New Season - Creating in Faith - Podcast Episode on Realityarts

Weekly Podcasts

Creating in Faith

Well I have come to the end of Season One of Creating in Faith and I have decided to shift things up a bit for the next season which will begin tomorrow!!!

For Season Two I will be sharing more Art Journaling tips and techniques which will accompany each podcast episode 

on my YouTube Art Channel 

YouTube

My Patreon Blog will also have some behind the scenes video for those who want to take their art journey even further.

Realityarts Patreon

You will be getting a monthly video where I will be creating an art journal, and I want you to look at the supplies you have, any unfinished journals you started making and you will spend time completing these each and every month.

Weekly podcasts posts will be accompanied by an art journal page video as well with an encouraging word.  I am thankful for all those who have stopped by and connected.

I have selected some of the podcasts that you can take a look at, and spend time thinking about some of the points raised in each episode and what it means for your own creative journey.

Fruit

I am really looking forward to sharing the art journal videos with you along with the podcast episode

Mothers

Each episode is created to inspire and bless you, helping you be your true creative self, getting out of your own way as you inspire others

Space

It has been an amazing journey creating the content for the podcast and I have grown creatively as well.

Stepping Out of the Boat

Come and join me for Season Two and see how the episodes can inspire you - having the faith to know that you can be creative.

Change 

Time for changes and reflections as we go into the next series.  If you are an artist who is interested in the impact of the arts on our health and well-being and you would like to join me on the podcast I would love to hear from you!

Looking forward to growth and the journey, stay blessed and be a blessing.

Creating in Faith - Mothers

As a daughter there were expectations that we had of our mother, without questioning, mum was always there, she was a quiet strength.  you always knew if you were in trouble that mum would help you out.  As I grew up I never gave the role of motherhood any thought.  The nights I came home late, out enjoying myself never thinking of how much worry I put mum to and her waiting up to make sure I got back safe.

Mothers - Book mark holder of reflections

On my 18th birthday mum says I walked into the front room and declared that as I was 18 I would be leaving home and going to live with my sister.  I never realized that despite thinking I was an adult, I was still far from it, and while she treated me as an adult, mum still saw me as her little girl.  Her role of worrying even though I lived in my own home never ceased, being a mother wasn't something she switched off.  I do remember her making a comment to something I had said, probably something to do with me saying "I'm an adult now you know!"  her response in her wisdom was to let me know that just because I am big didn't mean that she would stop caring, and how I would understand when I became a mother.

I understand now that being a mother to a 'just turned 18 year old brings up many of the memories from my own teenage years.  I have to learn to give him space, to approach him as the young man he is becoming, I couldn't quite imagine him leaving home at this age, and know that even when he is in his 40's I will still worry about how he is getting on.  As our kids get older we are faced with our own mortality and begin to question where and who we are, and what we will fill that gap that is left when they decide to flee the nest.  I try to continue to look at my life still excited about those things that I have not yet tried, understanding that physically there are things that I can no longer or even want to do.

In caring for my mother it would seem as if the role have got reversed.  Looking after mums needs and making sure that she is comfortable has been hard to get my head around.  I had looked forward to the mother-daughter talks that we would have when I became an adult.  I cling the the things that she can remember of our childhood, in an attempt to halt the progressive damage being done by dementia.

The role of a mother isn't something that can be taken lightly for you have young hearts and minds in your hand that need to be nurtured and equipped to one day go out into the world and have adventures of their own with the confidence in knowing who they are. We guide them in their journey and show by our examples our unconditional love.  Think about your relationships with your mother and reflect on the lessons you have learnt that you have passed on.

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you...let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.. John 14:24

Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and will dine with him and he with Me..Revelation 3:20

Motherhood

I have written many posts about my mother, how she inspires, and has a joy to life, I hope at her age I am as vibrant and fun...

......and I have written about my son who is a blessing, who makes me proud, makes me laugh and is going to be 16 this year!

I am also a stepmother to Ahisha, who I have seen grow up into a beautiful young woman, and I hope I have and can continue to be equally as encouraging and inspiring...

Dancing

I have always loved dancing.  In her later years my mum has started to enjoy dancing and singing.  I have taken numerous videos of her which in time will serve as a reminder of her bubbly nature, she always seems to have an extra shot of energy which is especially amazing for an 87 year old!  This video is of her dancing to a song called 'thats not my name' (Mavis Style)..

Inspiring Women

There are many women who have for many different reasons inspired me. The one that has had the most impact on who I am today is my mother – Mavis

Throughout our childhood she supported and cared for her husband and 3 children whilst working part-time to make ends meet, cooking and providing a secure home environment. She sacrificed her own happiness and made sure that her children never did without. Growing up I never really appreciated or saw all that she did and it is only now as a mother to a teenager myself that I understand how many sacrifices she made for us, how she was being fair when we thought she was being unfair, when she was thinking of our wellbeing and not trying to spoil our fun, and showed me how she loved me enough not to judge me or label me or put me down.

As an adult I now have a different relationship with her and do sometimes have to remind her that I am a ‘big woman’ with my own responsibilities, and ways of doing things, but to her, I will always be her child.

I am now her main carer, she developed dementia and has been living with it for about 8 years and it is now in the severe stage as she needs 24 hour care. The remarkable thing about the illness is that she developed a whole different personality.

From being quiet she became out going and lively, she has a wonderful sense of humour and an infectious laugh and loves to dance! She knows what she wants and will tell you she is quite capable of looking after herself; after all she brought up 3 children! She enjoys going out and thankfully is still mobile. Where ever she goes she leaves an impression on people and they say they wish they had a mum who at 86 years old was still so outgoing and lively.

We can often take for granted those loved ones that are around us and it’s only when circumstances change that we realised what we had or have. Though caring for her I have grown as a person, I have understanding of the condition, and making the most of each and every day. As an artist I can also see how art, creativity and constant interaction can improve the quality of life. I have been able to work with others who have the condition and seen the benefits of remaining active in their lives.

I try not to let anything worry me, making the most of every opportunity and situation, and see the beauty in the smallest of detail, I also hope I can be an inspiration and a blessing to others.

I put together a short video giving you a bit more information on Mavis. Do let me know what you think. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SkClvTmlrw   also check out her riverdance attempt and forgive my laughing in the background and the messy front room! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yWRRz00h9I&NR=1

As an added bonus, this week’s challenge is sponsored by Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances. One lucky winner gets to take home a new Electrolux washer and dryer set.