My Studio

My Studio - just saying the words "My Studio" fills me with joy.  Just knowing that I have this space, this studio all to my own, gives me hope and optimism. This studio is where I will fulfill my mission of spreading joy, one card, one kindness, at a time to as many people as I can, for as long as I can.  

I spend about 6 or 7 hours a day in my studio. I usually listen to audio books, and lately, I've been listening to TED Talks because I want to learn while I create.  I have a large window which overlooks the front of the house and I watch the neighborhood activity.  I know when the mail and packages come. I see the kids when they come home from school, and I can see what Missy see's when she growls her "I may not be outside, but I am here in my/Nora/guest room and I see you, so you better get off my street right now" growl.  And in the summer, I watch the hummingbirds. It's a great space. I don't 'work' in my studio, I 'create' in my studio. 

When people come to my house for the first time, I always show them my studio. Not because the room is especially nice, it's more about function than cozy.  And most likely the studio is in a state of disarray because I am always in the middle of a big project. But I show this room because this is me showing you me.  I am showing you who I am.  When I show you my studio, I am really showing you my heart and my soul. I know how fortunate I am to have this space of my own, So I invite friends to come create with me because my studio is your studio too. Spend time with me and let's create together. Come to my studio. This is who I am. 

I have been blessed with a husband who supports and encourages me in everything I do. He has never once complained about giving up space in our house for me.  Nor has he ever said a word about the amount of time I spend in my studio.  Never once.  He told me once that he is so glad that I have this room, that I have this outlet, that I have this room to create in.  He told me that he is so glad that I have this outlet which allows me to create and which allows me to give. He knows my heart. He knows I have to do both.  It's in my soul.  I have to be nurturing. 

Because I do so many different things; cards, jewelry, sewing, photography, writing etc.... my studio is chock full!  But everything is functional and necessary. Everything is organized in their own sections by crafts and I know where everything is - at all times.  It's chock full, but it's my studio.  It's my space where I create.  It's my place where I feel at home, comfortable and energized.  It's the place where I look forward to coming to each morning.  

When I lay in bed at night, before I go to sleep, I say my prayers, and I offer up my gratitude for all I have been given that day. I always have the studio on my list to be thankful for.  Always. I am thankful for the studio and for the outlet which allows me to fulfill my mission. And I wake up each and every morning with gratitude. I make a conscious effort to live my life in gratitude and it starts each day in my studio. 

Sometimes, commitments and activities keep me out of the room for a day or two and I feel it. I feel the ache and the pull to come back.  And then I return. I sit at my desk, pick up my watercolors and begin to paint again.  I am creating.  I am at home. I am grateful.