Thoughtful Thursdays: A Cup of Tea?

One of my favorite rides as a youngster was the teacup ride. I loved to grab that center wheel and spin it as fast as I could. Standing in line, I would even wipe my tiny hands on my clothes several times... so they'd be nice and dry for the perfect grip! My main goal was to spin out of control, as fast as I could... walking off all dizzy and disoriented. Hmmm... that sounds an awful lot like some parties in my college and young adult years. Could this ride be considered underage drinking? Okay... back to my point... that is if there was a point. Ummm... errr... uhhhh... oh yeah...

Spinning out of control!

How many of you out there feel that life is just passing by way too fast? I know I do. Sheesh... it was just "Happy New Year!" and now it's almost the end of January. And as much as I loved spinning out of control as a child, it doesn't really have the appeal it once did now that I am an adult. So let's just take a deep breath here (go ahead... 4 counts in.... 4 counts out) and relax for a moment.

Grab a cup of tea or your favorite beverage and just love every minute of the preparation. Don't just think of it as a means to an end.... enjoy the whole process. Gathering your supplies. Grabbing your favorite mug. Collecting all the ingredients, utensils, appliances and such. Watch that water boil. It won't take long, but it will feel like an eternity. Pour your beverage. Then sit down somewhere nice and comfy and sip....

Slowly.

Thoughtful Thursdays: Nesting!

One of the many recurring themes in my art seems to be that of birds, nests, and eggs. I'm not exactly sure why... I mean I love all kinds of big and little birdies. They're so colorful.... they're extremely intelligent... and they are definitely fun to watch.

But the thought of these wonderful creatures... putting so much creativity into building their nest of a home.... carefully choosing bits of grass, twigs, string, and other random trash that's readily available... well, it kind of reminds me of... me. Much of my art is making due with what I have, or — if I don't have what I need —finding something that will work just as well (if not better!).

Then there's the love and care that these birds put into protecting the nest of eggs and feeding their young once they've hatched. I love to hear that peep-peep-peeping of the oh so hungry babies calling for their momma bird. I mean... how cute is that?

And I really do love all kinds of animals in nature... birds being no exception. I love to watch how they interact with each other... how they go about their tasks for the day... or how they deal with unforeseen circumstances like Mother Nature.

But when I really think about it... I like the word nesting and the images it brings to mind in my own life. Building my own home... making it feel comfortable... surrounding myself with "birds of a feather"... and nurturing something I love very much... my creativity. And the birds, nests, and eggs just immediately inspires that personal image of mine. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

What recurring themes do you see in your life? And what do they mean to you?