Truth Thursdays: YouTube Lessons

• I love the scent of my pillow--not the fresh just-been-washed smell but the one after a few days of sleeping on it. Much has been speculated about this within my family, for instance: does this mean I like my own smell?

• I've never cooked our family's traditional Thanksgiving dressing (don't faint, Mom).  It always seemed daunting to me and so far others have taken that on. But I suppose it should be on my bucket list of things to do . . . maybe.

• I'm an avid speller.  Except, ironically, for the simple words "their" and  "friend." They always mess me up!  I think it's the i-e combo.

• I'm learning a song on my guitar.  And when I say "a" song I mean "one".  I haven't taken guitar lessons but I'm trying to figure it out (hooray for YouTube), so we'll see how this goes.  I have played piano, does that translate to guitar?

• I'm not a get-your-Christmas-decorations-up-by-Thanksgiving sort of girl.  I'm more of a hope-to-get-them-up-by-Christmas one.

What about you? Any truths you'd care to share?

*This Moment*

{this moment} - A soulemama Friday ritual (Wednesday for me). A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Storytellers: Letting Go

I have a paradoxical relationship with control.  If I'm in control = good. Someone else = bad.  When things are out of control I get uneasy. Danger feels as though it's lurking close-by. But I'm learning to fight the panic of not knowing all the whens, wheres, whys, and hows. And when I'm struggling to let someone else lead, I think of Ginger.

Ginger was my Uncle's horse and the first one I ever rode. She was rightly named Ginger because of her rusty colored coat.  Ladylike in her calm manner and patient ways, she allowed me many rides throughout the next few years. But on one of them, she got a whim (probably due to my poor direction) to run as far and as fast as she could. And as I pulled on the reins, I realized I was out of control.

Panic hit me and I held on with all my ten year old arms could muster. Then something happened I didn't expect. I felt what must be the most beautiful feeling in all the world. I rose into the air and when I thought I should be feeling Ginger's hooves drop, I didn't. It seemed as though we hung in the air for eternity--we were flying! For a brief second she hit ground and once again, up into the air for what seemed to my ten-year-old mind to be forever. I could see my parents and uncle running towards me but I'd changed from panic to euphoria. The wind whipped through my hair making it seem completely still and all that existed was me and Ginger. I didn't want it to end.  But after a while of running, the fence grew closer and Ginger slowed.

That ride was one of the most treasured moments in my life.  Afterwards, I tried endlessly to recapture it, but to no avail.  And I don't know why not, perhaps it was just the magic of that day, or because I hadn't expected it, but that experience left a stamp on my heart.

So now when I feel panic rising in me and I want to control, I remember the wind in my hair and the feel of flying. I remind myself that sometimes being out of control can be euphoric.

Much Love Monday: Gift Love

What I'm loving today are five of my favorite gift ideas:

• Lady of the forest pendant

Faery Dust Art

• Knitted slippers

denizgunes knitting

• Mother-daughter dance.

Sadee Schilling Studio

• Rubber ducky earrings

Oh Snuggle Me

• Love heals

Lisa Ferrante's Mixed Media Love

Aren't they gorgeous?  What's on your favorites list today?

Of Noble Souls

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. --Aesop

It's Thanksgiving here in the states and I have lots to be thankful for.  Here's a few:

Them

Him

Her
(That's not me, it's my sister)

Them

Him

And You.

Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving!

*This Moment*

I love you, Fall.

Much Love Monday: No-Bake Energy Bites

What I'm loving today:

• No-Bake Energy Bites from Smashed Peas and Carrots. Seriously, I make these and they are gone! My family's crazy about 'em.

• This Advent Calendar from Domestifluff. Isn't it adorable?  I love all the patterned paper and wonky numbers.

• This turkey cake pop from Mrs. Ricefield makes me laugh.

• Braids. I've always been crazy about braids but this style (and tutorial) from A Beautiful Mess, is over-the-top AWESOME!!

• This darling heart banner from The House Creative.  Yes, maybe it's more for Valentine's day but how cute would it be decorating a tree or window for Christmas?

• That it's my birthday! Have a cupcake on me. :)

What are you loving this Monday?

Try Something New

A few weeks back, the doctor called with concerns about my health. Fortunately they were easy fixes, but it got my attention. Not long after that I found Amanda's blog challenge which encouraged me to start walking again.

Two problems:
1. It's cold outside.
2. I'm really good at making excuses.

So I tricked myself.

Instead of walking outside, I started walking inside. Not in a gym but in my house. I have a circular layout and it affords me the smallish but amiable space to circle around until my time is up. I put on my earphones and warn the kids to stay out of my path (which they're really good at). Now I have no excuses.  Rain? I can walk.  Snow? I can walk. Kids fighting too much to leave alone? I can walk. Heck, I can walk in pajamas if I want to.

I'm outsmarted.  I've set up a system without a life boat to jump ship.

Bwahahaha!

And ironically walking inside has led me to notice things I'd been overlooking:
A book I'd lost sitting in the bookshelves.
Artwork from 30 years ago hanging on the walls.
The sweet faces of my children as they work close-by.

It's given me a warmth, a renewal of gratefulness for the things I love.  I finish my walk inspired for the day and ready to accomplish whatever the morning holds for me.

What about you?  Have you tried something new lately?

