If you were forced to wear one outfit over and over again, what would it be?
Sadly, I typically wear the same thing every day because I threw away my clothes with the intention of sewing my own “fall collection.”
Lately, I feel like I have even fewer clothes than I thought. Am I bothered? Sometimes. Bored? Yes. Logically, I know this is a solvable problem.
That’s the story of my clothing situation, and yes, I’m an interesting individual. But most artists are. If not, I’d they’d be accountants.
Diane Von Furstenberg already created the perfect dress. The classic, flattering, and timeless wrap dress. I used to own a closet full. Now, I own the pattern. Le sigh. Anyway, I could wear a wrap dress every day all day. They are perfecto.
What is your favorite outfit? Please say this dress. 🙂
When I lived in Los Angeles, as a working actor, I spent my free time doing yoga and making art. I first started doing yoga to help my focus, and I chose Hatha Yoga at the time. I checked out books from the library and put a mat in my apartment and did thirty minutes a day. When I finally got to a studio, it blew my mind. My favorite yoga is Bikram. It’s the one I will settle on for life. It’s played one of the greatest roles in my healing journey. I welcome the 90-minute struggle.
The rest of my spiritual life is more nuanced. Mary Magdalene and Maryam are both key to my spiritual life. They are the foundation of what I’m doing. Simply having their images in my home brings peace. I love to go to various Marian sites and leave flowers and prayers. There is an entire ritual to the things I do, and when I do them, I am living my highest self.
I woke up this morning thinking of St. Ignatius of Loyola. He was the Spanish saint of the abused and down trodden. His flock was like Oshun’s. He was a Jesuit, and if you know my heart for Papa Francisco, I will always believe it was a sign from him. This is a gentle reminder to be there for my ladies. The ones whose stories get hidden behind some ugly things. Also for my son’s. Because when you speak to the heart of men, even when it’s tough, they will look out for you.
I like to live in rhythm with the ocean–light waves. Sleep is the cornerstone of good mental health. I like to sleep when I feel tired. It’s the fastest way to refresh my mind, body, and soul.
Next level self care is a spa day with a fluffy robe. As I’ve stated before, it will never get old.
I am now confident that all of the phrases like “they’re watching over you” came from experience and evidence. Can you spot the eye and eyelash in the sky?
I was taking a picture of the rainbow and saw this. I remember seeing the face, not an eyelash.
I created this mixed media piece I call “The Heart of Mary” a few days ago. It sits in my front room on the windowsill. This piece is one of a few Marian and sacred artworks that will be available in my shop.
Additionally, I have a personal website that is dedicated to my passion for Sacred Art. I truly cherish it, and as an artist and enthusiast for Bible stories and history, I had to grow out of my timidness about sharing it.
In 2017, I had a strong spiritual encounter with a statue of St. Therese of Liseux. A devout friend of mine from our hospital days saw her crying with me while we gave her flowers during a Basilica visit. In my naivete, I thought it was a bad thing. We were the only ones who saw it, and for some reason, no one came near us, and we were in a high trafficked area. Obviously, it was good. My daughter lived thirty more days beyond her hospice expectancy after that sighting. Since then, I have seen miracles I am sure most people may not see. However, I hope you do.
I first began making Marian Art in 2022. There are lots of drawings and some paintings. My most notable one is when Our Lady made her presence known in my largest painting as Our Lady of Zeitun. It was beautiful. I called it “Good Morning.” It will be in my next book.
I have also written about my statute de San Martin which was blessed by Pope Francis in Peru. I treasure it. It’s now in my home studio. In the picture is my personal memorial to him for the year. He had a meaningful legacy and a gentle heart. This is my way of keeping his memory alive in our home for the year. I think the picture of Mary just elevates the serenity of the space even more.
When I walk by it, I feel a presence that calls me to step lighter and speak softer.
Today, I am sharing one pillar of what has gotten me through times of anger, sadness, isolation, and even childishness–Mary. But it’s an even greater reminder that miracles still happen.
