inspire

It's been hard to be creative lately. From writing here or my journal, playing or composing music, or just having the 'oomph' to start a project ... it's been hard. I've felt a lack of inspiration...

to {inspire}: fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative; breathe or blow into [impart a truth or idea to someone].

When I compared the "state" of my inspiration before to now, I realized I couldn't find an excuse as to why I was not receiving inspiration with my surroundings, gratitudes, and love. Sure, I will face times where I will be in a slump and not as riveting, but right now, things are fun, fresh, exciting and new. So, why is it that I cannot find that urge or ability to do or feel something creative? It's my 'fuel', is what ... HOW I am fulfilled ... satisfied.

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love

And his wonderful deeds for mankind,

For he satisfies the thirsty

And fills the hungry with good things.

Psalm 107:8-9

Much like this bamboo, I'm in a time of seeing variations of myself ... some yellow, fresh green, dried up and peel-able... Parts of me that I have brushed to the side, as I've faced "other, pressing" issues in my life until now, are now being exposed, revealed, even to me. Through this, I am learning, developing, and gaining sweet perspective of my Creator as He continues to provide, nourish, and reach me however I may be.

I flip my attitude and say, because of that, I can know satisfaction and be inspired today ... lucky me, and lucky for you too, as He promises to the same for you!

pic pix: bamboo shafts spotted on our honeymoon, Manzanillo, Mexico, Feb.2011

home

It's been 42 days since we got hitched! Forty-two days that I have been a married woman, a wife! In so many ways, I cannot believe the time has gone by so quickly. Yet in other ways, I still find myself giggling because I cannot believe that it is done and we are one! I've never felt/had quite transformation, adjustment, joy, and gratefulness all in a month's time (+) like this ... it's pretty crazy! We've taken on new roles, titles, and a more integrated way of life. We're creating a home ...

I've always loved to decorate and 'create' a space to make it feel nice. If it's only to set the table for dinner or to showcase art from our travels, I take joy and pride in doing it. As I was rearranging again today (yes, this is almost considered a hobby of mine!), the thought of a home's true meaning really got stripped down as I asked myself, "What makes this physical place our home?" Sure, it's the warmth and coziness of the setup/layout, the memories in every artifact, the heirlooms and decor ideas I brought from my Mom & Dad's, the mere fact that this structure is where I find safety to rest and to just "be".

Growing up, my home was where my family was every night regardless of a quarrel, mess up or bad/good day. Our close quarters didn't define our home, our love did. The creative arrangements of furniture and colors didn't speak what our hearts knew as home, but our love did. "Home" was when we realized and appreciated who each member in our family was and how they contributed to it. A love regardless of location, age, or behavior ... our home = simple love.

Now, as we have our own family (just the two of us!), I see it even clearer how we make our home by our love. Though I quite enjoy setting up and staging niceties and eye stimulators to make the place appear 'homey', it is all in vain and worthless if we don't establish it on what really makes it ours ... our love.

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do...but how much love we put into that action.

Mother Teresa

pic pix: our first & second home (1-eachother; 2-God's beautiful creation), Highwood River, AB 25.Sep.2010