How to Choose the Perfect Original Painting for That Special Someone This Christmas
A guide to giving the most unforgettable gift of the season.
There are gifts… and then there are gifts that stay with someone for a lifetime.
Not worn out.
Not used up.
Not forgotten by January.
An original painting is one of those rare gifts that becomes part of a person’s home, their story, and their everyday joy. If you’ve ever wondered whether giving artwork is “too personal,” “too hard to choose,” or just “too much,” this guide is for you. Two weeks before Black Friday is the perfect time to explore the idea—slowly, intentionally, and with heart.
By the end of this post, you’ll know why original art is an extraordinary Christmas gift and exactly how to choose the perfect piece for the person you love.
Why Original Art Makes an Unforgettable Gift
1. Because it’s deeply personal—without being risky
We often think personal gifts are complicated, but art has a special magic: it evokes emotion while still giving the recipient room to interpret it in their own way.
A painting you choose becomes a message—one that says:
“I saw this and thought of you. Not just something you like… but something that reflects who you are.”
That level of thoughtfulness is rare. And it’s powerful - because of you.
2. Because original art carries soul, presence, and human touch
An original painting is not mass-produced. It isn’t printed by the thousands.
It has texture, depth, and energy that only comes from a human hand moving across canvas.
When someone hangs a piece of original art in their home, or places it on their desk or nightstand, they’re not just decorating.
They’re inviting in beauty, creativity, and something with a heartbeat. Art is ALIVE!!!!!!!
3. Because it becomes part of their daily world
Think of all the gifts we give that end up in a drawer.
Now imagine giving a gift that is seen every single day—over morning coffee, during family dinners, in quiet moments.
Art doesn’t get lost.
It stays.
It becomes a companion in someone’s life.
4. Because it tells a story
Your story.
Their story.
The artist’s story.
Every painting carries a narrative—about colors, seasons, emotions, and meaning.
And when you give someone original art, they will always remember:
“This was the year I received that painting I love so much.”
Gifts that mark time are the gifts people talk about for years.
How to Choose the Perfect Original Painting for Someone You Care About
1. Think about their space
This doesn’t require a design degree—just a moment of imagining.
Where do they spend time?
What are the colors in their home?
Do they like calm and neutral? Vibrant and expressive? Something classic? Something modern?
This simple thought exercise will naturally guide you toward the right feeling, style, and size.
2. Consider their personality
Art is an extension of someone’s spirit.
Ask yourself:
Are they introverted and reflective?
Bold and adventurous?
Soft, sentimental, romantic?
Playful and light-hearted?
Elegant and minimal?
There is a painting that matches who they are, even if you can’t articulate the style. When you see it, you’ll just know.
3. Pay attention to color
Color is emotional.
Color is memory.
Color is connection.
Do they love deep blues? Earthy greens? Warm golds? A splash of red?
Choosing a piece with colors that reflect the recipient’s tastes instantly makes the gift feel tailor-made.
4. Trust your instinct
This is the part where people get nervous—but it’s actually the easiest step.
When choosing art as a gift, your instinct is your best compass. If something makes you pause, if you catch yourself imagining them opening it, if your heart says, “This is the one,”—that’s all the clarity you need.
Art is emotional.
So is gifting.
Let that be your guide.
5. Don’t be afraid of originality—embrace it
People rarely buy original art for themselves.
It’s “a someday purchase.”
A “maybe next year” wish.
That’s exactly why it makes such a spectacular gift.
When you give someone original art, you’re giving them something they secretly wanted but never treated themselves to.
That’s the kind of gift people remember forever.
A Gift That Feels Like It Was Always Meant for Them
If you’ve been on the edge—if you’ve ever thought, “Would they really love a painting as a gift?”—the answer is yes.
Original art is magnetic, meaningful, and unlike anything else you could place beneath the tree.
It elevates a moment.
It creates a memory.
It becomes a part of a person’s life.
And right now, before the holiday rush starts, is the perfect time to choose something extraordinary and thoughtful—something they’ll never expect but will absolutely adore.
The Story Behind My Next Collection (and How You Can Follow Along)
If you’ve ever looked at a bird and thought, “What could that little creature be singing about?” — you’re in the right place. My newest art collection takes flight with color, laughter, and memory. Each piece in this whimsical bird series is inspired by one of my past students — not their struggles, but their spark. These aren’t quiet birds. They look like they’re singing three songs at once, bursting with personality, joy, and the kind of spirit that fills a room (or a canvas).
For over twenty years in the classroom, I’ve had the privilege of teaching hundreds of incredible young people. Each one had a spark that I never forgot — a quick laugh, a quirky comment, a way of seeing the world that made my day brighter. Those moments stuck with me, and now, years later, they’re showing up in my art. Every brushstroke, every pattern, every tilt of a painted head carries a whisper of a child who once made me smile. These birds are my way of celebrating them — and of celebrating creativity, resilience, and joy.
