it’s about what you learn on the way down.” Om Shanti.

(Random aside –moments ago, I learned that Om Shanti is NOT the author of the quote. It means (loosely and I think) Peace. Learn something new every day!) 

And now, let us begin our sixth set of reviews.

Submitted By: Carol

Reviewer: Drew A Blank

I love creative people.  Long ago, when I was young and full of hopes and dreams I used to think that I could be artistic.  As I got older I thought, well maybe not artistic but more creative.  A few more years passed and I thought, okay not really creative but certainly I could be crafty.  I could follow simple instructions and make useful and pleasing gifts for friends and family.  Alas, I could not.  Those who know me best know that I could not ever make something that anyone would ever want.

This creative soul probably makes her own Christmas and birthday gifts that all have something personal touch that makes the recipient feel that they are truly known and loved.  The paints look well used and taken care of and the brushes look clean and sorted.  Now . . . how do I get on their Christmas list? (Note to reviewer: offer to trade her your world’s best cookies…)

Reviewer: Phyllis Steen

“Why do you paint?
For exactly the same reason I breathe.
That’s not an answer.
There isn’t any answer.
How long hasn’t there been any answer?
As long as I can remember.
And how long have you written?
As long as I can remember.
I mean poetry.
So do I.”
E. E. Cummings

The tools of an artist: paints, brushes, and measuring tools. Let’s not beat around the bush— these tools belong to an artist. I guess, from the careful way the tools are organized, that the painter enjoys mixing colors and adding them to her canvas, using different brush strokes from her large collection of brushes. The measuring tools indicate that our artist is not throwing paint on the canvas but carefully planning her masterpiece.

I am going to guess, from the pink basket, that our artist is a mature women who is young at heart and perhaps took up painting later in life. The colors in the painter’s collection might be used to paint landscapes or wildlife, but I can’t be sure. I wish that a piece of art from the artist’s collection had been shared, not to review, but to enjoy.

Submitted By: Rachel

Reviewed: Rhea Rangit

A prayer wheel is a cylindrical wheel on a spindle with the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” written in Sanskrit on its outside, along with traditional other protective symbols.

Tibetan peoples see the prayer wheel as a quick and simple means for developing compassion and wisdom. The six-syllable mantra is recited while the prayer wheel is turned in a clockwise direction. Pure, white light is visualized as emanating from the wheel and bringing forth Love, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity. Rather than being a prayer to a divine being (like a Catholic Rosary, for instance), a prayer wheel is enlightenment immediately manifest.

In the West, recitation of a mantra is done for its relaxing effects. Tibetan Buddhists view relaxation as a positive but minor side effect of reciting the mantra and spinning the wheel.

Prayer wheels are also used in Feng Shui to bring harmony and positive energy to one’s home or workplace.

I see the person who owns this key chain as deeply spiritual. Someone who wants and needs a constant reminder to relax, to focus on a higher realm. Besides being a beautiful object, this prayer wheel key chain offers another bonus: keys attached to it wouldn’t get lost in the typical woman’s purse.

The rose-colored bedspread makes me think our key-owner is a she. And since she has this prayer wheel attached to her keys, I’m betting she finds driving a particular challenge. Perhaps she has to travel on extra-busy streets during rush hour, rolling alongside unpredictable fellow drivers; maybe she has to carry testy, restless passengers (children, teens, or Kitty-with-the-black-and-white-paw?). Perhaps she’s survived one auto accident and knows she needs special protection from experiencing another.

My research turned up photos of working prayer wheels that were considerably larger than the one pictured here (though I also found prayer wheel earrings, beads, and charms). Perhaps this one serves a decorative rather than functional purpose? At any rate, our key owner is bound to be calm, focused, pleasant, and evolving!

 Reviewed: Miss. Dolly Lama

A Buddhist prayer wheel made into a key ring.  I’m thinking this is because the keys are to the things that this person most needs to pray about.  Prayers for the people who live in her home and for peace and love to flow freely.  Prayers for the co-workers that they share their life with and for harmony in the workplace.  Prayers not only that the car will start, but for the passengers and driver that utilize the transportation.  It would seem that this person is a well balanced individual who is in touch both with the realities of their life and with the spiritual energy that helps her life flow with peace and grace.

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That was fun wasn’t it? A big Thank You to our submitters and reviewers.  Carol’s artist talent made me think that I might need to bring out my embosser again. Have I mentioned that I can emboss? Beautifully, I might add.  And please Rachel under no circumstance ever hand me the keys to your car. Not even if you are breathing your last breath—just hold tightly to the that prayer wheel key chain and insist I call a taxi. Because as sure as you like Peeled Juice Bar I would lose those keys along with the prayer wheel.

Come back for Review #7. It will be posted before you know it. Maybe. And don’t forget to leave comments, questions, and observations to win a random prize.

Odd Loves Company,

 

Random Review 1: Jar opener and Laptop

Random Review 2: Mugs and Thieves

Random Review 3: Coffee and Nicho

Random Review 4: Golden Ring and Ancestry

Random Review 5: Cooking Pot  and Nuwave