Held Inside the Folds of Time

On By ResaIn Book Review, Interview

by: Merril D. Smith

This book of poetry is luscious, rich with words and resplendent with photographs. It inspired me to draw.

Sister Songs

This was the first poem that I remembered when I finished reading the book. It’s not long, and Merril was kind enough to send us a recording of her reciting it. So, let’s listen to it, instead of reading it!

I sent a few photos of the drawing, to Merril. Photos of art are difficult to take. They never look exactly like they do in real life, they change with the light.

Merril – It’s gorgeous in any light! Thank you so much! 

Merril -One thing–that you could not possibly know–for me, the poem has three figures. That’s just me, and of course, you wouldn’t know that. [My younger sister, my niece who is like my sister, and I spent a lot of time caring for and coordinating the care for my mom.]

Resa – That’s …. beautiful. Your mom was so loved.

Time – Passing, Cycling, Enduring

This next drawing is representative of many poems in the book. Merril depicts time through nature; its seasons changing, dying and renewal, family generations, birds, waves, clouds, storms coming… going.

In this regard, she speaks much of the beauty of life. To depict that, I have drawn a beautiful woman, in an earthy gown. The gown turns into an upside down tree. Its branches depict the changing seasons, time.

Question for everyone! I’d love to see some answers in comments.

Spontaneously – What is the colour that comes to your mind when I say TIME?

Think more about it! – Now what colours do you see?

Merril – Well, you’d probably guess that I said blue.

Resa – Yes…I did figure blue!

Merril – Then I see blue–various shades, ombre kind of thing– then darkening with shimmery stars and pops of red and yellow–like space. Like a movie of space. 

Resa – I asked a good friend. He said blue. Then, a few moments later he blurted out, green. Later he said he saw time as a sandy colour… not quite gold, but earthy.

Merril – I get what he said, too. I like that his changes, too, because time moves.

Clasped and Cradled

(inspired by “French Lavender Head,” an art piece by Karen Pierce Gonzalez)

In her hands-jolts of electric blue--
The incense of ocean and earth, lavender
and brine, seaweed and peat. A pop of red chilies,
some saffron, spring greens, roses--
this is my world, she thinks,
clutches it tighter.

Resa – To me, a fascination lies in “art inspiring art”. In the case of “French Lavender Head”, the art inspired a poem, then the poem inspired art. It’s cycling: Art to poetry to art. 

Merril – I like the idea of circling inspiration–art to poetry to art. Isn’t that the way? We’re all inspired by what we see, hear, smell, taste, read about. . .and then each individual interprets these things, that then get reinterpreted, and on and on.

Stormy Spirit Conundrum

The first image I drew was this flying woman against an unknown mystery background. It’s inspired by a feel in the book, and of specific lines, but not any 1 poem.

but my ancestors spread wings
that covered centuries
to catch me, guide me,

You can, they said,
as they showed me that I have my own wings-
unfold them, fly. This, too, is part of the pattern.

I took the shot on a cloudy day and closed the aperture to get a mystery feel.

Crushed beneath
an un-mooned sky
black shapes drift inside
of grey
who finally see the shadows
like storm clouds-and the bitter rain,
a tidal surge,

Then I thought, but it’s too dark. People will get the wrong impression. After all, there’s lots of light in this book.

There are days I want to remember I-we-
are made of starry specks, stellar dust,
and feel the light we carry within.

So, I opened the aperture on a sunny day, and took more pics. Nothing seemed like “stellar dust”, so I did editing until:

Then I thought, “that’s not it either.” Having taken shots in different light, then editing all the different shots… I ended up with a couple dozen different versions of the same drawing.

Then I realized why I couldn’t get a grip! Time slips through our fingers. Only time can hold time, within its folds.

CHANGING SPIRIT OF FLYING WOMAN SLIDESHOW

  • Psychedelic Spirit
  • Blue Spirit
  • Periwinkle spirit
  • Sun Spirit
  • Iced Spirit
  • Warm Spirit
  • In the Mood Spirit
  • Natural Spirit
  • Dark Spirit

Time moves on, and things keep changing, changing, changing…. That is why my flying woman kept changing. She’s flowing with the spirit of this book.

