Creative Hearth

Every plant is different as is every child, person, and animal is different. My attempt at gardening this Spring/Summer was a way for me to learn a little more about my self. I needed to find patience and listen to my teacher, my plants. Some of my plants did not thrive and some did ok while others grew beyond my expectations. A big lesson for me was letting go of attempting to have too much control over these plants as I could only provide them with so much and they needed to do the rest. As a woman, mother, and wife I try to find what I NEED not WANT and what my family NEEDS not what they WANT in order to grow and thrive. This is what I found is most important...a proper environment, food/nourishment, and getting rid of the old to let the new come in even stronger.

Since my son's pediatrician told me about the effects food coloring has on our bodies and minds I have been looking for healthier substitutes and ways to increase mine and my families intake of foods that are filled with antioxidants. So, I went through my cabinets and fridge and found we only have 2 items containing food coloring~popsicles and lollipops. These shouldn't be too difficult to replace. I actually already have substitutes of organic lollipops and popsicles I purchased at Whole Foods. So, the next step is the creative piece. How to integrate foods that are rich in antioxidants? I looked at what we do eat. The challenge here is that each of the 4 of us have different tastes. I need to find different foods for each of us. Q is easy...he will eat an entire bowl of blueberries, beans, and mulberries. A is a bit more challenging I find integrating him into the process works the best.  I recently began growing a tomato plant outdoors, which A has taken part in helping me water and harvest. He was so excited to pick the fruit off the plant and eat it!! And for my hubby and I well here is the fun and most creative piece for me. My friend, Sachi, has been growing her own veggie garden and has given me a ton of her lettuce. So along with her fresh organic lettuce, my organic tomatoes, and all the other fresh organic veggies I purchase at our local farmers market I create really yummy, healthy, and fresh salads for us. It truly makes me feel so good just looking at the salad and all the delicious goodies that are about to enter my body. 

I remember in one of my creative writing classes in high school we had to write a story from an animals point of view, and then again in one of my photography classes we had to do a study in pictures from an animals perspective. I don't recall what animal I chose for either of these exercises, but this picture brought back this idea and how we can only imagine what it must be like to see from another creatures perspective. What animal would you choose? 

My favorite flower, my favorite color, from my favorite man.

I started this the other day when I was stuck indoors with the boys for those 4 days of illnesses and snow storms. I originally used oil pastels, a solid and more controlled material with a bit of wetness to it. Although, when I revisited the drawing today my body and mind chose paint. I feel I may have needed more looseness, flow, and even less control, which this wetter material provides as I am re entering the outside world. 


What did you create recently for you?

Ayden was invited to a dress up party this weekend, and with all the costumes we have for him in his dress up box he insisted on being Alex the Lion from 'Madagascar'. We tried to find a lion costume at a few local toy stores but no luck. So...my husband and I last minute put together our own lion costume. Rob made the lion tail and I painted the face. I love face painting for both the feeling it gives me in creating a human into another being/creature, and the feelings and sensations it provides on the receiving end. There is something very healing and connecting for both of us.

peaceful

angel

I HEART!

A mix of veggies and orzo create a great dinner for all of us to share. And the left overs are even better.

Good boundaries mean containment and safety. Without these structures we can feel lost and overwhelmed. Not only a lesson for help in raising my kids, but for myself as well. 

My project for this week was creating and publishing this site. I hope it provides you with the same creative outlet and energy it has done for me so far.