I don’t know one person who doesn’t want to be liked. We all do. It’s the reason we fish for compliments. Well, I do. Mainly from my kids, and they’re used to it. Being a mom is great, you have a built-in support system. Whoever says you only need to encourage yourself must have never had to do it.
Not having a popular opinion is like learning to ride a bike. It gets easier with time. Though the flames of repercussion encamp about you, your hunger begins to take hold.
The kitchen is hot, but remember to throw water on the situation–not grease.
My favorite thing about myself is that I can stick and move and it’s natural. I am resilient. I have something innate that doesn’t totally deplete my hope and faith in the fact that I will recover from tragedies and traumas. As long as I wake up each day, I have another chance to get it right. I can live my purpose. My joy is similar to what I read about when I read about the martyrs and saints. I lament and then I somehow see a silver lining. There’s always a silver lining, you just have to find it.
As a youth, I took it for granted. As an adult, I am grateful to have it. But I have also learned not everyone does. The area where I am growing is within the understanding that even if someone is not skipping down the street and smiling all the time, it doesn’t make them necessarily problematic. It makes them human.
A large shift in my life came after I had children. I felt like I lived in a way that crossed all t’s and dotted all i’s and a large amount of adversity kept stealing my joy. It took me a moment, but I finally learned that there are things I can’t control. It may not even be personal. When I lost the stability of family, that thrust me into a next level of consciousness. It’s like the book of Job,” what I feared the most came upon me.” Forget what I truly felt inside. But the irrational fear of a great many things came upon me. What I discovered is that on the other side of fear, rejection and failure, is actually liberating. It is the living breathing serenity prayer. It is the strength to live unabashedly, and the knowing that when storms come, somehow, you’ll get through them.
When I was going through emotional changes in high school my parents used to always tell me that Marvin Winans line, “Ain’t no need to worry what tomorrow is going to bring. It’ll be all over in the morning.”
So, I’m proud that even if I am buying one tomato, one package of bread, one pound of fish, one pair of shoes at a time–I’m glad I can. I just try to make the best out of every situation and be glad doing it. Protect your peace. Prepare new paths. Stay on purpose.
Ten years ago I was given a big dream. I kept it to myself because there was really no one to share it with. But the dream is a testament to how life is ordered if you pay attention. The dream was largely inspired by constant visitations to my church, my kids’ school, and Children’s hospital.
In those days, I had little ones with varying health challenges
I was constantly assisting with therapies and meeting with doctors, and I did a lot of praying. In all honesty, I just wanted it to stop. Alot of it felt like running in place. I did get good information, but the execution and additional research is what made the most difference. I wanted normalcy, and I was also deeply afraid of hospitals and clinics during that time. My hospital phobia was a carryover from my parents working in the hospital while I was growing up. Yet, every week I was there. I was always in a place that brought me down. It didn’t matter how nice everyone was—I was like, why meeee?
There is nothing fun about poor health. It’s the reason why I am passionate about being in a good mood. In those days, I wore an iron clad mask. I just was a ball of anger, probably at God, but I directed some of it at my spouse because I was confused at how I went from an easy, breezy life to feeling so helpless. It had to be the city. It had to be because I was not doing something. Maybe I was disobedient in my faith..on and on.
It was just my life.
But during those hard times, I was given a large dream of something to fix. I wanted Children’s Hospital to get a fancy face-lift like the University of San Francisco’s hospital, where my middle child had her cancer treatment. There my daughter was able to enjoy the new outdoor space they erected in 2017, but she was gone not too long after. What I loved is that throughout all of the space in San Francisco was colorful artwork, family spaces, and healthy food choices. Perhaps before I leave this Earth, I will see that at Children’s hospital here. It takes money for innovation. These are big endeavors that need big endowments. My church was my safe haven. My son used to struggle to eat. I used to pray all over the city just to have him eat like a normal child. I’m proud to report that today he does. This is alot of stress on a family, as you can imagine, but colors work wonders when you’re down.
It has taken me such a long time to even fully remember how many obstacles and challenges we have overcome. But we did it, and survived.
