Rumi and Pillows

Reading The Essential Rumi, translations by Coleman Barks and it is only recently that I was pointed in the direction of Rumi's poetry. I have a wonderful friend, Christine Pensa who creates marvellous and unique gifts, so I order some pillow covers from her a while back. They are beautiful as you can see, with a unique turquoise Moroccan design but the thing that struck me the most, was the Rumi quotes that are stitched onto the fabric. One quote reads,
let the beauty of what you love be what you do - there are 1,00 ways to kneel and kiss the earth
The painting behind the pillows is an example of my work that speaks to the organic forms I include in my work. Through the painting Nature's Tapestry I hope the viewer will catch a glimpse of the profound silence found in the natural world.
The Rumi quote below is something that I came across last night that speaks to this mood in my work:

"Tree Limbs rise and fall like the ecstatic arms
of those who have submitted to the mystical life."

(The Essential Rumi, translations by Coleman Barks, page 145).

Christine Pensa is getting ready for her annual show, The Collective at Triangle Gallery, 38 Abell Street, Toronto. The show runs from December 8 - 19 and is open from 11 - 6. Check out their website at http://www.thecollectivegallery.blogspot.com/!
While on the topic of pillows, I feel I must mention the incredible pillows my sister, Janis McElmurry is making. She too is an artist, painter and overall incredible creator of ...well, everything! She makes these pillows out of 100% recycled wool. Now there is ecofriendly gift for any occasion!
Thanks to these two talented women artists who have helped to make my living space more beautiful!