Many of you might recall that when I attended Sue Monk Kidd's workshops in Charleston this past September, I took a lot of what she said about writing to heart.  I find myself taking more quiet time to focus on my writing, I've been paying more attention to nature and some of the messages I might find there.  I might have even mentioned to you that she found a Minoan Snake Goddess statue in Greece.....and came home to make a sacred space for her, along with other items that meant a lot to her.  And before she begins to write, she focuses on the statue and pulls in good positive energy by drawing on the female goddesses for assistance and guidance.  Well, I thought I might like a Minoan Snake Goddess also and researched it on the Internet.  I found a few lovely ones, but for some reason, I never ordered one.  I now know why.....

I recently found a beautiful marble statue that literally called to me.  I had no idea who she was, what she represented or even what she was.  When I inquired, I found out she was Quan Yin....the Goddess of Compassion.  I had never heard of her.  I only knew I was strongly drawn to her and she had to come home with me.  This is her in the photo above.  As some of you might know, my writers studio is my sacred space.  Everything in here has meaning for me.  I surround myself with crystals and other gemstones, in addition to incense, favorite music and many treasures.  But I never had a particular spot, like Sue did.  I do now.  I designated the shelf above my computer as such and as you see in the photo, I have a candle up there, a crystal, a citrine, and another crystal on a stand that's precious to me.  I also have my deck of Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards that I recently purchased.  And I'll tell you about those in another entry. 

Here's a close-up of Quan Yin.....

She is one of the most universally beloved deities in the Buddhist tradition.  In many images she is depicted carrying the pearls of illumination....my statue has her wearing them around her hair and neck.  In her hand is a small vase which depicts her pouring a stream of healing water, the "Water of Life."  Many times her hands are cupped, symbolizing the womb as the door for entry to this world through the universal female principle.  She is a true Englightened One and there are numerous legends that recount the miracles which Quan Yin performs to help those who call on her.  Like Artemis, she is a virgin Goddess who protects women.  Quan Yin counsels us by her actions to cultivate within ourselves those particular refined qualities that all beings are said to naturally possess.

I believe I was meant to have her and I've already begun to call on her to assist me in cultivating my writing skills.  Just glancing up at her has kept me focused and Monday I was able to complete my three page synopsis for Seeking Sydney.....I think I'll soon be ready to attempt the query letter and then begins the search for an agent.

If you're a writer, what keeps you focused and gives you inspiration and assistance?  Whatever it might be.....let it work for you.  See you tomorrow.....