For decades I have held periodic internal dialogue with two personal “spiritual teachers,” Liberty and Adam. These soul mates live deep within me and stand by me, always available, ready to help me regain clarity and focus about the key priorities in life. In my quiet meditative reflections they show up, sometimes unbidden, even unwelcome, without fail, actively offering me the wisdom and truth I need to hear at that moment.  

Liberty challenges me to soar and vision and dream — and to float above the details, free and able, committed and passionate, making life up and making it happen with gusto. Adam, on the other hand always invites me to sit down by the side of the road, notice and enjoy the fresh air of the moment and let my soul catch up to me before shouldering all my invisible burdens and moving on.

When, in 1997, I turned from book making to stone carving as my primary form of artistic expression, creating Liberty was first on my list. Adam was second. Not surprisingly, I did create Liberty first, with her glorious invitation to dream and to soar, just as intended. And, still today, I love her expression of free spirit and her invitation to laugh and to live and to love with energy and abandon.

Adam? Well, apparently I've had more trouble embracing his message. I finally sat down and let him emerge into visible form toward the end of 2009. Today, He sits on my desk gently but consistently urging me to pay attention to the earthbound and the spiritual depth that surrounds me in the place I call home. (You will see him detailed under “Men of Wisdom.”)        

But, rest assured. Liberty still holds a top place in my heart!