About Merril D. Smith

To learn more about this amazing writer & poet, just click on her pic below and go to her website.

You can also click here and visit Merril on her blog!

Held Within the Folds of Time is available in hardcover and ebook format on Amazon. Click on the cover and go there!

THANK YOU MERRIL FOR WRITING AMAZING POETRY!

… and taking wonderful photos …

218 thoughts on “Held Inside the Folds of Time”

  1. Resa!!! Thank you for this stunning, beautiful, and thoughtful post about my book and how it inspired you. I appreciate it–and you–so much! 💙💙 I love your poetry-inspired time/timeless spirits. Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Hello Merril,

      You are so welcome!

      Your poetry is inspiring. It’s been a wonderful time reading your book, soaking up the photos with the poetry and then drawing to it.

      This is a keeper book, that a person can enjoy all or in part, over and over.

      You are a terrific writer with a pulse on humanity, reality and beauty.

      So, I thank you! 💙💙💙

      Reply

  2. Wow, what a lovely conversation with Merril! Her poetry sounds inspiring and such a lovely book cover as well (I love the heron!). Resa, your drawings are so dreamy and imaginative. The changing spirit of flying woman slideshow transported me to another realm – it’s truly breathtaking and enchanting! I love this idea of circling inspiration and art inspiring art… Such an uplifting post!! 💜🌹🕊️

    Reply

    1. Thank you very much, Introverted Bookworm! My publisher, Jane Cornwell did such a great job with my photos, including the heron on the cover. I love the idea of circling inspiration, too!

      Reply

      1. The cover is perfect. It seems like time is standing still, with the heron.
        Although photos capture a moment in time, they can’t capture time, itself. This picture comes close.

        Reply

              1. Ahh, I do live by a park with a massive pond, but I’ve only see some ducks and swans on the pond.
                Then there’s the lake, with Canada Geese and Sea Gulls.
                The Gulls crack me up! They swim around with the ducks, pretending to be ducks so they can steal the food. But I gotta say, they really look like ducks at a glance.

    2. Thank you for this lovely comment Ada!

      Yes, the book cover is serene, perhaps a still before a storm that may never come.

      Ohh, my drawings. I do love making them, so it’s heartening to know they have an effect here and there. Lol.. the Flying Spirit Woman was such a raw type drawing. As soon as I finished the book, I picked up a pencil. So, it just came out.

      Then I went back and read the book again, to see what I had gleaned and done. It became the endless drawing. In a sense it became time.

      Art and inspiration, seems they are a circle game. Love it when you pop by, Ada!

      xx❦🌹🎨

      Reply

  4. Hi Resa, this is an extraordinary book review. Your drawings are gorgeous and your discussion about the colour of time got me thinking. I see it as creamy white like the foam on waves or old lace. Your flying girl looks gorgeous in all colours but I do like the original darker one. My favourite is the tree spirit. Splendid 🧚‍♀️

    Reply

    2. Robbie!

      Thank you so much! It’s a wonderful book.

      OH, I like that description of time; creamy white, lace foam…how beautiful. Makes me think of your Jack Frost cake.

      Speaking of cakes, I have only a few pages left to read, and have begun drawing the first of 3 gowns.

      Anyway, I digress, back to “Time”, which is what that Flying Spirit transported me through. 🌟❦🎨

      Reply

      1. I love your journey through time by picture. It is wonderful. When I think of old lace, I think of the beautiful wedding dress you created using vintage lace and other materials. It is extraordinary. I’m glad you are enjoying the cakes book 🧁🌈

        Reply

        1. That dress!
          I don’t have the heart to take it off the Judy, so I brought out the old one. She’s still great, and I’m doing the new gown on her.

