I love everything about this. I’ve been wanting to learn how to draw recently and you inspired me to pick up a drawing book and small sketch pad today. Here’s to having fun and making stuff, even if I’m not good at it yet. 🙂
I love this! I struggle with perfectionism, and with just getting started on things; you remind me that I should just do it! I can't keep letting the days slip away from me without doing something that feeds my soul. Big love to Seabass and his thumb 💜
I love that reminder. I struggle with perfectionism too. (We really should get some coffee.) Seabass is still playing basketball, so he's managing. ;) Thank you!
I took a nature writing workshop with Janisse Ray, and I was similarly inspired to draw! I loved to draw up until high school, when my parents made a big deal about how it was a waste of my time; I stopped drawing then. After enjoying the mindfulness and just the fun of drawing in Janisse's class, I went to the craft store and bought myself a good sketch book and drawing materials. It has been wonderful to reconnect with this part of myself.
"Imposter Syndrome" what a brilliant term. And exactly what I do at work until that is this year when all hell broke lose. Now I am having to adjust to people looking and acting different around me. But that's a long story best saved for another day.
For all the broken thumbs (ugh!) and things that make us want to throw our phones (aaargh!), nature has an antidote. Thank you for the timely and encouraging reminder, Mary.
Hi Mary! I am really enjoying Janisse's class, too, and dangnabit if I didn't realize I can draw, too! It felt like I found a new toy! It's magical!
Regarding mental health and its care and keeping, a game changer for me was to begin a simply mindfulness practice by noticing when I was standing, when sitting, when lying down, getting in and out of a chair, the car, etc. That was in 2020 and now I meditate for 30 -40 mins daily, sometimes with a group online, sometimes solo. Having separation from my thoughts and ego self has greatly increased my well-being.
I love your garden journal! Thank you for sharing.
Hi Maria! I love your meditation story. Thanks for sharing it. I feel the same about discovering a new hobby. Today, I got two of my family members to join me in drawing. It’s been fun! Thanks for reading!
I have neither gardening nor drawing talent to speak of, but when I walk past the art supplies in any given store, I like to pretend I do. I am talented at walking thoughtfully and dreamily through other peoples' gardens, does that count? I love the parallels you make between getting more comfortable being a beginner and watching things grow. Lovely.
I love everything about this. I’ve been wanting to learn how to draw recently and you inspired me to pick up a drawing book and small sketch pad today. Here’s to having fun and making stuff, even if I’m not good at it yet. 🙂
Yay! I'm so glad. I can't wait to share more about our new hobbies.
I love this! I struggle with perfectionism, and with just getting started on things; you remind me that I should just do it! I can't keep letting the days slip away from me without doing something that feeds my soul. Big love to Seabass and his thumb 💜
I love that reminder. I struggle with perfectionism too. (We really should get some coffee.) Seabass is still playing basketball, so he's managing. ;) Thank you!
I took a nature writing workshop with Janisse Ray, and I was similarly inspired to draw! I loved to draw up until high school, when my parents made a big deal about how it was a waste of my time; I stopped drawing then. After enjoying the mindfulness and just the fun of drawing in Janisse's class, I went to the craft store and bought myself a good sketch book and drawing materials. It has been wonderful to reconnect with this part of myself.
Lovely. It reminds of the joy in the small things.
Thanks for reading and sharing.
"You're getting better." Fantastic!
Thanks Janisse!
Ah! a lovely piece (as usual) and so helpful. Thank you, Mary. I'm blowing a kiss to Seabass's broken thumb.
Thanks Verna. It hasn't stopped him from playing basketball, so he's managing. As always, I appreciate your kind comments.
Love your garden journal and sketches!
Thanks Kristy!
"Imposter Syndrome" what a brilliant term. And exactly what I do at work until that is this year when all hell broke lose. Now I am having to adjust to people looking and acting different around me. But that's a long story best saved for another day.
Spring is the perfect time to start a nature journal…it’s something I dabble in as well and so relaxing. 💕
For all the broken thumbs (ugh!) and things that make us want to throw our phones (aaargh!), nature has an antidote. Thank you for the timely and encouraging reminder, Mary.
I needed to read this today, Mary. I'm getting serious about my nature journal, and about drawing. Thank you!
I'm so glad, Cathy. If you ever share some of your sketches in notes, please tag me as I'd love to see them.
I haven’t figured out notes and don’t know how to tag, etc.
Your time is probably better spent drawing. 😊
Hi Mary! I am really enjoying Janisse's class, too, and dangnabit if I didn't realize I can draw, too! It felt like I found a new toy! It's magical!
Regarding mental health and its care and keeping, a game changer for me was to begin a simply mindfulness practice by noticing when I was standing, when sitting, when lying down, getting in and out of a chair, the car, etc. That was in 2020 and now I meditate for 30 -40 mins daily, sometimes with a group online, sometimes solo. Having separation from my thoughts and ego self has greatly increased my well-being.
I love your garden journal! Thank you for sharing.
Hi Maria! I love your meditation story. Thanks for sharing it. I feel the same about discovering a new hobby. Today, I got two of my family members to join me in drawing. It’s been fun! Thanks for reading!
gorgeous piece!
Thanks for reading Lauren. I really enjoyed your article.
I have neither gardening nor drawing talent to speak of, but when I walk past the art supplies in any given store, I like to pretend I do. I am talented at walking thoughtfully and dreamily through other peoples' gardens, does that count? I love the parallels you make between getting more comfortable being a beginner and watching things grow. Lovely.