This collection is an explosion of color and movement. If you love brightly colored bird art, whimsical wall art, joyful oil paintings, and storytelling through art, this collection was made for you. Each bird feels alive — their feathers layered in unexpected hues, their eyes wide with curiosity. I imagine them perched on a wire, chattering together about life, friendship, and adventure. There’s something magical about capturing a spirit like that — a visual reminder that joy is always nearby if you take a moment to look up.
But this isn’t just an art collection — it’s a story collection. You know I have to have a story with each piece I create. Each painting will come with a short written vignette inspired by the student who sparked it. You’ll meet birds who dream big, birds who daydream, birds who can’t stop talking, and birds who make the whole flock laugh. These stories are fun, lighthearted, and deeply human — written to make you smile, remember, and maybe even see a bit of yourself (or someone you love) in them. This series is meant to remind us all that creativity doesn’t just hang on a wall — it sings, it connects, it invites us to pause and listen.
If you’ve ever wanted to collect art with heart, this is your invitation. You can follow along as the birds come to life on my Instagram and right here on my blog. I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes videos, color palettes, sketchbook peeks, and the stories that inspired each whimsical feathered friend. Whether you’re a bird lover, an art collector, or simply someone who craves a daily dose of creativity and color, I’d love to have you follow this flight from first sketch to final brushstroke.
So, keep your ear open — you just might hear them singing. These birds are a celebration of joy, art, and the small everyday stories that make life golden. Join me as the flock grows, and maybe you’ll find a bird that feels like it was made just for you. You can subscribe to the blog for collection updates, or follow me on social media for sneak peeks as the colors (and the songs) unfold.
The Hidden Benefits of Drawing Every Day (Even Doodles Count)
If you’ve ever found yourself scribbling in the margins of your notes or sketching on a napkin at a café, I have good news — those little doodles are doing a lot more for you than you think.
Drawing isn’t just for “artists.” It’s for thinkers, feelers, parents, and everyday humans who need a moment to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with creativity. And when you do it daily — even for five minutes — something quietly extraordinary starts to happen.
So grab your pen, pencil, or crayon (yes, really), and let’s explore the hidden benefits of drawing every day — because even doodles count.
1. Drawing Daily Strengthens Your Creative Muscles
Think of creativity as a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.
A daily drawing challenge doesn’t have to mean sketching perfect portraits or landscapes — it simply means showing up for your creative self.
Each time you draw, your brain makes new connections. You start noticing patterns, colors, and shapes in your everyday world. You begin to see differently. And soon, ideas start showing up in unexpected places — in your conversations, your parenting, your problem-solving, and even your dreams.
Creativity isn’t born in talent; it’s built in repetition.
2. Doodling Reduces Stress (and Boosts Your Mood)
Here’s something science agrees on: repetitive, rhythmic motion — like doodling or shading — calms the nervous system.
When you draw, your brain shifts from chaos to calm. You enter a creative flow where the day’s noise fades into the background. It’s mindfulness without needing silence or meditation cushions — just paper, pen, and a few minutes of focus. I’ve tried this recently: my family and my parents who were visiting were watching an Alabama football game. Things were loud: people were yelling, kids were jumping around, and lots of encouragement was pouring out of everyone to say the least. I curled up on my side of my sofa, pulled out my stash of small white papers, and began to draw. It’s interesting how your brain begins the process of focusing on something other than the “noise.”
The benefits of drawing daily are backed by research, too: improved mood, reduced anxiety, and greater overall well-being. You’re not just making lines — you’re rewiring your brain for peace.
3. Drawing Helps You Remember (and Notice) the Details
A quick sketch of your morning coffee mug might not seem important — until you realize it’s training your brain to notice again.
We live in a world of scrolling, swiping, and rushing. Drawing forces us to slow down, look closer, and appreciate small things — the curve of a leaf, the reflection on water, the color of morning light.
This act of noticing is a powerful form of mindfulness and gratitude — two things that strengthen your emotional and creative health.
4. Doodles Spark Ideas
Some of my best creative ideas have come from a doodle that made no sense when I drew it. That’s because drawing loosens the logical side of the brain and lets your imagination run free.
If you’re an entrepreneur, teacher, or parent, this is gold. Drawing daily helps you generate more ideas, solve problems creatively, and approach challenges with a fresh perspective. I live for the moments I notice my boys - one or both - have gotten quiet and are focusing on whatever they’re drawing in their sketchbooks.
Even a one-minute sketch before bed can trigger new insights the next day.