          LUV the cakes book! Time to go see how the paint dried! xx

          Reply

            1. Thanks!
              I was thinking of using it for the holiday art post, but thought I’d save it, as it’s so recent.

              Now, I just had the thought re: your arts posts- What about a wedding art post (in the future)? My gown and some of your fondant art w/cakes or on its own. i’m looking at some pics in your books right now! Okay, getting ahead of myself, but wanted to throe it out there! ❦🌹🌟

              Reply

    1. Thank you, Beth!
      All this poetry and art circling around is dizzyingly inspiring.
      More thanks, as I thought the tree-gown was pretty cool, too. I’d like to take the idea of gowns transforming further, in the future.

      Reply
  8. marianbeaman6811bce9e7's avatar marianbeaman6811bce9e7

    What a treat: Two fantastic artists speaking to each other antiphonally. Inspirational all around. Thank you, Resa–and Merril!

    Reply

    1. Many thanks, Marian!
      Admittedly, I had to look up “antiphonally” and you are right.
      I love chatting like this in my colabs or reviews.
      Thank you a million not just for your visit, but for teaching me a new word!

      Reply

  10. This post excelled in the three P’s

    Poignant
    Poetic
    Pretty

    Okay, that last one is horribly understated because this is all strikingly beautiful, but yanno . . I had to get the clever sounding three P’s in there. I’m simple like that.

    Reply

  11. Sorceress!

    Once again, you have gone above and beyond us mere mortals’ imaginings in your style of review of a well-loved book. I actually just received my copy and will be diving into it.

    Simply gorgeous. A beautiful pairing indeed! Yours and Merril’s art!

    Reply

    1. Thunder!

      Lol.. mere mortals… I wish I was some kind of some kind of! Then I could grant John Lennon’s wish of peace.

      Ahh, congratulations on getting a copy. Read it quickly, or savour it daily; it will make you feel richer.
      It’s a collectible that you will get to enjoy time and time again!

      Thank you for this wonderful comment and for being Thunder!
      xoxoxoxo

      Reply
  12. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

    This is a beautiful post, Resa. Your drawings are luscious, Merrill’s poetry is wonderful. Beautiful recitation, and I love her book cover with a pTerodactyl standing in the water. A perfect representation of “the folds of time.” Her photo with her cat and “River Ghosts” is precious.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Tim! xx

      Agree, the book cover is eerily perfect.

      I was both thrilled and honoured when Merril said she’d recite Sister Songs for the post.

      I adore that pic of Merril. Ricky was her big baby. Just like your cats, I have come to love many cats out here that I’ve never met in real life. You once said to me – It’s unhealthy not to live with a cat(s). I agree! (unless one is allergic of course.)

      And, thank you about my drawings!!!! xx

      Reply

    2. Thank you for the kind comments about my book, Timothy. I am overwhelmed by Resa’s skill and this post.

      She told you about my Ricky. He was “the one,” my very special cat. I still miss him–though we have we have young cats now who were born around the time Ricky died.

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Colleen!
      I adore this book, and was quite inspired.
      I wanted to go way more surreal/abstract with my fashion illustration drawings, but did break my own mold to a point.
      You’ll adore the book, Colleen!

      Reply

  15. This is so incredibly beautiful, Resa… hard to find words!! ✨ Many congratulations to Merril, for this wonderfully artistic introduction to and review of her poetry book! The drawing of the woman in the earthy gown is simply splendid… and the winged woman variants are all so lovely, my favorite is the Sun Spirit version… it looks mirific! Thank you for this gorgeous post!! 💖

    Reply

    1. Aww, thank you Nicole!
      I can hardly wait for Merril to come back tomorrow, and read all the fabulous comments.

      I’m thrilled with what Merril’s poetry inspired out of me. The tree gown is possibly my fave.

      Although, the Winged Spirit was the long journey.
      I love this comment. 🌟❦❦🌟

      Reply

  16. Resa, this collaboration with Merril felt like standing before a living tapestry. Art and poetry breathing together, each giving the other a deeper resonance. The way the gown dissolves into an upside-down tree, its branches carrying all the seasons, feels like a quiet meditation on how time holds us in its gentle, unrelenting movement.

