“We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come. If we fix on the old, we get stuck. When we hang onto any form, we are in danger of putrefaction.” —Joseph Campbell

My guest for this episode is Ross Hamilton, calling in from Perth, Australia. (Please forgive my lingering-cold and early- morning voice…and whatever sniffles were recorded.)

After discovering some very old family photographs, Ross commissioned me to make a painting of his great grandmother. What happened next was beyond either of our expectations. I love the idea of solving ancestral mysteries, and even if we didn’t solve this one entirely, it seems we developed some ghost-whispering skills through this collaboration.

I’m so happy that we recorded our unusual experience at last. I don’t talk like this about every painting I make. No way. But this one deserved a podcast. I hope you enjoy the process.

Just a few of the many clippings Ross found:

And for the astrologers in this audience, here is her chart. Let me know what else you see and I’ll pass it on to Ross. We may not be finished building her memory yet!

If you would like to have a portrait experience of your own, you are welcome to contact me about your idea. I still paint, believe it or not! :) And I love these kinds of artistic journeys. Look at www.groundbreakinggirls.com or www. allisonadams.net for information. I’m always happy to discuss ideas—no pressure.

Thank you, friends, for supporting my stories and content. If you haven’t, please subscribe. If you’ve subscribed please leave a comment or review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And above all, if this episode resonated with you, please SHARE it with a friend who would enjoy it. I’ve always worked best with word-of-mouth integrity!

In closing, take care of yourself. Pay attention. Honor your loved ones. Invite authenticity and empathy into your life. You are invited to add to this list of tips in the comments…or share a story of finding a lost ancestor! I, for one, would love to hear it!

xoxo

Allison

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit artandalchemylab.substack.com/subscribe