“Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” – RUMI

 As a single mom, Maria had raised a family, had a great job in the biotech industry, and was living a good life. In her dream world, Maria had a fantastic vision. Little did she know she was about to embark on one of the greatest spiritual quests of her life.

Photo at left  Artist,  Maria Doglio 

"She found herself paddling a canoe down a turquoise river.  A sandy shore was in the distance framed by a mix of trees, shrubs, wild flowers.  The sun was bright overhead and the air was warm with hardly a breeze.  Spirit birds where circling overhead and red, rocky spires rose in the distance.  As the river brought her closer to the sandy shore, a figure appeared.  Her arms were outstretched and in one hand, she held a large faceted citrine crystal.  On her skirt, were stars in a rainbow of colors, woven into the fabric.  Her jacket was a turquoise color that spread out from golden shoulders.  In her hair was a blue star with feathers attached that hung down on her flowing auburn hair.  She was a wise woman and held the wisdom of rainbow medicine.”

“Rainbow Star gratefully took the crystal and placed it in a special pouch.  The woman spoke softly to her, “You already know me, as I am your Legendary Self.  You are called to remember me so that the gifts of your creativity and healing work will manifest into the world with truth and purity.  Together we will have many adventures and learn the power of the colors that you paint on your canvas.  If ever you feel lost, remember I have never left you—just close your eyes and dream.  You will find me in your visions for all the answers are within you.” ~Maria Doglio. (Acrylic painting above by Maria Doglio).

 Maria experienced a mysterious pull that she could not explain. It was too powerful a call to ignore. “This is the path where it all begins. Along it you must learn the meanings of all the colors and honor them in your life.”  Maria chose to listen and to walk an exciting new path of self-discovery and transformation. She quit her secure job and with a giant leap of faith moved to Sedona, Arizona. During the next two years she reconnected with a part of herself  she had long forgotten. Maria’s creativity flourished and after 25 years, she began to paint again.

 Currently, Maria is living in N.CA working as an Office Administrator. Maria is a certified Reiki Master healer and a gifted artist. I have the good fortune to work with Maria and I have been a recipient of her warm hospitality. When describing the creative process Maria shared the following thoughts with me. “When I paint energy flows through me from some other Source. If any judgment enters, I stop painting because it interrupts the flow of energy. I take time to clear my mind before I can return to paint, free of any voice of self criticism or doubt.” Recently Maria and her daughter, Kate Langlois, completed a six-month art course led by three talented artists, Shiloh Sophia McCloud, Sue Hoya Sellars and Mary MacDonald.

Everyone has a story to tell

A painting to paint

A poem to write

An adventure to take

A dream to unfold

Everyone is leading a legendary life

Design and write the chronicles of your own

Legendary journey

Awaken your heart

Visioning using your imagination

Imagine a heart of gold at the center of your body

Extend that into your life

Radiating out

Listen

                                                             ~By Shiloh Sophia McCloud

The link below provides a glimpse of Maria and fellow students’ marvelous journey of self-discovery and creative expression in the world of art. (Cut and paste link  into your browser.)

http://www.cosmiccowgirlsuniversity.com/studentwork/

~Liz Sorensen Wessel