Coming back from a trip away from the duties of home and offspring reminds me a lot of landing an airplane. You know the part where you go from smooth soaring above the clouds to the bump of hitting the ground and slowing down?
Some landings are far bumpier than others.
After returning from our fast and furious trip to Vegas I faced my own bumpy landing. My jolt of reality after a trip filled with room service, quiet [and delightfully warm] meals, and getting dressed up for no reason. It was back to hungry little mouths, dishes in the sink, clutter in unexpected spaces, laundry spilling over baskets, constant chatter, and nonstop activity. The three blissful days self-focus, which I vaguely remember from my twenties, was out the door. Again.
On top of it all, for some weird reason I began to think about my career [or lack thereof], my personal goals, my age......my identity. Great, why was I doing this to myself? This not always a fun path to go down when you are in the grips of potty training, negotiating emotional tugs of war between siblings, running to and from the grocery store and planning meals in a flash. You're just not going to feel like a hot young jet setter who's got the world by the tail. Suddenly I felt a lump in my throat.
Motherhood is not always glamorous. I know, I'm stating the obvious.
Don't worry, I have a point.
We all know motherhood is the ultimate act of giving. And when you put a few personal goals on hold, it can be tough watching friends and colleagues soar into success in areas where their expertise is being honed. And you feel like you're just sitting there. Like a dishrag.
Or like this.
Not that I've ever felt this way personally.
After thinking and doing a little walloring [as my grandmother would say], I was reminded of just a few amazing and inspiring women who do a stunning job honoring their role as mother and staying fresh in their areas of expertise. Their stories inspire me. And I wanted to share.
CREATIVE MOMMAS...
Take for example this lovely lady and mother of three.
Mother, artist, writer, among many other things, PVE can whip out a picture and inspire you to go find a fabulous vintage sofa at a second hand store...
Or have you dreaming of Paris on a hot summer day.
With a simple brush of her hand she evokes wonder and inspiration. I love her appreciation for the simple things. The warmth of her personality. And her dedication to her job as mother.
To learn a little more about PVE's story, read her fabulous interview here. Or visit her blog here.
Next is Anna Maria Horner, a talented textile designer and mother of five. Yes, I said five. She's one up on me. Anytime I feel overwhelmed I should visit her site. You should too, it's incredible. Does the woman sleep? As if she's not busy enough, she's also written a book on sewing. I found her blog only days ago, although she's very well known in the industry.
Look how she celebrates the use of color in her own home.
I don't know her personally, and I'm certainly not a quilter, but I have an appreciation for Anna Maria's passion for beauty and ability to create loveliness even out of the most simple of things. Like placing blossoms in wine glasses in preparation for dinner guests.
Lastly, I include Tracy Porter. She's the mother of four boys, an artist, an entrepreneur and creator of her own retail empire. She and her husband started their business in a chicken coop and both share an "anything is possible" attitude.
Her motto? "Own it."
She admits to having a full time nanny [which her tikes call "GoGo"]. She also reveals that she has no problem asking for help and has no interest playing the role of super-woman. I like that. She seems to really keep her kids active in her work, which is very cool. Imagine how much of an influence her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit has had on them.
I love the boyish reality of this next picture. I believe that is Tracy's youngest son making his way to the top of the settee. In that context, the hanging picture reminds me a little of a Walton Ford, although I'm sure it's an Audubon.
Take a minute and cruise through her blog here or watch her helpful home design videos here. If nothing else, you will walk away quite inspired.
But my VERY FAVORITE is this video from her summer 2008 catalog shoot. It looks like they shot it in her personal home. Have you seen her kitchen?! A must see! In it you will sneak peaks of her kids, her amazing home, and tons of eye candy.
MY POINT...
If you're in a rut, I want to remind you to find simple beauty in your everyday life. Maybe it's putting a handful of fresh Gerber daisies in a recycled jar, placing candles floating in a bowl of water at night-time on your porch, or painting a ten dollar garage sale accent table canary yellow. Do your best to carve out some alone or creative time each day, even if it's only half an hour.
For me, sometimes the only "extra" thing I can squeeze in is putting on eye make-up and throwing on my favorite opera-length strand of freshwater pearls with whatever I'm wearing. Doesn't always match, but it makes me feel better.
Then think about the good you're doing by loving the little souls in your home, caring for them and looking out for their best interest. The good news is they love you despite the fact that you may be having a bad hair day or don't have the most expensive fabric or faucets in your home. They count on you and love you for things beyond surface value. Someday they will grow up and leave your nest [at least that's what I'm told]. Everything you have taught them they will hold near and dear to their heart. And then they will share it all with their little ones.
What a gift to give. Yourself.