5. Drawing Builds Confidence — One Page at a Time
Every time you draw, you tell your inner critic to take a seat. You show up anyway — imperfectly, bravely, joyfully.
The more you practice, the less you care about “doing it right.” That’s when the real growth begins — not just in art, but in how you approach your life.
So yes, even doodles count. They count as courage, as progress, and as a reminder that creativity isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline.
Ready to Start Your Own Daily Drawing Challenge?
Start small. Draw something — anything — for five minutes a day.
Need ideas? Join the Keep Your Ear and Create Community where we share daily creative prompts, art inspiration, and encouragement to keep you drawing, creating, and reconnecting with your creative spirit.
And remember: no one’s judging your lines. You’re building something much more important — a creative habit that brings you peace, clarity, and joy.
Because in this fast-moving world, taking time to draw isn’t wasting time.
It’s finding yourself again, one doodle at a time.
Art That Speaks to the Soul: Finding Meaning Beyond the Material
We live in a world overflowing with “things”.
Our homes are full, our schedules are packed, and our attention is constantly pulled in a hundred directions. Yet, beneath all the noise, many of us feel something missing — a quiet ache for meaning, for beauty, for connection to something real.
That’s where art comes in.
Not just any art, but art that speaks to the soul — art that whispers peace, stirs imagination, and invites us to breathe.
Why I Paint
For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt most at peace in nature — standing beneath a wide sky, hearing the soft rustle of wings, watching the light shift and sift through shadows across a quiet field. I have probably always been mostly mesmerized with the sky after a storm. I remember telling my three great aunts - Aunt Mary, Aunt Nora, and Aunt Dean - one evening that the only thing I ever wanted to paint was the pine trees against that blue gray sky. One laughed, one smiled, and the other just stared.
Those moments felt sacred to me — small, fleeting, and deeply grounding.
When life grew noisy or uncertain, I would return to those memories in my mind. Eventually, I began to paint them — not to escape, but to remember. To hold onto that stillness and share it with others who might be longing for it, too.
Each painting I create is my way of saying: “You’re not alone. The world is still beautiful. There is still meaning here.”
Beyond Decoration
When I paint a landscape or a bird or the tree in my yard (I know; I haven’t introduced that series yet), I’m not just depicting a scene — I’m painting a feeling.
The hush of early morning light. The serenity of still water. The wonder of seeing something wild and free.
My brush becomes a bridge between the outer world and the inner one. Each color, each detail, each layer of light is an invitation to slow down — to reconnect with that quiet, peaceful part of yourself.
The Language of Connection
Art has its own gentle language.
A bird in flight can speak of freedom.
A hidden path beside a pond can whisper hope.
A horizon bathed in golden light can remind us of renewal.
When someone connects with a painting of mine, it’s often because they see a reflection of their own heart — a memory, a longing, a dream they hadn’t put into words. That’s the magic of art: it doesn’t need to explain itself. It simply speaks.
Finding Meaning at Home
Imagine walking into your home at the end of a long day and seeing a painting that centers you — a window into calm.
It’s not just about filling wall space; it’s about creating a sanctuary.
A place where beauty and meaning live side by side.
A place where your spirit can rest.
If you’ve been feeling that quiet pull toward something more — something that brings peace, reflection, or inspiration into your everyday life — I invite you to explore my collection.
Let your heart lead you.
You may find a piece that feels like it’s been waiting for you all along.
The Problem with Mass Produced Wall Art (and what to do instead. . .)
We’ve all done this: You walk into a home decor store, and there it is—another oversized canvas with a generic phrase like "Live, Laugh, Love." Or maybe it’s a pretty—but eerily familiar—landscape that you’ve seen in at least three different waiting rooms.
It’s easy. It’s convenient. But it’s also… empty.
Mass-produced wall art might seem like a quick way to decorate, but over time, it starts to feel like background noise. Here’s why that matters—and what to do instead if you want your home to actually reflect who you are.
What’s Wrong with Mass-Produced Art?
1. It Lacks Soul
Mass-produced art is designed to be neutral enough to appeal to everyone. But when you try to speak to everyone, you often say nothing. These pieces are made for profit, not for connection. They don’t tell your story. And YOUR story is what matters when curating what you want YOUR home to feel like.
2. It’s Everywhere
That “abstract blue and gold canvas” from a big-box store? Your neighbor probably has the same one. It shows up in Airbnbs, office lobbies, and hotel rooms. It’s safe—but it isn’t special. Do you even like that shade of blue?
3. It Doesn’t Hold Meaning
Art has the power to ground you, heal you, and remind you of who you are. When it’s meaningful, it becomes more than decoration. Mass-produced pieces don’t usually carry personal value. They're just... there. Not that they aren’t beautiful, but again - personal connection?
