this + that (around here lately)

 Friends...we have been deeply immersed in creative play over here! Last week, Tara and I made a huge batch of glitter play-doh (super simple recipe here) and have been having a blast ever since! Play-doh is one of the most amazingly simple creations...ever, ever, ever!!!! The sky's the limit as to what you can do with it...models,bakeries, experiments, art...you name it. Some great links here, here and here but a quick google search with literally bring up countless sites. Now...I admit...it does make  a huge mess but the 20 min. clean up afterwards is well worth it.
Also, about  a month ago, I started reading this parenting book and I got through  a few chapters and realized it was awful!!!!Seriously!!! I really try not to give bad reviews but I felt that the approach  was just plain wrong. I will spare you all the details but ... I am not sure how books like these can even be published under the guise of "helping parents + children".  So after some research...I purchased this book instead and, even though I am only on the second chapter, this book has been amazing!!! Lets just say that there has been more getting on the floor, more play, more imagination, more storytelling + more fun = happy Tara!!

 This is Tara's creative space in the corner of my studio. This used to be my sewing area but it was a wasted space because I don't sew that much (cushions, curtains, doll clothing)...and I just thought it could be better utilized giving it to Tara (great decision!!!). I set everything up so she has easy access to them...markers, crayons, watercolors, papers, paper flowers, feathers, buttons etc etc etc (although I did put the glitter and tempera paints out of her reach!). Not only does she adore her grown up art studio...but she has been creating up a storm! I guide her, show her techniques but most of the time...I let her do her own thing. Nothing makes me happier than watching her! Now...it does mean more messes in my studio...but also...well worth it!

My gorgeous girl at her school Thanksgiving feast last week. I just stood there (very very thankful) and took it all in...the tilt of her face, the singing, the still chubby fingers clapping...the sheer beauty of it all. *sigh*

 

I've also been making time for self care over here (much needed all year round but especially around this time of year, no???)  I've been working out on a regular schedule, having my morning smoothies (chock full of spinach + chia seeds etc) but also allowing myself to indulge every so often. This is a slice of cheesecake (plain= my fave!!!) from the Cheesecake Factory no less (the best!). I find that a cup of tea and a few mags, writing in my journal even for 15 mins. replenishes me throughout the day. 

And we spent all day yesterday setting up our Xmas tree etc. I know...it's not even Thanksgiving yet!!!! But last year was such  mad rush that I decided to get everything ready so we can really relax and enjoy the season. I want more time for crafting + baking, for storytelling and playing...for snuggling in front of the fire and creating memories rather than everything going by in a blur. Plus, this way...we have the tree up for longer:)

letting go: embracing vulnerability and imperfection

This seems to be the theme around here lately...letting go...in all aspects of my life. It took me awhile to catch on, but I believe that's exactly how the Universe works...if you don't pay attention to the delicate nudges...they just get louder and louder! And so I am allowing myself to shed layers and guises, to let go of all that simply has no use in my life anymore. Here is a current work in progress...and I am letting go of what I want the painting to be to bring forth what it wants to be. I have no idea what that is right now...which is frustrating and exciting all mixed up! I am trying out new things and pushing mySELF especially where I sense resistance and tension.I am trying to be vulnerable in my art making, my relationships, my parenting...and it's scary! But, at the end of the day...is there any other way?

 

And...I am cleaning things out everywhere...especially my closet!  I have clothing that I haven't worn for years, that don't even fit me anymore (lifestyle and size!!!) and ...stuff I can't even remember ever buying or wearing!!! Eeeeek!  It was so time consuming to go through everything (I had been putting it off for ages!) but...I finally cleaned out the clutter. And can I just say what a huge difference it has made??? In a practical sense, it's so much easier for me to get dressed now because I can actually find things! But metaphorically...there is a huge sigh of relief, a clearing of space, a letting go of the old to make room for the new. I feel lighter...renewed, refreshed and change, somehow. I can't recommend it enough!

 "Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” -Brene Brown

 And...my e-course with Oprah and Dr. Brene Brown started today. I am so ready for it...bring on the messiness! I read this book a few months ago and every single word/concept resonated with me...there were aha! moments and deep sighs of relief on just about every page. For so much of my life...I ran away from my story but at some point it simply became too exhausting. I had to sit down and gather up all of me; the shame and vulnerability, the hope and promise, the dark and the light. I simply had to be me!