Clarity

In high school I used to doodle, I would cover my entire binder in intricate and repetitive patterns. Perhaps that says something about the kind of student I was, but I made it through okay.  Not so long ago I discovered zentagle art and smiled at the familiarity; this I knew I could do.  The idea is to create a small work of art in just 30 minutes, using repetitive patterns as you let your mind wander like meditation or yoga.  Do one a day if you can, a short exercise to clear your head.

I haven't managed to make it a daily routine, but every day that I can make it happen I know it has improved my mood.  More recently, I saw a short documentary from Ted Talks with speaker Andy Puddicombe that emphasized the benefits of taking 10 Mindful Minutes a day to clear your mind.  It brought me back to the experience of doing a quick drawing which has the same effect.  The point is that no matter what you do to clear your head, it has a genuine positive effect that you carry with you throughout the day. Better yet, if you can teach yourself to get to that zone in a short period, it's a tension reliever you can do anywhere and in many little ways.

I knew my doodling was serving a purpose.
;)     Tasha

Nils' Garden

Every summer from my childhood to my teens, I went to heaven.  When I was older and couldn't go, it was the safe and happy place I always kept with me.  This was Nilsgord, my grandfather's garden; a small 100 year old hobby farm in Finland. 

My grandparents always made sure my sister and I had something interesting to do, old scraps of wood and house paint made great boats for floating down the nearby creek; the most delicious baked goods I can't begin to describe (search for Finnish Pulla!); and visits with neighbouring farmers and the livestock we said hello to.  My grandmother would have us picking wild strawberries in the fields and stringing them on tall grasses.

I can remember little moments, the atmosphere and always a general feeling of contentment.  Time has passed and things have changed, but it lives on in my heart. My love of vintage for all the décor that made the place what it was, a mix-mash of worn antiques and 1950's housewares; and my love of handmade for all the projects that kept us busy and happy all those summer days.

Thanks for letting me reminisce.
~ Tasha