When I quit my 9-5 to stay home with Audrey, I envisioned days that would pass leisurely, a little housework here, some cooking there, and a little painting to top it off. I looked forward to days filled with simple things, and most of all, days of just being with my daughter and doing fantastical things with her and giving her a childhood to make others green with envy.
What I didn't expect was the nagging voice of an overachiever in my head, making me think I had to 'earn my keep' so to speak, if I wasnt going to be pulling in a paycheck in the traditional sense.
It tooks months for me to get comfortable in my new life. It was strange.
Then I started getting caught up in art and suddenly I was giving more to my family than just a nice dinner and I felt really validated (thanks guys!) but I also, I suppose, got really caught up in trying to do a lot of things at once and here I am, again, going: where is my time?
So now, more than ever, I am making myself take a big deep breath. I am still on the search for something simple. I need to take the advice I am often given, which is relax. I never much considered myself a type A, but I think, in a sense, I am. I am no neat-freak, but I am always on time. And I hate the thought of disapointing people. And if I say I'll do it then damn it, I'll do it, no matter if I said yes to 10 things too many.But this new year, this time where we all naturally seem to reevaluate ourselves, I am reevaluating my need to always push myself hard, and just be. I want a simple life. With my daughter and husband. And somehow, to fit painting in with that too.
In the spirit of my new quest to keep things simple, I've been burning up the Amazon favorites button and really looking forward to getting my little hands on these books:
I think these two books could really kick-start some fun things for my family, especially for me and Audrey. Because I want to be that mom that takes her on cool excursions, for walks and adventures and teaches her to paint and dance and lets her be whoever she wants to be (even if that is Scarlett O'Hara) I just need to be pointed in the right direction.And if anyone of you have any suggestions, I am SO all ears! or reading eyes, whatever....
*deep breath*
So that's my agenda for now. So I've got two plans....be true, and keep it simple. Seems simple enough, don't you think? We'll see.....
And PS! i found out my little painting Maude and Maggie was part of a fun etsy treasury about red heads! Ah, to be a red head! You lucky little things....
Happy Monday everyone~
H
18 comments:
Great goals! It think it's important to remember to keep it simple. It's so important to remember that our precious time with our kids is short. They will be out of our houses before we know it. We must enjoy it NOW. To enjoy, we must slow down and take in all the joy they bring.
The creative family is a GREAT book. I would highly recommend it. I must go check out the other one. I love the saying "keep it simple stupid". It says it all :)
hi heather!
what a beautiful post. you are so articulate. i just kept nodding my head and smiling. me too! slowing down, aprreciating and breathing are all things that emmitt, my pug, does so well that i try to remember to do too. :)
i think even just being aware of those things is a huge step in the right direction. the books look wonderful. your family is so lucky to have you.
xo
m
The new year is work out really well for you. I have learned, the hard way, to keep life simple and am happier for it! Family, good food and good art is all one needs to be happy in my opinion! Enjoy!
oh, heather! i hear you....same type of re-evaluation going on hear. my 2009 word is freedom which has lots to do with be-ing rather than doing.
Well first of all..congratulations on the Etsy Treasury...that's wonderful...secondly..love your thought and ideas for the New Year..they sound perfect!
Our children grow up in literally the blink of an eye and you don't want to look back and say..I wish I had spent more time with my children instead of....we only have them for a limited amount of time to be sure....so your idea to be with her as much as you can is absolutely wonderful.
Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello.
Have wonderful night :)
Doreen
Heather, you are that mom already!
Hey Heather- This post truly hit home for me because I know exactly how you are feeling. Since I stopped working it has been a real process for me to get into a groove of life. I have learned that it just takes time to settle and that you have to form an entire new routine. The time home though is so so amazing- I wouldn't trade it for the world.....
I love the books you posted! Thanks.
Take Care.
Lovely photos!! PS: I am a red head and so is my son!
oH my goodness! It never ceases to amaze me all the artistic gals that are out there. I found you via flicker. I LOVE your paintings. They are like no other. You are absoulutely a talent. BTW~I am a stay at home mom...have been since her birth (10yrs almost!) and time...seems theres less of it but it's all so worth it. Good for you!
Robin
I couldn't have said it better myself. You have such a way of expressing your feelings and thoughts with words, something I am horrible at.
Congrats on your Etsy Treasury!!!
Blessings,
MIchelle
Wonderful, concise, and ultimately rewarding goals! I understand the same struggle~ some weeks I get to be an artist, and others I'm just Mom. Luckily, I totally love both jobs. :) You should be very proud of all you've accomplished in the past year~ but RIGHT ON to taking extra time to nourish your soul and family. 'Tis a gift to be simple...
Oh my goodness!!! Were we seperated at birth? heehee! Sounds exactly like me! But, then again it probably sounds like alot of us stay at home moms! I still think that way about not bringing in a paycheck!!!!
That's wonderful!
Check out my blog. I tagged you today :)
Both of those books look great! I am sure you will find the inspiration you are looking for too... it's within you already!
You are so incredibly lucky to have a daughter to dance and paint and bake with:)
Such a pretty post Heather.
Wonderful post Heather. I really enjoyed it.
You will be great. One thing, I thought of was to not forget for you and Audrey to have breathing time. Just time, where nothing has to be done. Just time where you can both laze around in your respective lazing around corners and just BE.
You are going to have a great life, I can tell.
Love Renee
I love your art and your blog! I've awarded you with the Lemonade Stand Award!!!! Visit my blog to pick up your award and also the instructions.
Micki x
Oh to dream of simple life................ Mmmmmmmmmm...................................... lovely!
Take a leaf out of children. This is when I remember life being simple. I don't know whether I could shut my brain up long enough for it to be simple. Wish though............. You go girl, your on the right track!
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