a special canvas

My brother is a tattoo artist.  So, we are quite familiar with the body as a space for art.  Though I'm not sure this adventure was what tattoo artists really had in mind. Ahem.

Three littles armed with washable markers. One willing Papa. One stay-at-home Sunday afternoon with a lazy feel. One amazing piece of art!

If there is an award for Papa-of-the-year, I'd like to nominate my husband.  How many Papa's do you know that would willing lay down and offer their bare chests, arms, neck, hands, and feet for a little kid art, all the while smiling and laughing and encouraging and praising?  Oh boy, did these littles enjoy this time with their Papa.

Each of the children approached this canvas with their own personality fully serving as guide.  

The oldest was silly (or annoying as he likes to be called).  He drew silly pictures and wrote silly notes like "Muscle man" on Papa's biceps and "I'm sexy and I know it."  Okay.  Maybe not so appropriate. But he's 8 and thinks that statement is hilarious.  I'm not so certain he really knows what it means.  I am oh so certain that he doesn't care.

The youngest was in princess mode painting Papa's nails, making him a necklace, and adorning him with other pictorial interpretations of gems and jewelry.  She was certain to leave notes as well (with a little help from Mama).  She needed to be sure Daddy knows she loves him.  Not to be out done by big brother, she felt compelled to add a little silly too.

The middle lady takes her artwork seriously.  After all, she selected the largest territory of the canvas - the belly.  Ahem.  Starting with her favorite nickname (Papa Bear) she made two bubble letters and began to add colors, shapes, patterns, and her style in a bold and playful way all over Papa's chest and belly.  She even included his belly button into her creation!  This, of course, caused much laughter from a very ticklish Papa.

We've had our creative moments and really enjoy giving our children space and tools to experiment with their creativity.  But, this takes the cake.  I'm so thankful that I have this Papa around.  He is certainly one special canvas.

this moment {quiet time}

Linking with SouleMamma and many others:

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

ice

Cold, yet beautiful.  Striking. Delicate. Causing me to retreat, to hide, to long for warmth.  Yet, when I see the sun pour through it, the weeds twinkling on the side of the road, I soften.  The brilliance stops me in my tracks and calls for me to look.  Somehow the blue of the sky, the shine of the sun juxtaposed against the clear encasing on colorless foliage that no longer lives, the white of the snow covered ground brings a feeling of peace. 

Perhaps its the awe that Nature can create beauty from lack of life and will turn this barren land into bounty within months. There is hope in that thought, an expectant promise.  If only for a moment.  For later today, the ice will be gone, gray skies returned, and it will be a dreary winter day. Again.

this moment {strike a pose}

Linking with SouleMamma and many others:

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

magical reading moments

Reading is an everyday occurrence in our home.  But, every once in a while, reading turns magical.  The time and space are unhurried and the world outside seems to disappear.  There are good old favorites that we read over and over, adding new readers to our list.  New readers beaming with pride at their own success.  Quite proficient they've become.

And sometimes, those magical reading sessions give way to play and laughter and snuggles and silly voices and tickling and lots of other great stuff.  Sometimes, hubby is asked to capture this time on camera.  Ahem.

Life is made up of moments.  Sometimes I remember to make the most of them.  This night was one of those truly fabulous moments where I remembered that being in that moment made wishes come true!

my funny valentine

This kid is not a crafty kid.  At least he doesn't think so.

Then, one day, when his sister's were occupied with other things and mom sitting at the craft table, he meandered over.  

"What are you doing Mom?"

"Making Valentine's," I reply.

"Can I make some?"

"I'd love that.  Can you make them for the kids in your class?"

With eyeballs rolled back in his head and a click of the tongue, "That's a lot of cards, Mom."

"Why don't you start with a few and I'll help."

Excitedly, but with apprehension, "OK."

And the work begins.  Soon he finds his creative rhythm.  A pattern on each card.  That will work.  He explains the pattern to me and together we make 25 cards.

Midway through our creative stint, he suggests, "Maybe I'll just do cards for the boys today and finish the rest later..."

But when we reach that point, he likes his found momentum and decides to keep on.

As we complete the last card, his sense of pride is oozing out of every pore.

"Mom, I can't believe how many I made.  I didn't think I could do this many.  Wow!"  And on and on.

I don't know what attracted him to this creative space today.  But, I'm sure glad something did!

this moment {silly}

Linking with SouleMamma and many others:

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

seeking a teacher

It's been a while since I've written an update on meditation.  Lest you think I've given that up, I thought it was probably time.

I'm kind of at that point where I need help with my meditation.  I've read books, practiced almost every single day for a year now.  I've tried different positions and spaces.  I've tried focusing on a word, my breathe, forgiving-ly releasing each thought and centering my mind.

Being outdoors heightens the meditative experience, but 30 degree temperatures give me fits when I'm moving around.  Sitting still in the cold may make me explode!  Probably not real effective!  So, for now, I'm stuck indoors.

The yield of this devotion has certainly been increased patience, understanding, and a sense of moving about life more purposefully.  That should be enough, no?

The problem is I can't let go of the expectation that meditation can enrich my spiritual life.  I know, the first problem is that I'm bringing expectation into meditation.  I did, indeed, and still do, expect meditation to eventually tap into some deep rooted connection with God.  I wish for meditative time to bring me to a spiritual space that I have never experienced, an awakening of sorts.  Maybe a spiritual clarity.  A mystical experience.

I often begin meditation with a prayer that God will open my heart and mind and fill me with the Holy Spirit only to feel my body ache in anticipation and hope.  The ache becomes a closing off and as my body grows tight, my mind floats back to the task list of the day.  Frustrating, really...

I'm not giving up, nor am I negating the impact meditation has had.  I am, however, recognizing that I've likely gone as far as I can without guidance.  Where to go from here, I have not a clue.

I welcome your ideas and advice!