    Your question about the colour of time opened something unexpected in me. What rose first was pure white, incandescent, shimmering across a horizon without edges. A light that carries no judgement, only welcome. It feels like the colour of completeness, the whole of what time has given me held in one expansive glow. A colour that gathers every moment. Joy, sorrow, change, becoming, and returns it to us as something whole.

    Thank you both for creating a space where art invites reflection and reflection invites wonder. This piece will stay with me for a long while. (This is my third time around)

    Reply

    1. Yes, I see what you say, Rebecca. Love the living tapestry image.

      I’m very happy with the upside down tree gown. Still, I envisioned more of a break from my illustration style. I’ll get there. Art wasn’t built in a day. Or was that Rome?

      Perhaps both?

      Ahh, I like this shimmering white vision of time. A glow… perfect.

      You make me see horizon after horizon ad infinitum.

      Thank you for taking a long look at what Merril’s poetry inspired me to do. It is of huge interest to me to see what just comes out of me when I read special poetry… or a novel/book sometimes.

      HUGS!

      Reply

    2. What a thoughtful and lovely comment, Rebecca. I love “art and poetry breathing together.” 💙

      And I do get images in my head when I read or hear poetry. (Or books, for that matter.)

      Reply

  19. YOWZA! What an explosion of creative expression!! No written review of Merril’s book could ever come close to your visual responses. Merril recited “Sister Songs” beautifully. I heard the presence of her mother as I listened. Sharing, of course!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Liz!
      Wow, what a great comment.
      So, I draw responses/reviews, because they are hard to write.
      Then I can write and chat around what I drew.

      Or other art works sometimes, something that feels like or is like the writing.

      I know, hard to believe. 😹 I can chit chat until the cows come home, but write a straight out review? 😨 🫢

      Reply

        1. Ohh, I like that!

          You know Liz, one of the may reasons I boycott amazon, and the first reason, is about a review.
          I had been buying on amazon for a bunch of years, mostly dvds & books. I was spending at least $500.00/yr on that … place.

          It was early January, and I had bought a print book of poetry.

          Near mid-late Jan. I left a review of the book, on amazon.

          A couple of days later, I got an email from amazon saying my review would not be posted, as I had not spent $50.00 yet that year.
          EXTORTION!

          Reply

            1. Agree, it’s not playing fair.
              Even if it was fair, I still disagree with the policy and consider it extortion.
              It would be like going to a grocery store and being told you can’t buy oranges until you spend $50.00 on other stuff, this year. Or you pop into a corner convenience store you’ve never been to before, and told can’t buy a lotto ticket unless you buy some other stuff, because you’ve never bought anything there before.

              I could go on, but I know you see what I’m getting at.

              Reply

              6. You make a great point, Liz.
                It seems the”Marie Antoinette” syndrome has always been alive and well, and with tech more obvious than ever.

  20. Another fun and inspiring collaboration post!! Wonderful, Resa and Merril, I love the combo of poetry and art gown sketches!! I LOVE the beautiful woman with an earthy gown that turns into an upside-down tree. Wow, that is just enchanting!

    To answer your question, the first color I think of when I hear the word ‘time’ is bluish green, kind of like light turquoise, which is my favorite color. 

    The flying woman against a mysterious background looks like an ethereal superheroine figure; I love it!! I adore the variations, but ‘In the Mood Spirit’ remains my fave! 

    Thanks Resa and Merril, love the book cover and your gorgeous kitty, too!! 

    Reply

    2. Hello Ruth!

      Lovely comment, thank you so much! I like the Upside Down Tree Woman, too. I wanted her to be more… surreal, but darn, I love drawing a good gown so didn’t want to mess it up.

      Nice colour for time! I’m doing a drawing right now with 2 shades of turquoise/peacock blues. Beautiful colours.

       ‘In the Mood Spirit’ is one of my faves, too!

