in which we talk about being creative

Ever felt like a dry piece of bread? No ideas, no inspiration...  just dry? Have you ever wanted to be creative but just didn't know how? What is creativity anyway? Well, put on a pink top hat with sparkles + blue diamonds and put your mind on a roller coaster because we are going on a wild ride! We're going to look at three things to help you learn how to use your creativity: feelings, imagination, and action. 

First, let's define Creativity.
 Creativity is the use of imagination. You know, that thing you used as a little kid.
Okay, now we can go on.

#1- feel it

You're happy. How do you express it? Do you say, "I'm happy" or do you with twinkling eyes say "I feel like I am smothered in chocolate mint ice cream, covered in sprinkles, with cherries between my toes."... get the memo? Creativity starts when you have one foot in the box, and one foot out. 

#2 -one foot in, one foot out

So how do we do this one foot in, one foot out thing? Open up. Loosen up. Allow your mind to travel the roller coaster. Nothing is impossible... if you want, elephants can stand on one foot on top of a grape... and bananas can wear sparkly dresses and talk. Let yourself imagine in vivid greens and corals pinks. 

#3 -do it

Take that image you have created and put it into words, or paints, or music, or whatever you do! Practice. The more you use your imagination, the better you will get at it. Your life will be like teacups full of sunshine, and smiles dripping with joy.

And because I think it's important, I'm going to throw in a couple extra tips:
 - Creativity takes work. Eventually, you may find yourself having ideas flying into your head like a lady bug, but many times, frankly, it takes work. So, chose to be creative.

- Don't be afraid to fail. Not everything works, k? Not all my ideas develop. Sometimes that little idea turns into something great and that big idea? Well, it got stomped on and  thrown in the trash. Just keep swimming!

A couple misconceptions: 

- Only creative people can be creative. Psh. Some people are naturally creative, but that's doesn't mean you can't be creative too. Kids are creative right? The key is remaining creative when you grow up. Open your mind up... think like a kid again. Remember: anything is possible!

- Creativity starts with a completely original idea. This is huge... and totally wrong. Creativity can start from anything. You see a flyer with bright colors and it sets something off in you, later you see an umbrella with tiny monkeys on it, so you go home a paint a cup with monkeys and and bright colors. See? It's not stealing, it's inspiration and that's totally fine and dandy. 

We've looked at feelings, imagination, and action... and we've even looked at a few tips and some misconceptions!
Are you feeling creative yet? I am! So what are you waiting for? Get busy!

Autumn

The world is singing in bright orange leaves. The sun's piercing rays light up my little world, and the untinted blue skies make me so happy. People are snuggled in their fuzzy sweaters while slightly mourning summer's solemn goodbye. But then the memory of steaming cups of tea--apple-cinnamon, peach, and lemon-- combined with the fact that hugs are always warmer in the cool of the season, make faces once again shine with smiles, and lips say, "I'm so glad it's autumn."

It's ever so gratifying when a feeling turns into an image. :)

six years

This little princess turned six this week. It's hard to believe. I remember when we first brought her home from the hospital all sweet smelling and wrapped up in a blanket. I remember peeking in the bassinet at her literally every five minutes, hoping that she would wake up and cry so I could hold her. I remember mixing up bottles for her(that awful smelling baby formula is one thing that I do not miss!)and mom teaching me how to feed her. I remember whispering in her ear that someday she would learn to talk too. I remember when she learned to sit--I took her too my room, sat her on the floor, put pillows all around her, and taught her how to play tea party. I remember the way she said "yes, ples" when I asked if she wanted some tea. I remember the day she took her first steps and the day she learned to ride a bike, too.

Now, six years later, she brings the same smiles to our faces as she jumps around the room like a monkey, looks up "how to tie shoes" on youtube by herself, and randomly quotes lines from movies. She's such a ham. But a smart ham. This girl is a reading whiz. Some days she sits by me when I'm doing school and tries to read my books. "Aren't you done with that page yet?.... I am."

Ah Mary, It's been fun. It IS fun.

rainy days

The world around me is a palette of gray--as if someone took a great big bucket of paint and slopped out all the color. There is a tranquil feeling about the color gray. It places a fog over your eyes and makes you just want to lay around on the couch and read books.

I love rain. This week it dribbled on the sidewalks and off the gutters in a peaceful pitter patter, the sky grew dark, and squirrels ran up on the porch for cover. They were so cute as they marched up to the front window and peeked in(which drives our dog crazy)while munching on bird food.