Much Love Monday: Inspiration Wire

What I'm loving today:

• My inspiration wire.  I've been meaning to show it to you for awhile.  It's ever changing.  Hanging on this section is a Kelly Rae Roberts magnet, a "soar"ing quote, red dress, and carefree swinging.
• Pirates of the Caribbean symphony.  Arr, it was phenomenal!
• The Rhythm of Family by Amanda Blake Soule with Stephen Soule.
• That I survived my talk for the fundraiser. ;)
• $5 Dollar Dinners.

What are you loving today?

Not Crying

Still plugging away at this one, but I haven't got it right yet.

Tonight I'll be sharing the story behind four of my paintings at a fundraiser for Food for Thought, a local group who feeds the homeless. Displaying my art is one thing, but speaking makes me nervous. And I have this annoying habit of getting teary-eyed when I'm nervous. It's not that I'm crying (no, seriously), but it looks like that. SO ANNOYING. Anyways, I hope to get past my fear and share from the heart for such a great cause.

 Wish me luck and have a wonderful weekend!

Even the Messy

When I stood at the edge of teenhood, I pined for being old enough to babysit.  Mrs. Chaney took me under her wing and instructed me in the secrets of childcare.

She knew exactly how to tend to little ones. I watched her sooth the fussiest child and put to sleep the non-sleeper. She never had favorites; they were all her favorite. She oozed love in her tender touch and lullabies.

And it didn't stop with the little ones; she loved me too.  She never raised her voice or panicked about my lack of knowledge.  She instructed gently and kindly.  She didn't humiliate me for not wanting to clean an extremely messy diaper, or wipe spit-up.  Instead, she graciously held the most difficult child and allowed me the easy ones.

Eventually, I understood what she'd shown me by example. That all children are beautiful.  All children need love.  Even the messy.  Even the difficult.  Even me.

Among the Birds

Giving thanks for many happy childhood hours spent climbing trees and sitting among the birds.

Watching Over

As I remind him to wear a coat because it's cold outside; his face falls. I've belittled him. He's eleven, not five.

It's a habit, this routine of watching over them.  Of asking if they're hungry, and are they sure.  Do they want a jacket or (heaven forbid) my wrap?

Our friends had a family emergency this week and I offered to watch their girls.  Sweet ages, nine, four and two.  So very sweet. Requiring blissful watching over. I reminded the girls to wear their coats and wipe their noses.

And I was thrilled to see my babies watch over them too.  They bounced the girls gently on the trampoline, submitted to four-year-old storylines in Barbieland, and put tiny shoes on tiny feet.  I saw what snuck up on me these past years--they've grown.  They're wiser, stronger forms of themselves. They don't need my help like they used to.  Instead, they long for respect of who they've become.

I want to give them that respect.

So next time my son heads for the chilly outdoors,
I'll attempt not to shout after him about a coat.

He's eleven after all, not five.

Much Love Monday: Laini's Ladies

What I'm loving lately:

• This ornament hanging by my writing chair reminding me to "Live Out Loud".  She's one of  Laini's Ladies.
• Flocks of birds on wires.
• Artful Blogging magazine.
• Soulemama
• Galoshes
• This walking challenge.

What are you loving today?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!  

A Room of Her Own

I painted more on Graffiti Love this week, but I had trouble capturing what I'd done in a photograph so I'm going to share my studio instead. It isn't much, but I am SO thankful for this little room of my own.

To the right of my art table is a large picture window that overlooks my porch.  To the left of the peach chair is the living room where MUCH living happens. And I'm in the big middle of it.

By day, my kids are in and out talking, asking questions, sharing together. By night, it's quiet and thought-provoking--time for me to focus.

I would love to highlight each the little thing and share what it all means to me but alas, I'm out of time.  I'll save that for another day.




Inspired by Amanda Soule's blog, A Friday ritual. A few photos  - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

And

A Win-Less Standoff

We stare wordless in a win-less standoff.

The angle of her brow reminds me of past years.  A vision of her five-year-old pout and unsuccessful attempts to cross her arms play across my mind.  I smile at the memory.

She raises an eyebrow quizzically. An unsure grin sneaks from the corner of her lips.

A snicker escapes mine.

Soon we're sharing our wounds from a cozier distance at the kitchen table. Apologies are made. She's my girl once again.

And I'm thankful disagreements can morph into forgiveness.

Storytellers: JeMa

JeMa and Catherine

This is JeMa. She and her husband sold their house, left their hometown and are now traveling the states in an RV with their four children. (I find this incredibly romantic!) You can read their journey on her blog Hair in the Air. She passed through my town this weekend and we spent a beautiful afternoon visiting (four hours to be exact)! Non-stop talking--like we'd known each other for ages. It was a beautiful connection!

Photo by JeMa

JeMa's doing a public art project called Inspire to Inspire. She painted the outline of a monarch butterfly on their RV and is coloring it in with decals.  Each decal represents one person and three things that inspire them.  (You can add to her project by telling what inspires you on the Inspire to Inspire website and she'll attach your decal) JeMa said one of her favorite parts of the project is seeing someone add a decal to the vehicle with hesitancy at first and then with childlike wonder. It's an awakening to understand we are all creatives, only diverse in what quickens our hearts.

I'm overwhelmingly thankful for JeMa and her creative spirit! Speaking of thanks, I hope you'll check out my Give Thanks page. I'm taking the month of November to appreciate what normally doesn't capture my notice.

Today I'm joining Sadee for Storytellers.  Follow the button below for more stories or to add your own!