We often try to avert the struggle. At least I know I did. When I used to live on an island in Saipan, my friend said to me, “girl it’s ok to feel disappointed.” I responded. “But I’m good.” And as the story goes, I would encounter challenges that would make me feel like I was drowning. If that’s you, I strongly advise you getting out some wood, paints, paper and pencils and draw something. There are some emotions words can’t touch.
That’s where school comes in. The dream of a good school. One that reflects the wisdom I have received in life and the creative spirit of transformation. Clearly I am one person. But I have learned how this all works and maybe this dream will come together for a lot of people who have been desiring the same thing in the same space. With a beautiful environment we can do great things. The Mormon church has an entire document that talks about the care of the home. Although I am not Mormon, I was inspired by the text. Environment matters and I would be OK with living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
I’m a creative first. We just live, think, and breathe differently. (When we’re allowed)
I love beauty. I love life. I also love seeing people smile. I like to see them happy. It makes me happy.
I am passionate about a great many things, but at the core of it all is love.
When I give someone artistic, sewn, or handmade, I can tell that they have received something very special. It also is a positive spiritual currency that is overssen by my angelic guardians and in memory of my lost daughter, ancestors, and saints. I am passionate about business, and all of it extends from that well-spring.
I want you to feel good around me, my family, and anything connected to me. More importantly, I have a gift of inspiring the authentic voice in a person. Yes, I may have the seeds, but if you are a good person, you will produce your own unique fruit. That’s what I love to see.
The people that love you teach you how to fish and encourage you all the way to the finish line. While life may be imperfect there is always friend, a family, an organization, or a tribe willing to help. After you get help, it’s your turn to encourage another across that finish line.
What are the most important things needed to live a good life?
I have lived quite a life and I have finally arrived at a place where I’ve lost and gained enough to recognize that God, love, family, peace and the space to express myself freely makes my heart sing.
The rest of life is bells and whistles. But without true, loving relationships and familial bonds–I would wither on the vine–almost.
After everyone has left me, and they have before, I know I can call out to God. Spitit will either send someone to me for a time or fill my cup from within.
The will to press forward in this world when darkness hits is the belief that you are loved. The absence of love can hit harder than an empty stomach. If you have all the money in the world but feel close to no one, that is not a good life. It is a debt free life. Even just a little bit of love by someone is necessary. To me, the mark of a good life is a blessed one. One that is marked with purpose, a partner, children, grandchildren, and is built by your hands.
I would also add that living a life that is true to your convictions is the most gratifying. Joseph Campbell speaks to this authentic, well-lived life. It is the gift of a lifetime to simply do YOU.
When I lost my 5 year old to cancer she left me with so many nuggets of wisdom. She knew I was in a bad place and she wanted me to live a life or color. It’s taken awhile to believe that a child would enter my world so briefly and free me from my burdens–but she did. When it’s a good and perfect thing from above,it fits inside of your life. All the pieces of the grand puzzle fit together, and it’s beautiful.
This brief presentation is simply the beginning of many explorations into military history. I will also take a moment to highlight some of my family history and even call for you to share yours as well.
Like many of your family members, my relatives fought in this war. As a nation, we’ve spent alot of time speaking about, and even verbally honoring our heroes of past and present–it’s now time to go a step further.
It’s time we keep these sacrifices and their importance at the forefront of our minds. My hope is to bring some lesser known aspects of military folklore to the forefront and inspire you to discover more on your own.
If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?
In January of 2024 I had a supernatural experience that left me with the divine name “Luna de Luz” aka “La Luz.”
When I told my daughter my new name, she told me that she wanted to be called “Luna the Moon” as a way of being like me.
It’s been over a year, and I feel I’ve settled into Chiara Luz as my name. However, I can see myself dropping the Chiara at some point. I’m not sure. Ironically, all variations of my name mean similar things. I guess God was OK with the first choice, and he allowed for some variations the second go round. My last name is still a mystery. I’ve considered Herrera-Jackson/Johnson.
My name is a symbol of a blessing, a purposeful path, and the joy I look to in the future.
