Underneath the Mom Hat… It Stirs
The sun sinks behind the bustling farm supply store to my right, and pink twilight stains treetops outside my deck window. A moment more and the pink is gone, with navy clouds tangling in the trees.
Kenny G’s sax trills, and quiet settles over my home. Four-year old sleeps, my teens have disappeared downstairs, and I steal moments.
The stillness seeps in. Once the clamor of dishes and bedtimes pass, we all — moms and women everywhere — grab something and sink deep into cushions, quiet, and calm.
For me, tonight, it’s a smooth-rolling gel pen and paper to scroll across. Writing wells from deep within, an outlet for me.
What is it for you tonight? What speaks quiet rejuvenation for you?
Carved from an Artist’s hands, we all have subtle ways we create–perhaps without even knowing it. I know people who spill art by slicing and dicing savory dishes; by baking hot bread for family; by snipping and stitching fabric or wielding hot glue guns; by freezing beauty through 35 millimeter film and pixels. Others create with splashes of vivid pigment; swirls of oil on canvas; precision pen and inks; or breathtakingly tender moments on a couch with preschoolers and stories that kidnap imaginations. Artists weave words; stamp cards; graphic design; lilt melodies; run with graceful abandon; bring life from gardens deep; and lovingly build up the people near them.
Whatever art stirs in you, friend, steal moments to meet it.
Ignore the dirty dishes, the scattered toys, the disheveled bedroom for a few minutes. Stop. Quiet yourself. Look up to the Artist who made you, and then create art: on paper, canvas, sheet music, in your home, and in the people around you.
I love hearing from you. What speaks quiet rejuvenation to you today? What art stirs in you? (Those in email can click here to join the conversation.)
Linking with Ann at A Holy Experience to thank the Artist, and with Emily in a Dare to Love Yourself.
I'm so glad you stopped by Heart Choices and left your comment. I always love to meet other bloggers. My art is not something that others might appreciate. My art consists of stick figures. However, I love photography and spend much time in this pursuit. I also love to write in my journal.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Debbie,
Stick figures, journals, blogging, photography, and writing… that all counts. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Jennifer Dougan
jenniferdougan.com
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And I stole a few moments with my Mom (here visiting from NY). I love to curl close by her side and we talk of long gone days while she was still a younger Momma to 3 girls. Now she is going to 82 summers and would be flying off to Canada (to be with other grandkids) before going back to NY.
I stole some of her warmth, hoping it will embue unto me even a little bit…. patience and all.
How I long to have half of her calm, which I believe, is owing her to age gracefully.
While I went to my sister's home my laundry is lying still in the washer, waiting for the spin when I come home.
(Jen, sorry for the deleted comment. I needed to correct it. TY)
What a beautiful post, Jennifer. I just love how you string words together, speaking such peace to my soul. I love to journal in my quiet times. I also love to create cards for people who are ill or depressed or just need a kind word. I pray before I create, that the Holy Spirit will guide me in my wording, art, & Scripture inspiration. I only want to glorify the LORD & bless others in His Name. Thank you for sharing your heart. <3
Words as art is definitely part of who I am, but I also love taking photos. It energizes me. I wrote a post about that awhile back in fact. So neat the way God give us different creative bents. And no wonder — look at the amazing Creator He is!
Have a blessed Easter, Jennifer!
you have such a gift of writing, of creating pictures with words, & invoking the imagination. just beautiful!
for me: art is everything. painting, graphic design, cooking, letter writing, blogging, book writing, knitting, planning a party, good conversations, & sometimes just about appreciating the beauty i see around me…
tonight, it's playing in the snow with my husband & dog before settling down on couches with homemade hot cocoa & handmade blankets.
It's true. We all have our own ways of expressing ourselves and giving God glory and praise. And we need the time, especially after wearing the mommy hat all day, to release our worries and stress, giving them all to Him. Thanks for sharing this special moment with us!
Blessings, Ann @ Christ in the Clouds
Jennifer, I think this is my favorite of your posts, yet. You held me spellbound. The way you weave words is truly art. Bless you. e.
I recently got to go to a writers group and I was so creatively charged afterwards. I especially thing it's good to create in a community. To bounce ideas off friends and learn from their skill.
I have discovered that I do enjoy writing. My English professor in college saw something on me I have only discovered for myself only recently. I discovered it through blogging. I have always enjoyed crafting, sewing and decorating. I am also learning how to share Jesus through this gifts. That is a part of my blog, sharing Jesus through my home.
I do love the way you put words together. Great for visual people like me.
Jayne
hisheartandhome.com
Lolita,
I didn't know your mom lived in NY! That's neat. And how fun to have her be able to visit you for a while. Her calm personality trait sounds peaceful, I agree. Savor that time with family.
Happy Easter, Lolita.
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
DaisyTea,
Thank you for your kind words to me here. 🙂 You encourage me.
Journaling, writing cards for people… nice. I love that you ask the Holy Spirit to impress onto you whom to send them to also. Good idea, DaisyTea.
Happy Easter,
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Cheryl,
Photography is something I have always been curious about, and something my husband enjoyed in college. I'll have to stop by your site and look for more of your photos. Good job for pursuing that art in you!
Happy Easter.
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Thank you, Danae, for your warm encouragement here. 🙂
You're right: art encompasses everything we do. Letter-writing, you mentioned, yes! That is almost a lost art form now. Keep it up.
Thanks for stopping in here. Happy Easter.
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Ann,
Thanks for stopping by here this week. Happy Easter, friend!
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Emily,
You are kind and encouraging to me — this coming from you, a writer who draws me in frequently to the beauty, the transparency of yourself. Thanks, friend.
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
CourtDan,
Good job! Yes, go to writer's circles, conferences, and write, write, write. I too love it, and am working hard on it.
Thanks for stopping in here this week. Happy Easter,
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Jayne,
I'm glad you stopped by here, that you took your college professor up on what she hinted at years ago in you, and to hear too of the art that stirs in you for decorating, writing, and more. Keep at it, friend. 🙂 Done as worship to Him, it will flood out as joy!
Happy Easter,
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com