my mom….someone everyone should know….She is the sweetest person, makes a mean lasagna and meatloaf, puts others needs before herself, leads by example, inspires, and brings out the best in others,….

She is strong and courageous   What an inspiration to me!  When I think I am having a bad day, I think of all she has been through and has overcome.

My mom is a master gardner…she is the one who taught me how to keep a plant alive  (more on the ORCHID story later:-)

For now, let me tell you a little about her:

Debra LOVES life.  And it shows.  Every thing she sets her hands to takes to LIFE…..she even has a dog (Henri) that  rescues birds that have fallen out of their nest.  MY MOM takes them to the “Bird Sanctuary”. ( Seriously, this has happened a few times!!)  Not only does she drop them off, but calls later to check on their progress.  She is the most kindred spirit I know.  She truly cares about life.  She draws and paints and writes about ways God speaks to her. 

Mom, thank you for teaching me in a gentle and quiet way.  I can remember  waking in the mornings to  you being at the table with your bible and journal, your cup of coffee.  You were so tender and sincere, sharing with me what God spoke to you that morning.

I am who I am today because of what you have given me…..

thank you mom

I returned home three days ago from a leisurely 10 day trip to my mom’s in Santa Monica.  It was wonderful.  Time to clear my mind, and just think.  Time to create.  Time to write music.  Time to sing with friends around the fire.  Time to re-aquaint with loved ones.  Time to meet new friends.  Time…..

It takes TIME to create.  

AHHHH.  Can you feel the sea breeze and the hot sand under your feet?  Can you hear the quiet through the the noise of the wind, the sea gulls, the waves?  I can.  It is where I think best.  It took a few days to unwind.  It is as though the sea breeze swept away all the clutter in my mind.  Deep inside was a stirring to make something.  to create.  to express.

My mom took me to her art studio a few nights ago and said, “let’s paint.”  I couldn’t remember the last time I had painted.  i suddenly felt curious about the unknown, and what might come out of me, quickly followed by fear of having to paint within the lines around an obscure idea in my mind.

  Ughhh…..

it’s ok.  Debra sensed it and so plainly said, “it’s not about perfection.  Just let yourself go and see what comes.  That is the beauty of art.”

That’s all it took.  One stroke, one drop, one spray and I was on my way.   It felt so good.  I realized after  one session that I have so much inside of me to express.  On paper, in conversation, in song, in life.  I thought of my little artists and musicians back home.  Where were they in the process?  Were they feeling inspired, or wilted?  What season were they in, and how was I fostering their growth?  I came home inspired to create a space for them to create.

I love my husband’s shop.  He built it with his own hands.  Him and his dad.  It is a huge 2 door shop. (24X36 vaulted…BIG)  I tease when talking about it that it is bigger than our house.  I love going out to the shop where he is. Because he is there:  building, making, creating.  Taking the broken, old, ugly, useless things and creating something so amazing!  He is currently working on a piece that was formerly a single wide trailer that my grandparent’s.  It is what they traveled in when they moved from Temple City, CA in the 50’s.  Sean stripped it down to it’s frame, and began working it over.  Welding, sanding, and cutting it in all the right places.  The final paint job is just around the corner.

 I decided that the girls and I need a shop of our own.  A space to hang, to think, to create,  jam,  paint, dance…..and just BE….creating.

So I spent yesterday and most of today in the garage creating that space.  Maddy’s love note (in my little mail box outside my bedroom door) confirmed my decision was a good one.

Love notes?

How about “I love you mom” or ‘grateful for mom” notes?  We all love how much work your go through to make our life better”.  love, maddy

ahhh…life is good.

What are you doing to create space and time to CREATE?