Remaining An Artist

A few weeks ago, a library book jumped off the shelf and into my hands.  Does that ever happen to you?  I saw it, and before I knew what was happening, I was poring through the pages of Twyla Tharp's The Creative Habit.  Reading this book has been mind-changing.  I've had to take breaks to process what I've read, and how it applies to me.  

I wrote in my On Belief post "I believe in the power of creativity, and that it resides in everyone."  I've heard many people say they're not creative, and it makes me sad.  Creativity is a gift we're all born with- like our muscles, it grows stronger the more we use it.  It isn't only creating a beautiful work of art or writing a world-changing poem.  Creativity is finding a new way to teach your child something, it's the surprising meal you create when you stare into the fridge and pantry two days before payday.  It's inherent in everyone, and mothers have to exercise this gift more than anyone I can think of.   Pablo Picasso said, "All children are artists.  The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."   It's so true!  The day-to-day can block the innovative skills and wear us down.  This has been on my mind this week as I read Tharp's chapter on breaking out of a rut. 

Stinky had been asking to go to the Museum of Glass for weeks.  We drive past its stainless steel cone almost daily, and curiosity got to him.  They have a collection of child-designed pieces that was perfect for him, and this week's Third Thursday Artwalk allowed our family the chance to go for free.  Exploring, I found this panel: 

Now, if you'll humor me for just a minute, and re-read it, replacing the word artist  with  mother.   Go ahead, I'll wait.  How awesome is that?  Now think, are you playing?  Are you getting  what you need to fire up your imagination?  I'm challenging myself to allow more room for creativity and artistry as a mom by seeking those things.  I'm finding it's breaking my out of my ruts and helping me to find that mojo as Mom.

As parents, we are the creators of the life our families lead.  It's an awesome opportunity and terrifying responsibility.  So start today.  Make the most of it.