      Sending you lots of love! xoxoxo

      Reply

      1. Hey Resa!! Keep on drawing as we all enjoy seeing them!

        I look forward to those gowns with turquoise/peacock blues!!

        Sending you much love right back!! XOXOXO

        Reply

  21. Such a wonderful collaboration, so beautiful! Merrill. Your poetry is soulful and unforgettable in this lovely book where even the cover creates a deep nostalgia. Resa, your art work for this poetry reaches in and beyond helping to visualize the world through artistic expression. Thank you both for sharing this. You are both amazing creators of gorgeous words and paintings that touch the heart. ❤️

    Reply

    1. Yes, the cover does create a nostalgia. It’s so peaceful.
      Thanks about my art, Holly! I really do get inspired by art and writing of others.
      Merril’s poetry is way high up on my personal inspiration ladder. It’s hanging out with yours!

      xoxoxoxoxo

      Reply

      1. You’re a darling Meece! I am blown away by Merrill’s poetry and her beautiful gift of expression. Her writing is beyond compare. Thank you for sharing this, again. You know your artistic creativity is a gift to anyone’s offering .I love, love it. 😍

        Reply

    1. Thank you DerricK!
      Yes, I can see Indigo as representational of time. Besides its many shades, it’s kind of two colour families: violet & blue. Lots to interpret there!

      Reply

  23. Thanks for the delightful interview, you two.
    Merril, the poetry is lovely. I’m sure your reading is too, but Sound Cloud hasn’t “played nice” with me for years and their tech support guy was a huge jerk the last time I tried to resolve the problem. Anyhow the author+cat picture is fabulous. Best wishes with this book.
    Resa, as always, I adore your drawings. It’s interesting to see them in various lighting. It’s also interesting about colors. Vivid colors have always been the ignition of my internal flame, and I required them to exist. But for a year or two, I find myself in a space where I need the invisibility of gray. Thanks for supporting indie authors. Hugs all around.

    Reply

    1. Thank you very much, Teagan. Sorry Sound Cloud doesn’t work for you. The photo is me with my much loved and now departed Ricky. Resa’s art is astounding and fabulous. So pleased she was inspired!

      Reply

    2. You are welcome, Teagan!
      I adore the pic with Merril and Ricky. He was sooo cute!

      It was a lot of fun and relaxation doing these drawings. I’m finding a lot of happiness with paper and pencils these days. Sometimes if I can’t focus, I just doodle and scribble.

      Love the indie authors. HUGS!

      Reply

  25. Wow, what a gorgeous display of words and thought here today with Merrill, Resa. I enjoyed listening to the video being read by author just gives the poem more power. Your drawings, as always, capture the tone of the book.

    And my answer for if time were a colour, it would definitely be blue. Now off to check out the book! Thank you Resa, and congrats to Merrill. 🥰💜💚❌⭕

    Reply

    2. Thank you Debby!
      I like this creative process of drawing to poetry. It’s different than drawing to a book, which has characters. Yes, it’s more about capturing the tone.

      Blue! It seems to be many peoples colour of time.
      Take care Debby!
      xoxo🥰💜💚

      Reply

  26. Resa, your book reviews are like no other with their stunning, visual beauty and your poetic narrative. This post is elegant and gorgeous! I loved Merril’s recitation of her beautiful poem, and Congratulations to her and you, Resa, on such a magical presentation! 💖🎉💖

    Reply

    2. Aww, thank you dear Lauren!

      It was an honour doing this post. I’m thrilled it’s getting a good reception.
      The book is special.
      Magical…. love! ✨✨✨

      Reply

  27. Ooo, what bold and elegant drawings to go alongside this stunning poetry. Always love a chance to hear the words read aloud too. So many mediums at work in this post between words, art, and sound. ♥️🤗

    Reply

  28. That is pure poetry, Resa! The achievement and score you both reached are truly stunning. It looks beautiful in any lighting, as I must reiterate! Although the colour of time is always shifting as it flows, I consider the last painting a perfect example. Thank you, and Merril, for guiding me through this exploration of painted poetry.

