There is an ebb and flow to life. Highs and lows.

Some days we are just so grateful for everything, some days,

not so much.

During times of the lows, it is easy to stay down, to just give in

to the feeling of sadness, loneliness, grief, resentment and even

anger.  All those feelings are ok, we can feel them, we can wallow in

them and even find comfort in them.

But, for me, I don’t like those feelings.  I like calm and balanced.

Something I strive for.  I may be a little boring for some, a little

too low keyed.  Or some may think I don’t have enough fire.

(Oh, but I do when necessary!)

With the passing of my Dad a few weeks ago, I felt like doing nothing.

Making things, creating, getting my hands dirty is what I am made of,  but

that didn’t interest me…..until I heard my Dad’s voice say “Create or learn something

new everyday.” Which he did every single day of his life.

This is how I am being genuine and true to myself.

Even if it is just creating a small flower arrangement or

a tiny clay tile.  Learning a new word in another language,

honing my amateur photography. Something new everyday.

Pottery is instilled in me.  It is my favorite art medium.

I love to pound the clay to ready it for throwing.  That lets

out so much aggression!  Throwing on a wheel is like meditation to me.

Not every piece is perfect.  A client called my work, perfectly

imperfect.  I will take it.  I am not perfect, I am being shaped by

a higher power.   I do not strive for perfection, but rather, usefulness

and aesthetics.

Being in my studio, with all the things I love around me,

is where I love to be.  I have lovely paintings created by my Mom and

Dad.  Sculptures by friends, lots of treasured gifts and pieces

of nature that I have picked up or family and friends have given

me.  Photos of my kids and grandkids.  It is messy, unorganized and

just a juxtaposition of stuff.  But it is home base.

It is where I go to feel the ebb and flow of life.  To get a

grip, to celebrate, to decompress.  I am not much on talking

to others about my problems or achievements.  (My husband and closest

friends are the exception, they get an ear full!) I know I

can go into my studio, crank up the music, cry, pitch a fit, dance.

I know that whatever I create that day will be a part of my ebb and flow.

You don’t have to be an artist to create.  Being a great cook,

designer,  gardener is creating.  Being a good person, understanding

and listening.  Being fair and non judgmental.  Having a goal, striving

to be the salt and light.  All of this is creating and being useful.

So whatever you ebb and flow is today, go with it. Feel it.

But do something that is useful and beautiful, even if it is just

for today.

Be blessed.

Until next time, much love,

Cindy

Hebrews 4:16