4. It Supports Corporations, Not Creators
The art industry is saturated with cheaply reproduced works that funnel money into corporations instead of artists. Choosing mass-produced art means missing an opportunity to support independent creators and small businesses who pour their heart into their work. Whose every color choice is ripe with meaning. Whose every brushstroke is angled a certain way because the direction is symbolic. Whose every story behind every piece is rich in a thousand ways.
What to Do Instead?
If you’re craving a home that feels like you, here are three ways to ditch the cookie-cutter decor and bring in art that resonates:
1. Buy From Independent Artists
Look for small studios, Etsy shops, or local art fairs. Artists often offer affordable originals or prints that are limited edition—so you’re not just buying a thing, you’re buying a story.
2. Decorate With Meaning
Think about what matters to you: nature, music, family, resilience, joy. Find art that reflects those themes. It’s not just about color—it’s about connection.
3. Start Small, But Start Intentionally
You don’t need to redo your whole home. Start with one wall, one piece, or even one digital download. When you choose with intention, even a small change can shift the entire energy of your space. That is what’s important. Your story is all about what makes you FEEL or THINK.
Where to start? My Shop, of course.
Looking for meaningful art that tells a story?
Every piece in my shop was created with its own story. Every piece in my shop was created to make its collector feel wonder, peace, and imagination. Every piece in my shop stirs the dormant. It was created to remind you of who you were before you got bogged down into the everyday mumbo jumbo, technology trapped, sun up to sundown monotonous routine that you long to break free from.
Your home is your sanctuary. It deserves art that reflects who you are—not what’s trending at the retail giants.
Whether it’s an original painting, a digital download, or a custom piece you connect with—art should spark something inside you. Choose pieces that speak to your soul.
You don’t need more “stuff.”
You need more story.
You’ve got this.
After all, you are always the hero of your own story.
Top Five Lessons I’ve Learned About Raising Twin Boys
I’ve heard it said many times about raising twins: “Double the Love; Double the Chaos.” That statement is anything but wrong, but it’s definitely an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. Our boys are identical, and though it appears that their friends who are their age are the only people who can tell them apart, they are so so so different. And so so so alike.
When the boys were four, they were in Pre-K 4 at school. We were riding down Main Street, and they were having a chipper conversation in the back seat about people’s faces. In particular, they were talking about how in their class,one kiddo’s face was different. They weren’t being ugly, but this conversation fascinated me. I inserted, “Boys, God gave us all different faces. EVERYONE has a different beautiful face.”
Simultaneously, they looked at each other and responded with, “uuuuuuuuuuuhhhh?”
We have laughed about this for years, but in that moment, I realized that even they knew there was some sort of expectation of “sameness” in their minds.
Today, I’m all about five lessons I’ve learned over the last eleven years. I can assure you that I’ve learned way more than just five, but these are the five I am focusing on - specifically about twins - today.
First, I’ve learned to honor who these boys are as people. It does make me laugh when people ask how I can tell them apart. They do look pretty identical, but they are anything but that. People inevitably feel the need to label twins to describe them. I completely understand this logic, and I find it fascinating at the same time. For instance, there are times when one is more outgoing and the other is quiet, but with the sudden presence of a gentle breeze, they can switch as soon as it hits them in the face. I have read that many sets of twins are indeed super opposite, but ours are not. I’m starting to wonder if there will ever be a moment when it’s okay to actually label - like maybe when they’re grown? They share many many interests and a few dislikes, so many times I catch myself being fascinated that they look identical, and though they share some differences, the lesson here is I want to honor who they are as people - shared blue eyes and interests and differences and all.
The second lesson is simply that schedules save sanity. As I’m writing this, it’s late summer in Texas, so that means it’s junior high baseball season. Our boys never experienced the world of travel ball when they were younger, so my husband and I are watching them fall in love with all of it right now. Also, all the respect to parents who can do travel ball, school, work, and home at the same time. I am all impressed. As it is, we run a tight schedule Monday - Thursday (we are a four day school): arise and shine at 5:15 so we can make it to morning workouts at 6:00 and we stay for baseball practice until 6:00 at least two evenings per week. That makes for a long day for two eleven year old boys. We come home, and unless we have an away game, we eat something from the crockpot or something I can prepare quickly, do homework, complete chores around the house, take showers, and head to bed. This wasn’t an easy schedule to work through for the first two weeks. There were many mornings of attitude being hurled around in the car on the way to school or in the evenings. We had to talk through these attitudes to be able to put them away. We are on a pretty decent trajectory now, but we had to create and stick to this schedule - this routine. Kids desperately need routine. They need to know what to expect and what is expected of them.If they don’t have it, there is no peace for anyone. We are, of course, much more free on the weekends, but we try to maintain a decent bedtime because. . . Monday morning is on the way.