    🤗🙏🌹🎨💖💖

    Reply

    1. Aladin!
      I love “Painted Poetry”.. that is the title of something.. a book, a band, a song.

      That last painting was an experience, not just making it, but everything after. It seemed endless… yes … like time!
      ♥️🤗🌹🎨💖💖

      Reply

  29. Loved the Poem on Sound Cloud.. and what a beautiful collaboration and dialogue between both of you..

    When you asked what colour Time was I immediately thought of Blue, and then read down to see blue was given as the answer 🙂 ..

    Such a wonderful review and so uniquely delivered…. I love the Time Through Nature depiction of the Tree Gown… Perfect..

    Thank you both of you for this amazing artistic post of poetry and art xx

    Sending much love your way .. 💖🦋🙏

    Reply

    1. Dear Sue,
      Thank you so much. Merril made a beautiful, inspiring book of poetry and photography.

      Blue is a popular answer for the colour of time, but some see other colours. I find this interesting.

      You are welcome Sue! The arts can & do bring a lot of light into the world.

      Much love back to you, and have a wonderful week ahead!
      ♥️🤗🌹

      Reply

  30. I also love the cover of this book, paricularly in conjunction with its title. Perfect marriage. A great idea to have Merril read one of the selections here. I love pondering that color of time question, and I loved reading this post as well. Best of luck with the work, Merril…and Resa, a great presentation of it!

    Reply

    1. Thanks for this lovely comment, Bruce!

      I was thrilled when Merril said she would recite “Sister Songs” for the post.
      All in all, a terrific book and a fab’n’fun post to make.
      Have a great week ahead!

      Reply

    2. Thank you very much, Bruce. I’m so pleased you like my cover photo and title. My publisher asked me if I wanted to use one of my photos for the cover, and that’s the one we both liked the most. Thank you for your kind wishes, too.

      Reply

  33. What a beautiful way to review a book, Resa. The verses you showcase are stunning, as are your drawings. I love all your designs. My two favorites are the gorgeous works with the roots, where one makes you think of fall and the other of summer or spring. I really related and enjoyed the stanzas in the poem about flowers and colors, and the artwork you paired with it was simply fabulous. Clasped and Cradled (Beautiful Poetry.) I also enjoy her reading on SoundCloud, another lovely piece. When I think of time, I immediately think of brown. I saw brown, and then I thought some more, and I do see some red too.

    What an introspective question, Resa. This was an amazing collaboration, and I really appreciate your sharing both the book and all your gorgeous artwork with us, Resa. Sending you love, hugs, and blessings for a thankful rest of your week.

    Reply

    1. Thank you dear Joni!

      Merril is a fabulous poet, and I was inspired to draw.

      Ah, how interesting – brown.. then red as the colours of time. Blue is the #1 answer, but there has been a rainbow of thoughts.

      It is an introspective question. I had been working on this post, with time in my mind and many colours flowing through.
      So, It’s hard for me to answer the question spontaneously.

      Thank you for replying to my email. It’s lovely to stay in touch!
      Love and hugs back to you!

      Reply

    2. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments! I love that you thought so much about the post and Resa’s question.

      I would never think of brown–though now in autumn there is a lot of brown, plus all the brown of trees. And think of how long they live!

      Reply

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    1. Thank you so very much, Jean! Today is Christmas Day and I hope it is wonderful for you and yours!

      I was away from this blog for a couple of weeks, so I apologize for the tardy reply. 🕊✨

      Reply

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  38. I thought I responded and maybe I did sleepwalking. Late to the party but here!!!
    I have been on a bit of a hol-I- daze with everyone here so forgive me if I repeat myself. What a stunning post with your gowns and Merrill’s gift in poetry combined to create a masterpiece. I love the creativity gorgeous gowns and words that are so capturing! Great job you two! ♥️🎉💕♥️

    Reply

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