I’ve Joined…

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Multi-petal flower doodle

Creativebug.com.

Since taking a (trial) Lisa Congdon art class in watercolor, I’ve made drawing and painting part of my morning ritual. I don’t know where this will lead me (maybe my second self-published children’s book as author and illustrator?)…but I know I enjoy the process.

Subscription options for Creativebug.com are below:

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They offer a multitude of art classes:

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When you consider the cost of classes at your neighborhood art academy or fabric store, this is a steal: unlimited classes all month for $8!

Bliss of Solitude

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Pitcher doodle

 

Nature teaches us how to be quiet and calm.

 

*from William Wordsworth’s poem, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”

My favorite lines are the last three:

Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

 

True Freedom

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Day 24 of 31 Day Painting Challenge*

We believe the “right” amount of money will afford us freedom.

We believe that being 100% safe will make us free.

But what will really give you freedom is complete acceptance of reality and even looking forward to your “fears” coming true.

When you practice dread, you practice imprisonment.

When you welcome everything, you liberate yourself.

 

 

*creativebug.com (Lisa Congdon)

You Can’t…

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“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

― Eleanor RooseveltYou Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life

Rx for Joy

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31 Day Painting Challenge: Day 21 Colorful Geometric Shapes

Current symptoms: listlessness, insomnia, constant hood of worry, anxiety, pessimism, road rage

Prescription: (To do at least once a day until symptoms disappear)

Go to a mall or your sister’s house or other place where toddlers are eating or playing (a children’s playground at the park or school is not advised for you might be reported for peculiar behavior – not your fault)

Observe toddler’s feet dangling from the chair; his cherubic cheeks and glistening eyes focused on what’s in front of him;

Note the fat hands hungrily – joyfully – grabbing the sandwich/spoon/bowl;

Listen, really listen, to his easy laughter and his babble.

If you could ask him, he’d tell you:

He’s not worried about tomorrow or fretting about the past;

He’s here, with you, and nothing else matters.

 

When toddler begins to cry or have a temper tantrum, cease the observation and seek a quiet place immediately.

 

 

 

 

Maternal Meditation

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Day 20 of 31 Day Painting Challenge (Creativebug.com)

Motherhood To Dos:

change their diapers

anticipate their needs

hug and kiss through tears

teach them to be strong

 

allow them to feel pain

buy them clothes

(and school supplies and prom tickets and flowers for their first crush)

listen as they complain about school, frenemies and hormones

 

bite your tongue when they complain about you

And that’s why there’s an “Om” in “Mom”