I{HEART}ART: Inspiration: In the Garden

"Garden Roses" By Tina C. Wells, acrylic on canvas

For me, painting is often a solitary endeavor. I’m an introvert by nature, and my time painting is usually a wonderful escape for me. I can think, and dream. I pour out some creativity, and in turn, I magically get filled up. This is true most of the time. But sometimes, I am fortunate enough to spend time painting with a friend, which fills me up in a different way. One lovely afternoon, my friend Gracie and I set up our paints outside, picked some roses from my garden and placed them in an old silver pitcher, and painted. We laughed and talked and played with our paints. It was a wonderful change for me.  Less focus, less pressure, more freedom. I look at this painting and it makes me smile at the memory.

SIMPLY CREATIVE: Fragrant Herb Bundle

This week I was visiting a friend who I hadn't seen in quite a while, and wanted to bring her a little something. I clipped some herbs from my garden and tied them together, along with a rose bud and a tag that gave a use for each herb. Clipped herbs stay fresh in a vase, or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator, or hang them to dry. Enjoy!

MY FRIEND, THE WREN...

Little Genevieve tries to sneak a peek at the baby wrens

When I was a little girl, my grandfather made this adorable, hand-carved bird house for me. It used to hang outside my window growing up, and now hangs in my backyard. Through the years, many little birds have made their nests and had their babies there. This year, none other than a wren (this variety is called a Bewick's Wren) took up residence and had a nest full of babies! What a winsome cottage my old bird house made for her.

I{HEART}ART: Inspiration: Genevieve's Giraffe

Giraffe and Butterfly Mural

My daughter Genevieve has just turned 3 and at last I have finished decorating her room! It has been an evolving process that started with a small nursery in a temporary space. At one year old, we moved her crib into her bedroom. Her big girl bed came a year later...and finally at 3, the room is complete. This very slow process has made me question myself; why did this take so long? As someone who has been part of designing countless nurseries and kids rooms, ideas for my daughter’s room seemed to spin around my brain and never land. When I finally made my decisions, executing the plan then took months (although painting in your toddler’s room is logistically challenging). But, alas, it is finished.

Butterfly mural

I just couldn’t go with pink, even though Genevieve, already opinionated at 3 years old, has informed me that pink is her favorite color. In fact, when I asked her if she liked her butterfly room, she said, “yes, but orange is not my favorite...pink is!” Oh well, what’s done is done. 

Genevieve’s room has many special things. Her bed (headboard and footboard) and vanity were my grandmother’s. Purchased in New York in the 30’s, I love the beautiful carved wood. The walls feature hand painted butterflies which are beautiful, graceful, and represent new life. Genevieve loves giraffes, so I wanted to include one in her room to add some fun and whimsy. The gallery wall has repurposed items that were all painted white. The tea set was my mother’s, a wedding gift, hand painted from Norway. The words above her closet are from the book of James in the Bible: “Every good and perfect gift comes from above...” She is here today because God stirred in the heart of my friend Daphne, who after having 4 of her own children, offered to be our surrogate. Genevieve is biologically ours, but Daphne carried the pregnancy. She is surely our gift from heaven above! 

Mother’s Day Keepsake

Last Mother’s Day, we started a new tradition in our home. I had recently read a magazine article about a woman who had started a celebration journal. Every holiday or special occasion she asked her children to put an entry in the journal. As small children they scribbled with crayons and wrote their names. As they grew, the entries changed. In some, there was elaborate art work, in others, memorable words. I absolutely love this idea! Instead of a card for birthdays, mother’s day, etc., I ask my kids to put something in the special journal. It is so nice that years of memories to come will find a place in this book and will be a treasure I can keep forever.

Blessings to you, Moms everywhere...and may you enjoy a few quiet moments to yourself on Sunday!