“Family Refeshings”

It’s a transition- that’s what everyone says including us. There are good days, not so good days, but a common denominator constant for mom... and that is love. How lucky am I to have amazing family visiting from literally the other side of the world to just love on mom in whatever format makes her feel full of joy?! If one were to look up the word joy, you could just copy/paste my mom’s smile and disregard any actual words. It's these family refreshings that serve as a gentle reminder of who we really are deep down despite having those best versions of ourselves buried due to circumstance. So, forgive me if I may be a bit protective of having her overwhelmed or just wanting space to process how much she misses her true life partner. I could also ask forgiveness to those that may have experienced my more than temperamental side... being closed off, ‘spirited’, or just whatever. I’m trying my best to get through all this the best way I know how by not living on an island of ignorance, but rather reflecting on how I support others to, in turn, feel supported. I’m grieving yet getting to a better place. We all are. It’s a transition- that's what everyone says including us.

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© Ramon Nayar. All Rights Reserved.

ISO Splash. Words. Images. Storytelling.

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“Artist Re-Statements for Awareness”

Driving down the Interstate 65 during the beautiful Midwest spring season, I always took notice of what seems to have been endless rows of red bud trees in bloom on my way to Indianapolis from the Chicago area. As if those infamous scans didn’t already bring enough anxiety, taking full notice of the refreshed spring colors does help to ease the mind and just let go a little. After all, there is so much that is truly out of our control. Whether it be continuing my journey as a cancer fighter, rallying after having been a recent cancer Caregiver, or reminiscing on the feeling of community as a cancer support volunteer, I will always feel drawn to the renewal of hope that spring brings. The re-imagination behind this organic mosaic design was created to provide an experience that invites anyone to just see things differently. Be it the dimension, abstraction, or narration of storytelling through these pieces, I find it interesting and special how we can rediscover beauty many times over. Whether it be the repetition of daffodil blooms stretching to a calming sunset, or the reflection of a magnificent red bud providing a sense of direction, it truly feels like a blessing to express these ideas through words and images. May this collection serve all, and especially serve those touched by cancer, as a beacon of hope, inspiration & gratitude.
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© Ramon Nayar. All Rights Reserved.
ISO Splash. Words. Images. Storytelling.
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“Sunsets in the Mirror are Sometimes More than They Appear”

it was quite the weekend for Bosley’s host... she had just lost her beloved horse leaving her remaining Trakehner feeling a bit lost... I suppose that makes two of them. She is quite the animal lover and rescue advocate, and was worried that a now incomplete herd would only cause more distress. So she did what any amazing humanitarian would do- she started looking into fostering possibilities at a couple local horse shelters. Since I was on my way to pick up Mr. Bosley, I thought I’d tag along and become a little less ignorant in the world of horse rescue. Those volunteers are so amazing, patient and dedicated to see in action. You could tell by the bonds they have formed with their equine rescues how trusting these once mistreated and abandoned horses and ponies have become. I’ll be looking to get more involved with some potential podcasting and portraits to be created as well as sponsoring a foster so that his or her care needs can be addressed while the vetted foster home can just focus on providing a nurturing environment that can one day lead to a beautiful adoption. It would seem that some forms of loss can lead to new chapters of gain... and maybe gaining perspective on what’s important or what is meaningful is part of the journey. Driving home, I was struck by a mesmerizing sky in my side mirror... after a full day of overcast. A sign perhaps? Or perhaps just a play to the standard disclaimer on many of our manufactured reflections with this variation stating ‘Sunsets in the mirror are sometimes more than they appear...’

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© Ramon Nayar. All Rights Reserved.

ISO Splash. Words. Images. Storytelling.

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“Receptions & Perceptions”

What a way to embrace a happy Friday than to drive down with mom and celebrate the IU Health Foundation’s art reception?! That’s two weekends in a row that I apparently clean up well (meaning I get to confess to having taken a shower yet again), but why wouldn’t I when standing next to mom beside one of the selected pieces from my organic mosaic collection? It was quite the undertaking to re-imagine these submissions through the lens of my journey with cancer thus far. But a part of me feels refreshed to being more open to the perception of what is important. We all have at least one calling to answer, and giving more exposure to cancer support through my exhibit art is definitely something to see this endeavor through.

“Warrenville Well Wishes”

A perfect sunset sky served as a prelude to an extra special potluck gathering where it was actually okay to just bring one’s presence and an appetite to a Thursday evening dinner. With both familiar faces and friends I haven’t met yet, it’s the feeling of being welcomed into a hosting home where one can feel mesmerized by the eclectic accents of a personal touch and help lug a huge tv into one’s garage (because why not). The tile on that pool table room though... I mean wow. And a parrot commentary on the billiards competitors was just too much fun. As for foodness, some features including fresh berries picked from Michigan, a rainbow trout from the Ozarks, and all the smells of absolutely astonishing home cooked eats were a treat for us all. And how about some amazing charitable giving projects discussed by the most humble yet accomplished world travelers?! But the best part of last night for not only myself was that this laid back, unplanned and yet perfectly played get together had all of us laughing, learning and loving on life. Maybe that’s what these Warrenville Well Wishes are all about... Guess I’ll be hosting the next one very soon- hope to see you all (and more) there. Oh, and that’s a “hell yes” for going to Iceland next year for that rally race :)