Creative Balm...
I went looking for a picture of my Mum sitting painting with Emily at her kitchen table, but I must have given it to Em.
A few weekends ago, Em and I met up in Derbyshire for a painting workshop. Denise, our resident artist, lives in a beautiful house, high on a hillside, and we gathered with two ladies to spend the day painting in her studio.
Denise is calm, lovely and very talented, and her dog, Phoebe, kept us company as we painted together. Denise helped us create, as she made hot drinks and food for us. Her knowledge and the tips she shared sparked much inspiration, and Em and I have returned to our homes and continued to paint. We ended the day when Tim joined us in a local restaurant for dinner.
It was a gift to sit beside Em and paint, just as we’d done so many times over the years. Memories are treasures, and spending time together is precious.
Denise’s home and studio are full of her paintings, and she has had cards made of some of them. As we were leaving, Em looked for a card of a painting I was taken with. Denise turned and gifted me a framed print, which is now hanging beside our bed on our ‘Memories wall’. I see it every day.
The sunflower painting Em made for our wedding is on the wall at the foot of our bed.
My lovely friend, Sue, created a lavender sparkly butterfly painting which hangs by my desk, and two of her wildflower and bird paintings are on our ‘Memories wall’.
Recently, Sue wrote about handmade paper and journals she has been creating, and how creativity has given her so much. Lately, it has gifted her the peace she so desperately needed. Sue's journals are beautiful.
Reading Sue’s words and seeing what she has created sparked a sense of loving connection. Sitting painting with Em, she and I could hear the whispers of loved ones who have encouraged and nurtured our creativity. Memories of moments held in our hearts.
The creativity which rests inside, just waiting for a spark to remind us that it is a balm and a thread we can weave into our lives. 🩷🦋
I love this. Spending time with our adult daughters is so precious. My daughter is a potter living on an island on the west coast of Canada. I live in Spain, so we don't get to see each other often. My home is filled with her pottery pieces, which constantly remind me of her.
Dearest Jane... How wonderful you were able to spend such a wonderful time at this painting workshop with your daughter.. Mother and Daughter time I always think is extra special. And many thanks Jane for the lovely mention within your post, I truly appreciate that you enjoyed the post with the journals in..
I have been so engrossed this last week in creativity the computer has been neglected .. But I am hoping to finish up a gardening blog I started a week ago... And maybe a quick little one on my main blog this weekend...
Like you, when the sun shines, I need to be outside, and I was even sat in the shade this week finishing off my fox tapestry Its been wonderful to breathe in the breeze and Let Go within my own ' Creative Balm'..
Thank you Jane for sharing your own experience of that creative balm with us all..
Much love and many blessings your way to you both... ( We are all well, and Biscuit is eating much better... And he has been discharged from the vets... )... All is well in our world.
Much love xx Sue xx 😍😸🦋💖