My brother and I are caregivers for our parents. Its a blessing in many ways, and, at the same time it’s often incredibly difficult.

These have been some of the difficult times. My 90 year old father fell on Christmas day. He broke his femur and needed a partial hip replacement. So many stressors — pain, fear, the unknown, and fatigue — to name a few.

I had hoped to ease some of my daily angst by creating a large meditative art piece over winter break, but now I find myself in the hospital with no space to paint a 24 x 24 inch canvas — could you imagine? – as my dear father (and mother) suffer.

Unable to do what I planned, I am making art with what I have in my bag. My very large art creating has turned into some of the smallest bits of creating I’ve done in quite some time.

I threw the Bella Grace Field Guide to Everyday Magic in my bag with some pencils and pens as I ran out the door to meet the ambulance and my dad at the hospital. I’m so glad I did. It’s not a drawing journal, but that’s how I’m using it. I think the fact that it wasn’t made for drawing has made it an even better experience for me because it encourages me to think and play. My moments of play, focus, contemplation and creative thinking and doing have been a remarkably beautiful balm for my spirit, mind, body and soul!

Instead of songs — designs and words:

A space for my thoughts … In drawing form. I made two of each to practice. The first done with pencil then pen, the second just with pen.

This was done on a space meant for nothing but space. I wanted so much to capture a feeling and thoughts I had as I visited the chapel. As the haiku was written, and the image drawn, my breath deepened and tears flowed.

CREATIVITY
Creativity
What would I do without you?
Surely I’d be less.