Thirdly, competition is inevitable, but it is also manageable. It’s funny as a parent to see which “things” are going to pop up as competition between these guys. For instance, of course, winning a physical race will always be a thing between boys. But grades? Most of the time, I don’t even think my kids care about grades, but if one made a 94 on a test, all of a sudden, the other must make a 95 or better. My husband and I try to instill the importance of them working together, so there are times when we all work on a project, or he will work on projects with them - clearing fence rows, felling trees, etc. - or on rarer occasions, I will work on all the fun things like “clean your room so you can have company”. Okay, that one is never fun. We try to celebrate all the wins - individual, group, family - you name it, we try to find something really awesome to do to celebrate. By awesome, it never has to cost much, but a movie night with pizza (my boys can eat pizza every day all day), an ice cream bar, bowling, a trip to Canton Trade Days.
As much as we enjoy our time together, it is crazy important to love on lesson four: one on one time isn’t just important; it is a necessity. Think about this: when you are born, you have all of your parents’ attention. If you’re a twin, you always have divided attention, AND you are always around that person who takes the other half of the attention. Watching our boys together, my husband and I believe they are often overstimulated. How do we know? Because when we have one on one time with them, they are quiet - enjoying the peace. It is fascinating. After a little quiet time, though, they begin to open up and share and talk in a safe place away from the sibling. In times past, we would try to do a “date night” where one parent goes with one kid each week. The next week, we’d switch the kid. This works up to the age at which they are super busy with outside interests like tae kwon do or baseball or horseback riding or art. Then, you must be inventive for awhile. Even at eleven, you can find time, though. For instance, my husband and one of the boys LOVE shrimp. The other kiddo and I do not. So . . that’s an easy date night experience that must happen.
Last lesson, we are not just raising twins, we are creating a lifelong bond with these young men. At eleven, it’s hard to imagine that these immature, reckless, and verbally foaming at the mouth individuals will essentially be adults in ten years or less. Right now, empathy is hard. Healthy communication is hard. Emotional resilience is hard. But all too soon, these guys will be teaching their own kids all of these hard things. We rejoice in the small wins - in the day to day beautiful moments when I see and hear them talking like men to each other sharing their thoughts. In the day to day beautiful moments when they work together to accomplish something. In the day to day beautiful moments when I see them do good things for each other or for others or for someone older. Enjoy those moments with your kids.
Whether or not you have twins or a thousand kids or one kid, enjoy the moments. Celebrate the milestones. Celebrate the small wins. Celebrate everything you can with your kids. It’s important for them and for you.
The boys were in a wedding this past spring. They were so handsome in their tuxes. This pic is after those ties came off, but we never got a picture of them standing the same way. Life with twins. . . . . This picture says it all.
15 Tiny Creative Habits to Brighten Your Day
Think creativity has to be a big dramatic act? Think again. The happiest, most inspired people sprinkle tiny creative habits into their everyday routines - and you can, too. Following are 15 small but mighty ways to make your days more colorful.
First, why do small habits matter? Because when we start with small seemingly insignificant practices, they eventually become part of our everyday routine. I’ve always heard that if you want to create a lasting habit, you should set aside 21 consecutive days to be sure you practice whatever it is you’d like to make a sure thing. It will happen! Human nature is quite fascinating. By the end of those 21 days, your mind and body will decide they need this new habit.
There are a few ways to make a new habit stick, and the good news is that none of those ways is difficult. A few I use include: 1. Picking one habit at a time. I can’t pile on too many habits because between my family and work, I just don’t have the time. 2. I track my new habit in visual form. I like to use a chart or graph, and I like it to be very colorful. You can make your own either with a piece of paper and markers or print it off (there are many sites that can help with this) and get it on the fridge immediately. 3. Lastly, I use the reward system. I need positive enforcement even if it is just me recognizing my efforts. My rewards are seldom anything large, but they are ALWAYS something I love.
That list of 15 things:
Doodle in the margins. I used to watch my grandparents do this while they were on the phone. I found it fascinating because their drawings were …. very interesting. Seriously, you can doodle while in a meeting, at lunch, or again, while on the phone. Just for a few minutes. You can always set a timer for five minutes and see what happens.
Take a “color walk.” Go outside with the intent of gathering all of the things you can see that are blue (or whatever color you’re feeling inspired by in the moment.) Take a picture of it. If you’ve gathered anything you shouldn’t have, you might need to return it - LOL!
Start a tiny sketchbook. Depending on your location or motivation, look around you. Maybe you draw a particular bird that frequents the bird bath in your front lawn. Maybe you and the neighbor’s dog are on good terms and you can quick sketch her while she sits by your feet. Maybe your mailbox is where you find peace and stability. Sketch it!