But rain is best at night. It's sweet strains put me to sleep like a lullaby. But no strong winds or my eyes get as huge as a scared rabbit's and I start freaking out about the old trees around our house ;)

Best foods for rainy days:
Soups + comfort foods like potatoes

Best clothes for rainy days:
fuzzy sweaters + socks

Best books for rainy days:
something that makes you feel warm inside

Best music for rainy days:
Jim Brickman + Yiruma

P.S. yes, I am changing this christmassy design soon!

three words for the new year

In just a few hours, 2013 will make it's grand entrance. People across the globe will be sitting in their homes, watching with glee as the clock chimes midnight. Much joyous celebration will arise as fireworks color the sky and noisemakers fill the air, while 2012 will quietly slip into the shadows--never to be seen again.

Why is the new year such a jubilant occasion?
Because it's a chance to begin again--a chance to do better, a chance to be better.
Just like a fresh snowfall, it's perfect--no marks, no footprints yet made.

This year I decided to pick three words to define my goals for 2013.

embrace:
I choose to embrace my duties as a daughter, sister, friend, student, artist, and musician, with eagerness, passion, and consistency.

reflect:
I choose to reflect Christ's love in all I do.

inspire:
I choose to inspire others to create, laugh, and make memories.

                                                                     
                                                         What are your resolutions?

merry christmas!!!

Wishing each of you a blessed Christmas! Hope your day is filled with family, laughter, and hugs;  flavored with peppermint, cinnamon rolls, and sugar; and sprinkled with much gift giving, games, and smiles!

                                                 For unto you is born this day in the city of

                                                 David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

                                                  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall

                                                 find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes,

                                                                     lying in a manger.

                                                               And suddenly there was with the angel a

                                                multitude of the heavenly host praising God,

                                                 and saying, Glory to God in the highest, 

                                                 and on earth peace, good will toward men.

                                                                      Luke 2:11-14

in which we talk about christmas

                                                                       Tis the season to be jolly!!

Christmas is almost upon us bringing with it snow covered trees, houses--all lighted up, trees laden with Christmas bows, a house full of red and green trinkets, the smell of sweet cinnamon bread wafting from the oven, warm robes and hot chocolate on cold mornings, and festive music playing around the clock.

Last saturday we dug out old boxes of christmas trimmings from the garage and decked our tree in shiny gold, red, and green ornaments. We blew the dust of off decorations an placed them about the living room and dining room with holiday cheer. Loud christmas music blared from the stereo and the decor went up much faster than we had anticipated. So jolly a time!

Have you decorated for christmas yet?

goodbye november

Entering this photo in Katherine's photo challenge.

goodbye crunchy colorful leaves, hello snow

goodbye pumpkin, hello peppermint

goodbye sweaters, hello coats

goodbye scarecrow's, hello christmas tree

goodbye candy corn, hello candy canes(!!)

goodbye yellow and brown, hello green and red

goodbye black friday, hello Christmas gifts

goodbye leaf pile, hello snowman

goodbye tea, hello hot chocolate

I don't know about you guys but I'm ready for Christmas, so I had to get this last november picture up before tomorrow! Hope y'all had a lovely thanksgiving--I did! I ate yummy turkey, rolls, dressing, salad, and so much more! It was delicious! 

Let the Christmas season begin!! 

Be Thankful

picture from pinterest

I'm thankful for,

- crisp fall mornings

- family

- cups of hot tea

- hugs

- my savior

- warm robes and good books

- turkey and mashed potatoes

- smiles

- cyber friends

- music

- pumpkin pie

- giggly sisters

- cozy fires

- art

- my kitty cat

- laughter

\

Happy thanksgiving!! 

"Jealousy is when you count someone else's blessings and not your own" Unknown

my book of creativity

This little brown sketchbook caught my eye as I walked down the isle in an art store. I love art stores. I could spend hours simply sifting through the wide variety of materials and flipping through the pages of a stack of art books. As an artist there's something about opening up a fresh new page that gets my creative juices flowing. If you're not an artist perhaps you can relate to it as the same feeling you get when you turn to an empty page in your journal. 

“Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.”
― Pablo Picasso

she's leaving

 

How quickly autumn came in and how quickly it's leaving. Wasn't it just yesterday that the edges of the leaves were turning shades of cinnamon read, burnt orange, and cadmium yellow? Today I look out my window and see only twisted bare branches and a fierce windy. It's chilly enough to break out sweaters, long socks, and hot tea. 

Today I was remarking to my sister how all the leaves seem to be losing their trees. ur..um..I mean the trees losing their leaves. duh.

