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Karen Blessen Journals

Purple Journal

The page is a spiritual reflection on unwavering faith and surrender to a higher power.

Swami Ramdas UNSHAKABLE FAITH

Have UNWAVERING FAITH in God - this will put an end to all your fears. His power and grace alone can RAISE you above your anxieties, your sufferings and your troubles. Have no unease for one moment.

God is watching over you. Rest in his wisdom and guidance. Give up all fears, all anxieties, all doubts, all thoughts of weakness. You have put yourself under the guidance of God. Have faith and make faith alone your guide. Do what God intends. Make no plans, let nothing of the past or future disturb you.

Her God is the sole doer and you are his child and servant. Your I and mine has no existence. It is she, she alone. Resign, surrender yourself to her, be always cheerful, peaceful & blissful. In this state you will always remain.

This is your goal. God is always in you, you are always in her. She and you are one.

This is the truth.

The page describes a reflective moment during a health crisis, focusing on personal growth and forgiveness.

During the Death Rehearsal in San Miguel, in the emergency room with test results saying that I had a pulmonary embolism, there was connection. And calm. And ALL GRATITUDE. The only regret wafting through my mind was that I have been/am so unforgiving to Dad. And that I should forgive. Maybe it was the angels who helped me methodically do what had to be done to do, the 29 pieces, of this move.

A vibrant collage featuring a figure in a red dress, surrounded by abstract patterns and fabric textures.

YAYOI KUSAMA

The page features a vibrant collage-style illustration of two women, each adorned with calla lilies, set against a rich purple background.

FRIDA KAHLO

 

The page documents a medical visit and diagnosis, dated August 23, 2017.

This  contorted face of hatred

August 22, 2017

Went to Orthopedic specialist yesterday. Dr. Appleton. This time he was conversational, helpful, and had one more doctor and a resident with him.

Diagnosis – Arthritis in both hips.

Arthritis in both knees.

Bursitis in both hips.

Recommendation – Cortisone shots in both hips, to see if it helps the Bursitis pain.

A journal page featuring a photograph of a young girl with flowers and handwritten reflections on personal and professional aspirations.

Then what wraps up the organization/education world? Will I find the energy? I look at older women artists—Yayoi Kusama, and think, it can be done. But, by me? Does it matter if it is worthy / ‘good’ in the end? What is the one true thing for me to bring to life? Is it done already? Or is it coming?

A vibrant red abstract painting with handwritten reflections on the page.

And I did a red painting as a senior in college. No doubt this was the influence.

A journal page featuring a black-and-white photograph of Beatrix Potter with handwritten reflections on her identity.

BEATRIX POTTER

when I see this photo of beatrix potter (each time). I think it is my mom. The face, hair, body & stance.

The page discusses studio-related notes and questions about design and contractor schedules.

Hopes of building a studio put on back burner.

Sticky note on graph paper.

Questions about design and contractor schedules.