I popped out of bed much too early this morning, surging with excitement that
this day is finally here! I leave for
Squam Art Workshops (SAW) this afternoon! I am feeling rather bittersweet about the whole thing because I am not sure if I will be able to attend the Workshops during the next few years with a little one at home.
I guess that is one of my fears, and one that I am a little hesitant to talk about. I feel so much joy and happiness for the birth of our first child, but I am also worried that life as I know it will cease to exist. I have enjoyed so much creative freedom- the freedom to travel, craft, meet new people, learn new skills- will this come to end with the birth of our baby boy?
I guess I just have to look around the web at all of the amazing, creative mama's that successfully juggle family life and their creative passions. I know it is possible, but still...I have my moments of doubt. If you have any reassuring words, I would love to hear them!
What I do know is that I will savor this session of
SAW with every ounce of my being! I can't wait to share my adventure with you next week- have a lovely rest of your week and a fabulous fall weekend!
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It's possible to do all of those things! My parents never let me and brother slow them down, and I am so grateful for that. They took us camping and traveling, even when they were the only of their group of friends with children. I'm sure it was stressful at times, but it was enriching for them, and certainly for me.
My words of psuedo-wisdom: Take it easy for the first few months. You've put a lot of creative energy into that little boy. I didn't start my first "big" creative surge until after the birth of my first son. When he was three or four months old I started making books - and didn't stop for about four years. With each birth my passions changed a bit. With the second it was sewing. With the third it's needle felting and knitting. Sure, there were (are) times when I felt stifled and unable to get my crafty ways out of my head and into reality. But your kids are only young once and that yarn/paint/glue/what-have-you isn't going to run off while you're busy with life.
it may be hard to do as many things as you're used to doing, but i think soemtimes with a child your creativity gains a certain depth. when you are always thinking of a child's needs and loving them a certain wisdom can emerge. i love the saying necessity is the mother of invention. i believe that with a child you do lose some of the freedom, but you gain a greater understanding of how to blend utility and beauty. your whole life becomes about this delicate and strong blend. i'd suggest being slow about it all and not putting pressure on yourself. your creativity will grow in ways you probably can't even imagine.
I grapple with this subject on the daily! To be honest, I'm often too tuckered out to feel very creative...but tuckered out in a good way. The kind when you feel satisfied and fall into a deep sleep. The days I feel creative, I've found that I can find the time to accomplish what I'd like. I just have to be good with time management and utilize my free moments wisely. Evening is also a wonderful time for doing things; my little one is in bed BY 7:00, so there's some time then too. You will weave a wonderful tapestry of creativity into motherhood and it will be wonderful!
Well, it certainly isn't easy, but I've realized that it's so important for me. When we adopted our first I decided to put my paints away for a couple of months until I knew what I could handle. I didn't want to have projects sitting around waiting for me, making me feel guilty to look at or pressured to work on. But, after a few months I knew the time was right for getting back to the creative process. I was more inspired than before, and I've been busy at it for the last year and a half. We are anticipating our next adoption in December, so I am trying to get in all the time I can now, finishing up some bigger projects. I know I'll keep coming back to my painting, but I also know that I'll have to do it at a pace that I feel comfortable with, so as not to neglect my greatest and most important creative outlet, motherhood! You will do awesome. Someone once told me they sensed that it was just a part of my nature to create and that I would always find a way to do it. I sense the same about you even though I only know you through your lovely blog! Good luck and have fun this weekend!
i wouldn't know from personal experience (as in having my own child), but i do know (i've been told) that the most traveling i've ever done was when i was tiny. i think i took my first plane trip at less than a year old and i have photos of myself in the Bahamas at age three. at two and then again at 4 (or 5) i went to Hawaii. my parents love to travel, and they made it happen because they wanted me to be with them and see things, too. i have faith that you'll find some way to do things the way that you really want to. =]
You've certainly received so much wisdom already. But if I could add a few thoughts...
#1 yes, your life will change...
#2 but, you'll get into your own groove and find your own way... (enjoy your baby, it's such a precious -- valuable -- time, cherish it)
#3 and your love and passion as a creator will be magnified beyond your imagination, because being a mom is humankind's greatest form of creation...