Hum or whistle a made up tune while you are doing chores. One of my favorite sounds as a kid was listening to my grandmother whistle as she hung out the clothes on the clothesline. Yes, I did help, but it was a quiet time because I never wanted to break the spell. If you can’t whistle (I can’t either), enjoy humming a forgotten tune or one that you’re making up for the first time.
Take a photo of something you find beautiful on your daily walk. Maybe you see a tiny flower bloom through a crack on the sidewalk. Maybe you witness a fall leaf land in just the right spot so it glows against the leaves around it. Maybe you see a perfectly shaped whale cloud.
Write a six word story before bed. Bonus points if the protagonist is a fictional character from a far away land. Or if you capture the essence of the rising action. Or if the ending makes you cry.
Try a new handwriting style as you make your to do list for tomorrow. It may sound a bit crazy, but have you ever done this? It’s quite fun. When I was younger, I was fascinated with the handwriting of all the older people I was around (I grew up in a community much like Mayberry - where everyone knew everyone - and life was roses. More on this later. . . ) and I always wanted to attempt to write like them. Once, when my sons were in the first grade, one of their first grade teachers grabbed me and asked me to come look at something he had written. I thought it was perfect. She agreed but explained that he’d written the sentence starting with the period and had written it backward. Maybe today’s your day to write something backward.
Do a quick blind contour drawing. Don’t look at the page. Just draw while looking at a random object. Maybe it’s the face of your partner. Maybe it’s the neighbor’s car. Maybe it’s the teacher’s fish.
Start a small item collection. Perhaps you want to collect the same things or different things. Find an interesting bowl and start collecting those quirky shaped rocks, bottle caps with bright colors, or leaves that are still holding a perfect shape.
Make up a new rule for your morning or evening walk. For instance, I’m sure you walk quite normally, beautifully, elegantly, even. New rule: “Everytime I see a bird, I’ll hop.” That will break up the beautiful monotony. Maybe - if you’re in the country - everytime you hear a cow, you could swing your tail - LOL!
Bake or cook something without a recipe. Try to recreate those biscuits like your MeMaw did in the green Tupperware bowl without any measuring cups. She just measured with love. This will be fun!
Try drawing or writing with your non-dominant hand for one solid minute. You can think big picture or big words - that might be easier if you’ve never drawn or written with your non-dominant hand before.
Make up a back story for a stranger you see on your commute. This is one of my favorites. My sisters and I used to see “this guy” at “the mall” periodically when we were shopping. Before long, the guy had a name, a nickname, several pets, and many reasons for his frequent shopping trips.
Keep a “wonder list” of questions that pop into your head. Examples: Why do leaves curl? Why do I never dream in color? Why do eleven year old twins argue constantly?
Start a one line a day journal to keep up with the funny or sweet moments. I wish I’d done this when the boys were little. There were so many hilarious things that came out of their mouths, and then, of course, all the sweet things I think it’s important for us to remember during those days of adolescence. . . . .
Challenge: Pick two or three of these this week. Take pics of the evidence if you dare and hashtag it #keepyourearandcreate
I believe in you, friend!!! You can do this!
Remember creativity is built one tiny spark at a time.
25 Ways to Be Creative Without a Paintbrush
Okay. When I hear people say things like “I’m not creative,” I always smile. Creativity isn’t just about paint or clay - it’s about how you solve problems, find joy, and bring new ideas to life. When creativity includes art, that is super fun for me. I LOVE it! But, when it doesn’t, that’s okay, too. There are thousands of ways to exercise your creativity without being artistic.
Below, I’m giving you twenty-five ways to be creative without a paintbrush. Read them. Soak them in. Embrace a few of them.
Write a tiny poem or haiku about something you see out your window.
Arrange a few fresh flowers (or even a few weeds from your yard) in a unique way.
Try a new recipe or invent your own dish with whatever is in your fridge.
Make up a bedtime story and tell it to your kiddos, or your partner, or just yourself.
Rearrange a room or a shelf to make it feel brand new.
Dance wildly in your kitchen (like no one is watching - even if they are) to a favorite song.
Design a playlist that fits a mood (I have many different playlists for things like cooking dinner, writing blog entries, cleaning, etc.).
Write a letter by hand to someone you love - then decorate the envelope.
Start a journal and fill it with lists, doodles, or snippets of your day.
Build a fort with blankets and pillows - like you did when you were a kid - and hang out in there with a book.
Make shadow puppets on the wall with a flashlight.
Take a walk, and stack rocks in different formations.
Use cookie cutters on fruit or sandwiches to make playful shapes.
Create a family crest or personal logo using simple symbols that you feel represent your family or you.
Rewrite the lyrics of a favorite song to be all about your day.
