Sometimes this “being a creative mother” lark is utterly, frighteningly, frustrating. Why can’t I switch it off and just be happy curling up beside the stove reading Mills and Boons or (“preferably!!” my dear husband shouts) cleaning my house with delight while looking like a perfectly turned out 1950s housewife.
I have been pondering making a short video of my painting process for the longest time… Just a simple mixed media painting based on an inspiring message. Over the weekend (probably on Pinterest) I saw the wording: “You are so loved” and it stuck in my head.
Today, when my fluffy haired blondie went for his usual 2 hour sleep, I was organised: camera (with full battery!!), paints, brushes, paper, tripod, inspiration and IDEA!
I pressed the record button just as he woke up, half an hour later.
Not to be deterred, I continued with him running around the floor shaking the tripod (!) and Grace giving me a non stop commentary on My Little Pony (thankfully I had been talking with my older boys about editing and Michael said he could mute all sound on it and put in a soundtrack. Rather than it being a form of M.L.P.-induced torture)
Thomas kindly took him for a walk around outside in the gale force winds to find a cat to cuddle and I took a look at what had been filmed so far.
Nothing. Noooooooooo! Always a good idea to press the record button, you see.
The phrase “quit while you are ahead” had been ringing around my head with good reason so…
After having a snit with Thomas (entirely my fault, my frustration) (“cut off your nose to spite your face”) I just stopped doing, being, trying to create. Tidied the kitchen. Put the dinner in the slow cooker. Had a bowl of soup. Apologised for being a twat.
I will have another go tomorrow in good light; when that little terror delight goes for A Long Sleep (and to finish: a quote from my favourite character of all time 
)
“It’s snowing still,” said Eeyore gloomily.
“So it is.”
“And freezing.”
“Is it?”
“Yes,” said Eeyore. “However,” he said, brightening up a little, “we haven’t had an earthquake lately.”
― A.A. Milne
“Us? cause trouble? My dear lady, you must be dreadfully mistaken…”
But you are So Loved xx
Really warm & lovely post and pics. You put a big smile on my face : )
you sound like me 4 years ago!
not too much has changed on a mundane level – still struggle to find space and time. but what has changed is my attitude. i have shifted my spiritual perspective. restrictions and limitations bring out the best in me, if i don’t fight them. a life-long lesson for me personally, but i imagine everyone can learn to blossom in a container, if they’re not always looking for the forest!
it’s a daily mindfulness practice though, but the frustrations are greatly reduced.
good luck!
Are you writing about me??!!!!!!! But you did well, looks good! My baby just saw the photo of your two and now she’s crying: “I want a basket on my head”!!!!
Ahhhh how I miss those days.
Joanna, don’t you know that head baskets are all the rage nowadays?! And let me clarify, that fashionable basket is **actually** a pair of sunglasses…!!!
Thanks Monica! The funny thing is (maybe after five children) I am usually fairly zen about these things, and when I feel myself “pulling” against what is happening I usually stop… It’s not worth it!!! You are absolutely right, it is a complete change in my head that’s needed as opposed to the situation. Now I just need to print that out and stick it on my wall
Thanks Jane
Thank you Sharon! Right back at you:-) ! Xxx
good to know I am not the only one who loses it occasionally!
love the picture – can’t wait to see if you remember to push the record button the next time!
blessings
Karen
Oh Karen, probably the most used words in my head are “GIVE UP!!!!!!”