#4 being a mom will make you sooo much more emotionally passionate and appreciative of life and every facet of it. You may find you have so much more blooming in your spirit, you'll have even more to write about or create.
#5 I personally lean heavily on my relationship with God to strengthen me when I feel weak and overwhelmed, maybe you have something that will strengthen you.
#6 if I can do it, anyone can.
#7 You go girl! and congratulations in advance :)
p.s. I totally love your blog and look forward to each inspiring post
It looks like you don't need more advice but how about assurance that your life with this baby will be enriched in ways you can never imagine.
My best advice would be to "stay open". Be open to the opportunities and possibilities to create as they present themselves to you.
I feel like my work has grown since my child was born because I've learned to focus my time on things that I truely love.
Before I was a mom, I dabbled in so many things. But a lack of time and finances (I quit my "day job" when I had my son) has inspired me to really decide what matters to me most as an artist.
I can agree with all the lovely comments you have received. As a mother of one, we have traveled across the globe with a 1 year old at that time (now she is two)and I can say that a child makes you see things/the world with new eyes.
just know you are not alone!
I can agree with all the lovely comments you have received. As a mother of one, we have traveled across the globe with a 1 year old at that time (now she is two)and I can say that a child makes you see things/the world with new eyes.
just know you are not alone!
The first few months are hectic, but you will be able to find creative time for yourself! It's part of who you are and impossible to repress. You may even find that you are inspired with new and different ideas from being a Mum.
Your time is certainly less your own when you are a Mum. I have found that I have really "pared down" some of my other activities to focus on things that I truly love! Sometimes this can really make you focus on the best parts of your life.
Kind of a hokey answer actually...but I'm sending it anyway!
If all else fails....remember, babies sleep a fair bit! Not necessarily for long stretches at a time, but lots of napping.
Yes, you can absolutely do all of those things. Just strap the baby on to you and go do all that you do. Sure there will be times when it is difficult to juggle it all. But when that happens, I just take a deep breath and know that my little is only little for a short time... and all the other things that I love in life will be waiting for me like old friends when things calm down a bit.
Sure, you can do all those things. It's the pace that changes--and the simple realization that 'all' and 'all on the day you think you want to do it' are not the same thing.
Can't wait to see you doing it all, in your own way, as we all do. :)
life doesn't stop--just changes. realistically, it takes more planning and scheduling to do the things you want to do. but you CAN do them. i think teaching a child--right from birth--that you have interests, that you HAVE a life of your own; it's very good for them.
my four are grown and out in the world, two teaching high school, one at a not-for-profit and one still in college.
i've sewn, knit and volunteered through it all.
my family has been the best creative project of my life.
you will be stunned at how a child will change your life.
my advice? be in the moment whenever you can. that simple. and have FUN!
Christine,
You will soon realize that yes things do change. Where you put your energy changes. And, your proioroties shift. But, always for the better. With one baby you can put them in a sling or sitting right next to you and create away. You will learn to take the moments as they come. As you know I have four children now and I've learned that I may not have hours and hours together anymore, unless it's late at night when everyone is sleeping, but rather an hour here and a half hour there. I find that I've become more efficient in the time that I do have. Plus, you get to experience this new amazing life in your little boy. It's incredible. Motherhood requires creativity. Thank goodness. An added bonus is that you will discover new aspects of yourself in all the time with your little one. New ideas. New projects. It doesn't stop, it grows. You will become more of who you are as his mama. I'm so excited for you.
Love, Kellen
Hi Christine :) Just before I had my daughter, I wondered how I would manage to juggle everything - from cooking and keeping house, keeping up socially with friends, etc., etc.
This in addition to thoughts of how in the world I was about to take care of a newborn. Totally part of the preparation for the journey I was about to go on.
~There is so much 'new' on the horizon for you and yours - such good things. I know from my own experience, as well as some of my girlfriends, that new moms will fall into their own flow and routine - one that happens gradually and it just feels right for mama and her family. The process unfolds naturally and instinctively.
I know in my heart that this is how it will happen for you.
I'm enjoying your SAW pics ~ and hoping you are feeling good! ~Bella