I hadn’t done a craft project in months, thanks to my companion, chronic pain. But a project was SO calling me, it was worth the inevitable flare.
For Mother’s Day, Greg and Jesse gave me a mobile that you attach photos to. When I saw it, I immediately had an idea in my mind of what I wanted to do. (For some reason I didn’t want to simply attach photos to it.) I ended up cutting an old Kelly Rae Roberts calendar into bird shapes. I had to do one bird, then stretch, take a break, and maybe an hour later do another bird. It was kind of frustrating because I don’t like having to break the flow. But I’m getting better at pacing myself – well most of the time. I don’t have to give up the things I love, but I do have to change the way I go about them. So this project took me several days, but I love how it turned out.
Another thing I hadn’t done lately is do a photo shoot with Greg. We took the mobile outside in our backyard and I gave him instructions that I wanted “lots of green twinkly things” in the background. The only issue is that we have new neighbors and they’re frequently outside. I feel kind of self-conscious doing all the weird photo things we do out there. The weekend they moved in I was throwing colored tissue paper in the air.
I also had him take a picture of me in my new glasses. I’m still trying to get used to the 51-year-old me. I think I look much better without glasses, but that’s not an option anymore. So here’s to embracing change, and trying to do it gracefully.
I absolutely love the bird mobile–it’s so beautiful and inspiring! And you look just lovely with the glasses. 🙂
u just made my day!
Aging, change and new beginnings are hard for anyone, but especially difficult for those of us struggling with self acceptance to begin with. Thank you for your honesty and inspiration. I just recently discovered your blog and its helped me so much with my own feelings. I LOVE your bird mobile. I wish there were multiples so I could have one for myself!
I love the mobile!
Barb! This is reallly lovely! Your beautiful crafts resonate with a whimsical and light movement within me! I found your FB page and came over to your blog. I am all about self-compassion, too!!!! I am the Wellness Counselor at Georgetown University and I also have a private practice in Frederick, MD. I talk to people all the time about self-compassion as the foundation for loving others and how caring and nurturing ourselves IS caring for others. I talk a lot with other moms, too, about this! well, lovely to connect with you. I look forward to reading more.
Many blessings,
Lisa A. McCrohan, MA, LCSW-C, RYT
http://www.barefootbarn.com
What a cute project!