I am actually in a season of finding art again. For so many years of my life music was my passion. Playing piano from the age of five and clarinet from the age of 10. I had planned to study music performance in college but life took some hard turns and my high school senior solo was my last performance. Now, 23 years later, I am finding myself aching to have that back in my life. Right now, it looks like my rusty fingers plunking out songs on the keyboard in my basement and that may be all it ever is again. But I’m opening myself to opportunities, should they come along, to consider community groups or what not - simply for the joy of how it makes me feel.
Give thanks for that ache, and for those rusty fingers that still move (muscle memory or motivation or both). Give thanks for that keyboard that sits, even with collected dust. It is not what it was...and who knows what it will be. But this ache, this longing, is something today. And it's a beautiful want. Perhaps it will grow or grow again. Either way, honor the beauty and the breath that it brings in the here and now. Signed, a fellow musician and former songwriter who is also feeling the ache to begin...again. Much love!
I hope you continue to celebrate Let There Be Art. It was a joy to read. For years I had been part of a group of Christian artists, writers, and musicians. We dispersed when circumstances caused us to scatter to meet the needs of others. We have vowed to reunite when the time is right and agreed to employ your book for prompts and encouragement to let us begin again! Thanks!
That beautiful excerpt from your book was such an exhilarating glimpse into the depth and soul filling writing of your book and your pen. Thank you for this. I will be sharing it with a fellow artist who creates but who also faces many battles behind the scenes.
I am a weaver and a spinner of yarn, but often the have to’s seem to crowd out the time to do it. Even when that happens, tho, thinking about spinning or weaving, calms my heart and body. Your post today reminded me of a Carole King song about life being a tapestry. When I am walking down the street and smile at someone and they gratefully smile in return, I often think, she is but one string in the tapestry of my life…..
I’ve been leaning heavily on cookbooks to create meals that my entire family can enjoy and my soul can live to make. Have been drawing with pens every day this month. Also, channeling my inner Arctic Fox and trying to get our house cozy for a midwestern winter.
II know that I am commenting past the deadline but I want to share where life finds me right now, as you asked. I am currently on a solo adventure/retreat to bring quiet to my soul and creativity to my heart, every day. It is glorious. My task, upon returning home, will be to continue to find a space of quiet to listen to God, to listen to how He wants His gifts of creativity in me to be enjoyed alone and in fellowship with others. 💜
Happy 2nd Book Birthday Rachel! Grateful for your beautiful words and book!
Thank you, Rachael! For these words . . . and for the encouraging words you always sprinkle on me : )
I am actually in a season of finding art again. For so many years of my life music was my passion. Playing piano from the age of five and clarinet from the age of 10. I had planned to study music performance in college but life took some hard turns and my high school senior solo was my last performance. Now, 23 years later, I am finding myself aching to have that back in my life. Right now, it looks like my rusty fingers plunking out songs on the keyboard in my basement and that may be all it ever is again. But I’m opening myself to opportunities, should they come along, to consider community groups or what not - simply for the joy of how it makes me feel.
Give thanks for that ache, and for those rusty fingers that still move (muscle memory or motivation or both). Give thanks for that keyboard that sits, even with collected dust. It is not what it was...and who knows what it will be. But this ache, this longing, is something today. And it's a beautiful want. Perhaps it will grow or grow again. Either way, honor the beauty and the breath that it brings in the here and now. Signed, a fellow musician and former songwriter who is also feeling the ache to begin...again. Much love!
I am beginning again and again to express through sketching my glimpses of the beauty sometimes hidden in my world.
Sweet! The great thing about sketches is that they can be as quick and brief or detailed and long as desired. So suiting : )
I hope you continue to celebrate Let There Be Art. It was a joy to read. For years I had been part of a group of Christian artists, writers, and musicians. We dispersed when circumstances caused us to scatter to meet the needs of others. We have vowed to reunite when the time is right and agreed to employ your book for prompts and encouragement to let us begin again! Thanks!
That beautiful excerpt from your book was such an exhilarating glimpse into the depth and soul filling writing of your book and your pen. Thank you for this. I will be sharing it with a fellow artist who creates but who also faces many battles behind the scenes.
I am a weaver and a spinner of yarn, but often the have to’s seem to crowd out the time to do it. Even when that happens, tho, thinking about spinning or weaving, calms my heart and body. Your post today reminded me of a Carole King song about life being a tapestry. When I am walking down the street and smile at someone and they gratefully smile in return, I often think, she is but one string in the tapestry of my life…..
I’ve been leaning heavily on cookbooks to create meals that my entire family can enjoy and my soul can live to make. Have been drawing with pens every day this month. Also, channeling my inner Arctic Fox and trying to get our house cozy for a midwestern winter.
II know that I am commenting past the deadline but I want to share where life finds me right now, as you asked. I am currently on a solo adventure/retreat to bring quiet to my soul and creativity to my heart, every day. It is glorious. My task, upon returning home, will be to continue to find a space of quiet to listen to God, to listen to how He wants His gifts of creativity in me to be enjoyed alone and in fellowship with others. 💜