Sometimes life is so hectic, and I forget how much I need this- time- to get away and feel like myself again, to laugh and dream and feel creative- my camera on my shoulder. Time with a friend who really listens, who just gets it… and who lets me take pictures of her mid-conversation.

Taking time out from the everyday routine to recharge is essential to both the creative process and to life as a mom. I love sharing creative dreams and visions, talking about life, shooting a few frames with no agenda… just being for a while.

And then I feel filled- like I have more of myself to give again. Every single time, I wonder why I don’t do this more often. Because the planning and aligning of schedules can be tricky, but never as hard as I make it out to be in my mind. And so worth it.

Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, said,
“In order to create, we draw from our inner well. This inner well, an artistic reservoir, is ideally like a well stocked fish pond… If we don’t give some attention to upkeep, our well is apt to become depleted, stagnant, or blocked… As artists, we must learn to be self nourishing. We must become alert enough to consciously replenish our creative resources as we draw on them – to restock the trout pond, so to speak.”
I think each of us need to figure out what nourishes us- what restocks our creative pond. It is different for everyone, and different for the same person at various times. Sometimes I need solitude and quiet, and sometimes I need tea and conversation with a friend. Recognizing it and making sure we get what we need benefits both our art and our lives as a whole. For me, sometimes it can feel a little selfish (a trap that’s so easy to fall into, especially as a mother), but the truth is that you cannot give to others- your clients, colleagues, husband, kids- if your own cup is empty. Nourishing yourself is an essential part of being the best version of you in every area of life.

Thank you, Mary, for your friendship and for having tea/coffee with me!
{By the way, if you are in West Palm Beach, you must check out this new coffeeshop- Habatat Coffee Co. My cappuccino was pretty spectacular, and they’re located inside an art gallery. Chatting with one os the owners for a few minutes, it was clear that they have a passion there for what they’re serving and they guarantee it is the very best quality. I really love meeting people who are passionate about what they do!}