16. Decorate cupcakes or cookies in silly, unexpected designs.
17. Make jewelry from buttons, yarn, or beads.
18. Carve shapes into soap or potatoes to make playful stamps.
19. Take unusual photos using weird angles, close-ups, or re-
flections. (We like doing this with shadows on walks down
0ur country road.)
20. Write a list of “what-ifs” like “What if dogs gave advice?”
21. Build something with LEGOs or blocks.
22. Start a windowsill garden with herbs in old mugs or jars.
23. Invent a new game to play with your kids or friends.
24. Use sidewalk chalk to leave surprise art or kind words for
neighbors.
25. Collage with magazine cutouts and glue.
I formally challenge you to pick three things from this list and exercise your creativity this week. Also, photograph the evidence, put it on social media, and hashtag it #keepyourearandcreate.
During Covid, my boys and I would visit a river near our campsite (Yes, we were stuck in a camper during those first several months, but that’s a longer story, and I’ll tell you more later.), and my boys LOVED getting out into the water and creating these rock sculptures.
Could Scrubbing the Shower Help Answer Your WHY?
Scrub your shower and find your why. Create. In fact, create, take a picture, post it on your favorite social media platform, and hashtag #keepyourearandcreate
I mean, maybe, maybe not, but follow me for just a minute or two. We have been discussing “chores around the house” with my boys for, well, quite some time seeing as they are ten, but we sat down the other night and made an actual plan. One of the things they are now required to do is to scrub a section of the tub. Each section is divided, and they must scrub on Mondays and Thursdays. I figure if the thing is scrubbed that often, it will glisten and gleam for miles and literally be the shiniest tub in all the wide world. Anyhow, at first, they were completely irritated with the idea of their royal selves having to do such a dastardly chore. But, y’all, they got in there, each taking their turn, and fell in love with the scrubbing. I know. It’s totally not my thing either, but they could see a difference. They could see that what they were doing was making that difference. And they were proud of their work and its beautiful outcome.
Now, I’m not about to tell you that cleaning the shower is going to solve all of your problems in life, but I am going to tell you that for my boys, this has been a game changer. See, they needed to spend some energy in a place that needed said energy. This is symbolic of life. Everyone’s life. Each of us was put on this earth to create something. Something beautiful Now, we can think big like: (in our most theatrical and no doubt British voices) “Of course, we are here to create wonderful legacies to leave our children and grandchildren, and if we’re really good, the community in which we live and serve.” Okay, that’s fair and absolutely true, but I’m also thinking about small things. When we create something, even the small things, we are creating new pathways in our brains and we are creating more joy in the world. Isn’t that marvelous? Who doesn’t want to create and plant more joy in such an otherwise crazy world?
Let’s look at a few examples: I have a friend who creates - not bakes, not makes - the woman creates royal icing cookies. These things are absolutely majestic. I can’t even begin to explain the tastes, the beauty, the wonder. When she creates them, she sells them, and the buyer is exceedingly blessed with this art that he or she wouldn’t otherwise have. It’s a magnificent thing. I have another friend who directs high school theatre. The theatre department in a very large high school. Holy cow! How this woman coaches high school students to do anything is impressive. I mean, if you think about it, perhaps she is a magician. I hear parents talk frequently about how they can’t even get their own teens to do what they’re supposed to, and this woman has them acting like other people on stage to successfully tell a story, getting the crowd all sucked in and needing popcorn, and leaving them wanting more. I have another friend who creates ceramics. Exquisite pieces. I’ve always admired her work because they are sooooo much her own style, her own originality, her own imagination. I tend to wonder things like: if these artists did not create art, where would we find it? There are so so so many ways to create that aren’t as “big” as these in the sense that they are paid for it. But all art doesn’t have to be connected to a financial stipulation of some sort. Some art, I would argue that most art, is just a way of putting something beautiful in the world that makes everyday a better day and a better place. Think about it: when your mama made dinner and put it on the table, that was art. When your first grade teacher had you and all of your classmates sitting in a circle singing happy morning songs, she was helping you create art by showing you how to be positive while learning something educational, I’m sure. When your dad sang to wake you up in the morning and prayed to God that you woke up in a good mood - okay, was that just my dad? LOL!
Maybe you aren’t all psyched up for ceramics or cookies or morning songs or directing theatre or even for singing to your kids (though I think you should definitely sing to your kids if for nothing else to embarrass them just a little :), but maybe there’s something you want to do. Something that has been wanting to come out of your brain for a long time. Maybe it’s a book. Maybe it’s stage scenery. Maybe it’s chicken piccata - more on chicken piccata later. .. .But for now, keep your ear and create. Create something. In fact, create something, take a picture, and put that pic on your favorite social media platform and hashtag it: #keepyourearandcreate
Bryant Road Trips
A friend asked me the other day if I enjoyed traveling just because I enjoy traveling or if it actually plays a part in my art (I love a good rhyme) as well. I do love traveling, but it does play a part in my process and art making for sure. We will circle back. Hear me out.
