Creative Musings from a Joyful Heart

When I was in the third grade I loved to swing.  At recess I would race to the playground in hopes of getting the swing right across from a huge old oak tree that shaded the yard.  Kicking my feet and leaning back further and further my goal was to touch the tips of the leaves that, to me, were at the very top of the tree.  I can still remember the feeling of breathlessness as I would soar higher and higher!  Then it would happen… my senses would reach overload as the wind whipped through my hair, the sound of the clanking chains rang in my ears, the sun warmed my face… and I would laugh.  I couldn’t help it… and I couldn’t stop!  The joy just bubbled out.  

I watched my sons playing together tonight and got lost in *their* joy. 

Not a care in the world, they threw all of the pillows from the couch to the floor and jumped from stepping stone to stepping stone.  ”Be careful, Little One” said Big Brother, “or you’ll fall into the river!”.  Round and round they walked, jumped and hopped until they collapsed into a pile of giggles.  Inwardly I was filled with thankfulness… I can remember worrying that the six years between them would get in the way of times like this.  I didn’t need to worry, oh how they play!

When was the last time YOU played?  Pushed aside the stresses and cares of life, job and responsibilities to feel your whole being fill with delight?  Laughed till tears streamed down your face and your sides hurt?  Jumped in a puddle?  What makes you feel like a kid again?

With two little boys I have to schedule my play time… but I do… and I’m so glad for it!  I sit down to paint and time stands still.  Bottles of paint start to take over my table and soon even my palette is a work of art!  While scrapbooking or making cards I pull out my “stuff” and get lost in sensory overload as beautiful papers, fibers and embellishments fill me with creative excitement!  Have you ever experienced this??? 

When I design and create I’m a child on the swings with the wind tugging at my pony tail… oh, come play with me! *Ü*