And yesterday "I don't like to eat duck eggs... I don't really like to eat chicken eggs either"....silence...me: "oh yeah, we buy chicken eggs all the time."  I meant fresh ones. *cough*

It's been that kind of a week, girls. And imagine... it just started. :)

autumn

It's that time again where the leaves turn bright hues of carmine red, cadmium yellow, pea green while we sit around by the fire drinking hot apple cider. Autumn always brings with it sweaters, pumpkins, candles, apples, scarfs, crisp mornings, and so many other wonderful traditions.

my fall bucket list...

1. make something apple

2. jump in the leaves

3. mix up a pumpkin latte 

4. crochet a scarf

5. bake something pumpkin

6. go on a hay ride

7. throw a fall party with lots of decorations

8. go to a pumpkin patch

9. buy apple butter

10. watercolor fall trees

Dumplings and a talk :)

I've ignored y'all. Sorry about that :/ But I'm back with food and a talk!

Yes, those are chicken and dumplings, green beens, and an apple salad. The dumplings and salad are my grandma's recipes--they were so good!

Now for the talk ;)
During my unannounced and unplanned blogging break, I did some thinking about balance in life. I thought it might be a good idea to share it here.

I'm always busy; never in the slightest bit bored. I always have a list of things to accomplish or a list of things I could accomplish. But lately I realized that there might be something more important than crossing something off my list. Like spending time with my little sister--she'll only grow up once. Sometimes it's good to set aside your own goals for a half hour and do something with or for someone else. Oh, not that goals are bad. On the contrary, they're very good, but even a good thing can become bad. When we get the opportunity to work on our own ambitions or serve someone else for a half hour or so, let's not choose the "good"--instead let's choose the "better".

Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them. Thomas Kinkade

Loss Of Creativity, Redecorating, Room Pics, and Spumoni

Crazy title right? Well, this may be a crazy post!

Lack of creativity was getting to me as an artist. Like some writers get writers block...I got creativity block.(Okay, I may or may not have just made a new phrase??)

Usually when I get a creativity block I just wait for it to come back or I search for inspiration. I waited, searched, waited, searched, and waited and searched some more. But it wasn't working... so I decided I had to do something about it. But what could I do? Gazing around my room I noticed how plain the wall up above my dresser looked and that my bulletin board needed updated. What better way to find my creativity then to redecorate something? So Kathryn and I got to work. We took our two wooden letter's down from the wall(S for Sarah and K for Kathryn) and papered them!

Before

After

We also redecorated our bulletin boards with pretty paper, quotes, and pictures! Cute?

And what better time than now to show you some pics of my room?? Last summer right after we completely redid it, we named it our Poppy Little Cottage. hehe :)

My room is one of my favorite places to be when the sun is shining in, the window open, and music playing. It's peaceful, bright, and a great place to be creative in! Only I have to say that I do most of my creative things when it's a mess...
And I'm happy to say that my creativity is back! My head is now overflowing with ideas for paintings, drawings, photographs, ect.!

And I thought I'd just throw this in because I though it was cool. Guess what flavor? Spumoni!(cherry, pistachio, and chocolate!) Sound gross? I thought so too until I tried it. But it was actually very yummy! :)

Let go . . . and let God?

I took a burden to the Lord
To cast and leave it there.
I knelt and told Him of my plight,
An wrestled deep in prayer.

But rising up to go my way
I felt a deep despair,
For as I tried to trudge along,
My burden was still there!

Why didn’t you take my burden, Lord?
Oh, won’t you take it, please.
Again I asked the Lord for help,
His answering words were these:

My child, I want to help you out
I long to take your load,
I want to bear your burdens too
As you walk along life’s road.

But this you must remember,
This one thing you must know …
I cannot take your burden
Until you let it go.

Betty Curti


 I've been thinking a lot about prayer lately and how I need to do much more of it! Honestly I never really valued prayer that much until recently. Prayer is a beautiful thing! Through it we can talk to the very God who made us and loves us! Some of the blessings of a prayer life are a deeper relationship with God, a place to unload burdens and cares, and a way to praise God with all our hearts.

 Even though the bible tells us not to worry, I think we all do! Whether it be about something silly or something that is very important and serious, we all need to cast our cares upon Him. Easier said than done, right?

 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God . And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:11-13

 Casting our cares upon Him allows us to rid ourselves of those burdens that are weighing us down, and enables us to rise up and thank and praise Him instead. The peace of God will overwhelm you when you let go of your burdens and let God take them.

 "I lift up mine eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

 Will you let God take your burdens and cares so he can give you rest and peace?

Sarah :)