Mice, Meese... what fun...

Boy, I am smitten over these cute new friends.... studio helpers who know how to bring a smile to my face: a multitude of hugs and kisses will be found when they are introduced to my creative babes aged 5 years and 2 years. Annabelle Fieldmouse (the gal with the pink plaid ears) seems to love the camera. Gregory Fieldmouse (gray with the precious white hat) is a bit on the shy side, he is quick to giggle with Annabelle but does not want any ownership in the spotlight. Be sure to check out where I found these cute friends (not in my attic or the near by corn field)... they came from The Craggy Moor. Etsy indie Christy knows how to draw out a personality. Christy appreciates the treasures found at thrift stores and understands the importance of upcycle and conservation. I found her customer service to be top notch, her tag line "heartfelt and handmade" just scratches the surface... new friends can be found pre-made and custom orders available within a short time frame.

I love journals... a safe spot for important things, the one stop shop where I document statements that for whatever reason take my breath away, statements that welcome a pause or reflection... of course I can list a multitude of important things in my life: my health, my spirit, my spouse, my children... yet statements that take my breath away, they offer a sense of validation.... a nudge to raise my voice, speak out, become a gift... everyday I meet people who are facing a life threatening illness, everyday I am reminded to BE ENOUGH, this moment is the only guarantee, writing things down make them important and noteworthy, a post-it note for my heart... skimming the pages of my journal I find little bits of a smile..... "Hitch your wagon to a star"-Ralph Waldo Emerson..... "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song" -Maya Angelou..... "To understand the heart & mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to do" -Kahil Gibran..... my smile reminds me of this familiar ground, a commonplace we all share

Stepping out with the ladies...

During moments of blog respite (mentally sipping that cup of tea), I become fascinated with the online world of art and creativity: specifically blogs, creative mothers taking the risk to put it out there: show how things get done, finding grace in various moments, shining light on the pearls within mundane day to day tasks. I have stepped out with the ladies, joining a group to explore the work of Shana Cole. She has a new book titled The Artistic Mother and I am ever so excited to explore her knowledge of fitting creativity into my life. Trudy Callan has opened her blog to forming this group, a touch point to keep one accountable within the 12 week process. (Yes, I will begin those background paper pages soon... I promise) As a mother, I maintain the schedule, the balance within the family, I wake up early and stay up late to keep things going... I am creative and I notice how easy it is to ignore creativity with children. The ever so growing list of chores, checks and balances calls your name just as your child beckons for you to play: your adult self rationalizes the lists and musts, your creative side begs and challenges you to relax, explore, step away from pressure. For me, creativity is about being in the moment: right here, right now. Often times, a patient tells me: "I can't draw a straight line". My counter statement to their fear or rationalization for giving up on this thing we call creativity is that a crooked line is way more interesting. So let's take the crooked line, explore it and get comfortable there. No wonder children can't stand still, they are no where near the straight line, creativity hides/thrives in the curves and crevices of our lives. This evening my radar rested with the creative pulse of our family. My girls (ages 5 & 2) played "elevator" with what you and I would label a shower... they stepped into the glass enclosed space, pressed a few buttons, announced a rather loud "bing" then proclaimed they were transported to fun and fabulous adventures. Grinning ear to ear, they welcomed me into their space, I quickly ran the lists of chores, checks and balances, tossed it to the wind and jumped in...

Art...... bliss

I have sat on this blog for months... no... make that a year... a solid year of dreaming, reading and enjoying the blogs of others (for me, reading a blog is a quick respite: a visual cup of tea or hot chocolate in my day, a breath of fresh air, a chance to re-center within chaos)... I have always been an artist and my career is that of an art therapist (working with adult oncology patients) I enjoy bringing art to the bedside of a hospitalized patient: imagine this... a patient has taken the risk to paint an image of their favorite place, or perhaps a place they would rather be (who wants to be in the hospital) the phone rings, salutations are exchanged and then the patient reports, "I'm painting a picture"... a brief pause usually accompanied with a giggle, then the patient affirms, "yeah, that's right, painting a picture". Art has the ability to change the environment and perspective, it offers a much needed diversion from the lack of control within a medical setting, focusing on what is right, for a cancer patient art is a testament to living, breathing, being.... for me, art is bliss... a spiritual practice that reminds me what brings me happiness and joy (granted the creative process can be frustrating at times... letting go of that inner critic or allowing the creative process to vary from the inspiration birthed within my mind's eye) art takes on a life of it's own, it becomes a testament if I can step aside and let it, without judgment... working full time, raising two small children, taking the time to exercise, eat, sleep and be a supportive spouse... where does art fit in... I am ever so thankful my career focuses on bringing art to others or art would be completely absent... within art: I know who I am, within art: I find the courage to explore, welcome and introduce....