Love a good road trip? Me, too! I am exceedingly thankful for a husband and boys who love them as well. Living in East Texas definitely offers tons of fun options for a quick weekend getaway when we begin to feel like we have been cooped up for weeks on end. This past weekend, my boys - all three of them - and I headed out for Huntsville, Texas. Kevin nor I had ever been, and all we were interested in were the Sam Houston attractions. I have a bit of an obsession with good ole Sam - kind of strange, maybe, because I am not a native Texan, but neither was he - so I was hopeful this trip would wrap up my need to visit most of his adventure sites. Maybe it did. Maybe it didn’t. I’m not sure yet, but I will let you know.
On this trip, we drove straight to the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and walked around the Steamboat House, the Woodland Home, and several other buildings that were brought to this place for Sam Houston enthusiasts to enjoy. The Sam Houston experts have done a fabulous job detailing every exhibit with lots of historical information. It was a great environment, my kids were engaged and learning, and my husband and I learned a lot as well. Win. Win. We, of course, had to visit Sam’s final resting place and the sixty-seven foot tall statue of him on the side of the interstate, too. I was amazed at how much my kids took in and how many questions they asked about him and his life. Turns out that whole travel and education thing really works out.
As far as my art goes (I told you we’d circle back), Sam’s journey is one of soooooooo many experiences. I love that he wasn’t afraid to try new things, to stand up for the things he believed in, and at the end, his final words were what and who he loved most - “Texas. Texas. Margaret.” This makes me cry every time I think about it. I love that in spite of losing people, losing hope, losing love, losing himself at various points in his life, he not only finished strong at the end, he persevered through the worst of times and got to celebrate the best of them. It is this, the best kind of character, that inspires all of my artwork. The people whose journeys I paint are not always famous. Many of them will never have their names mentioned in a history book, but they are examples of courage, of integrity, of spirit. They are the people who stand by others when no one else will. Or throw an arm around a shoulder so no one sees the tears of a broken soul. Or encourages the person whose smile is starting to fade. Or keeps climbing higher while those ever so near try to pull them down.
Keep Your Ear and Create
It all begins with an idea.
How did this blog get its name? Well. . . . there is a (short and) winding road that goes like this: Vincent Van Gogh “removed” his ear and everyone knows it. Everyone. It’s a pretty famous story. Of course, there are a few different versions. One version says two nights before Christmas in 1888, he used a razor to cut it off after a severe bout of depression. He was in France, so this makes me sad. I’ve never been, but I’ve always been under the impression that France is a happy, beautiful place to get in touch with oneself and have a lovely time.
Another version says that he got into a little tiff that perhaps got a little physical with artist Paul Gauguin, and afterward, he chopped that ear off and gave it to a prostitute. I mean, what a thoughtful gift, right? Nothing says “true love” like a hacked off ear. After the no doubt romantic gift giving, he was admitted to a mental hospital in Arles.
Yet another version: he broke. Seriously, the man was under enormous pressure: 1. Theo, his brother, and principle source of Vincent’s financial stability, was engaged to be married and would undoubtedly be unable to pay for Vincent’s lifestyle any further. 2. Vincent and Gauguin had been hanging out intensely for just way too long. 3. He had cranked out so much work that his creative, mental, and emotional limits had been taxed beyond the normal scope of where those levels should be.
All this to say that I think we can take a lesson from Vincent. Regardless of how anyone wants to analyze it, Vincent was quite passionate about what he created - paintings, letters, drawings, etc. Can we be as passionate and still live a perfectly normal innovative life? I believe we can. I believe we should. And I believe we ought to while keeping our ears in tact. See, I think living creatively can indeed mean making sacrifices here and there, but I think we can keep a balance so that our most important entities - our families, our friends, our ears - don’t have to suffer. I also believe we must have aspects of creativity at the very least scattered into our daily lives whether we paint, sculpt, whittle, write, sing, play an instrument, cook, dance, or act. Or whatever other really awesome creative thing you enjoy doing. If you’re the parent of any age child and you are aware you and the little one are spending way too much time on the technology, if you are a creative who just needs a little inspiration and motivation, if you are a person who knows you need to be doing something in the creative realm but your ADD hinders you from making a decision on exactly what (welcome to my world, btw), or if you are the most non-creative person you know, this blog is for you. There will be lots and lots and lots of creative morsels for you to enjoy through the course of this blog. Welcome to the studio, Friend. I’m glad you’re here.
