It's amazing to me that in the midsts of all the big and small hardships of life that there are still tremendous moments of brilliance and unexpected beauty. Dinner with friends, a piece of art, a long walk down an unfamiliar road, turning a blank page into something meaningful.  It's a truly reassuring thing to be able to see the reflection of how wonderful life is when we are quiet enough to recognize it. To create it.  

 

There was something I read this morning that made me think of this. The article was a daughter writing about her mother and all that she realized she'd learned from her. In short, to be authentic, live honestly, appreciate what you've been given and do amazing things with it.

 

Salt of the earth kind of stuff, farm girl, cowboy kind of stuff. Do with what you have. My dad is like that, my mom too. I watch them and I understand that life is only a collection of these moments. When life is heavy and crazy you can still be thoughtful, wise and creative.

 

Recently my dad took the remains of our old and rotting deck and turned it into a stunning hand-crafted railing with at least 50 - 2 inch by 2 inch slats. Who does that? It is still blowing my mind and still giving me goose pumps.

 

So, here's the ultimate punchline (at least as I have come to see it): creativiy is the expression of joy and presence. Be creative and stay creative no matter what.  If there is no creativity, there is no living, there is only suffering the day to day and mostly unwittingly.

 

Do something different, take a new street, scribble something on a page, be fearless or at least a little adventurous. I know it seems like you read this everywhere, but it is worth trying . Create something. **

 

Well, I couldn't let another week go by and not actually create the Sunday column - on Sunday. It's 11:50 pm, I've got a cup of strong coffee and an unmentionably sappy movie playing in the background for inspiration. Hope you are all well and enjoy the rest of the news.

 

Blessings,

Chantill