A Space Of My Own

Something that I have really enjoyed throughout my life is creating a space that speaks to me. I had a bedroom when I was younger and dorm rooms my freshman and sophomore years of college that were really cool because just about everything in those spaces inspired me. That inspiration was contagious and leaked out into other parts of my life as well.

I love being inspired. I feel like I am at my best when I am doing creative work. At this phase in my life my creativity comes out in my mothering, homemaking, and homeschooling.  But a lot of times I forget that I love living inspired  and instead live my life with a list of tasks and to dos.

Sometimes the quiet voice within is a whisper. In fact, I would say that most of the time it is this way for me. But every so often the quiet voice within will shout something at me and I know that I cannot ignore the words spoken. And something that wasn't even a thought in my mind suddenly becomes urgent.

Yesterday morning, I was talking downstairs the quiet voice within - which I believe is the voice of God - strongly advised me to create a sacred space using the loft of our home. I don't know why the voice chose to speak to me at that moment about that space, but it did. I have passed by that space hundreds of times in the last 6 months and thought nothing of it. But for whatever reason this space went from being some random square footage in the house to a space that I knew I was going to make my own. Right before my eyes the space went from bland nothingness to a room full of possibilities.

 I spent about an hour pulling different pieces from my house to create a space all of my own. Every piece in this space is something that speaks to me. I chose each item for how it makes me feel. Anything that didn't stir me and weren't items that I loved did not make the cut. I am so excited to spend time in this space. It doesn't matter that it isn't a traditional room with four walls. As time goes on, this space will ebb and flow depending on what is going on in my life. I will add things as I see fit and perhaps even take things out. I just want to feel moved every time I see or spend time in this space. I want to feel inspired to live my best and most authentic life. I want to feel refreshed and rejuvenated in this space. And I will.

I have had spaces like this in the past, but it has been a truly long time since I have one. I am not sure why this is. I guess I got too busy taking care of everyone else that I forgot to take care of me.

This space is goodness for my soul. I am so happy I created it.

 Here is a peak at the space I created. It isn't fancy or grand, but it is more me than anything else in this home. It reflects the truest parts of myself.  I absolutely love it.

Three of these pictures are of New Mexico: Soledad Canyon, the Organ Mountains, and the famous RoadRunner. The fourth picture is of me looking up a tree while visiting the Redwood National Forest in California. I remember that moment clearly. I had no idea Bobby was going to take my picture, but I remember that moment because I can remember how at peace I felt and how at home I felt among those trees. That trip was unforgettable for me in both good and bad ways, but I will never forget those trees and their quiet majesty. 

This painting was given to me by Bobby for Mother's Day in 2016. It is by a Las Cruces artist. I love the trees in this painting. I love the colors and the mystery of it. I love that at first glance I see a brambled mess of chaos, but if I look deeper at the image I can its beauty and depth. 

I need the sun. Like air and food and shelter, the sun is a necessity for me in order to thrive. Without the sun, I wilt and shrivel. Without the sun I feel like I am either suffocating or drowning. It one of the strongest reasons I feel such a pull to New Mexico. Indianapolis has more sunny days than both Portland, OR and Cuyahoga Falls, OH which is good, but it still has a long way to go to ever wish to compete with the Southwest, so in its place in order not to wilt I have created my own sunshine to look at on the dark and cloudy days of the Midwest.  

"Love you much always." Never have truer words been spoken. I will always have that man's love. There is nothing that I can ever do to make him not love me unconditionally. I love my grandfather fiercely. I carry a piece of him withing me and even though we live 900 miles apart he is always with me wherever I am.  

I plan to fill this wall with quotes and things that inspire me. I imagine that after some time you will no longer be able to see any of the wall. I have this map on the wall to always remind me of where I have been and where I am going. And to have a visual reminder that this country is an amazing place that I always want to adventure in. There is so much beauty to be found to those willing to risk the opportunities to be had by stepping out of one's comfort zone and exploring. 

My first quote - grabbed from the school room wall downstairs. 

Although I am terrible at it I really enjoy knitting. It calms me down. 

Of all of the flowers to choose from the sunflower is (and has been) my favorite for as long as I can remember. (I had a bedroom decorated in sunflowers when I was in middle school - that's how long I have loved the for. )

I saw this plaque when I was second hand shopping with my mom and the girls when we went back to Ohio a couple of weeks ago for a quick visit. It is easy for me to get stuck in the hum-ho of my days. Easy to get pulled under into the every day tasks of living a life. I forget all of the time, that each day I get to CHOOSE to live the kind of life I want to have. It doesn't matter where I am or who I am with - each day is my choice to live as I want to. I want to live a life of inspiration and awe and wonder. I want never stop seeking adventure. I want to open my heart to all that this crazy life has to offer. I want to remember that each day is a gift. That I don't really have a choice as to whether I live or die - that is in God's hands - but I DO get to choose how I am going to live the life I have been given. I want to make it real and true and authentic. THAT is the life I imagine.  

I love this candle holder. I love the color and the pottery. It was a surprise gift that I have adored from the moment I received it. 

These flowers are one of the first crafts that Sarah taught herself how to do after she lost her vision. She would ask Elizabeth to help her find the right colors and then she would create these bouquets. These flowers remind me that there is always Hope to be found. That beauty still exists even when I don't think I can find it. They remind that there is always Light after the Darkness.

The pottery on the right was made by Josh in public school. I love the colors and I love the handmade feel of the cup. It houses a very important rock (see below). The flower was made by Sarah while she was in public school. I love that the stem is crooked. It reminds me that life may not always turn out how I would like it to, but it can still be beautiful. It can still sparkle in its own way. 

I found this rock while hiking on 'A' Mountain in Las Cruces. It immediately reminded me of the shape of the state of New Mexico. 

It is too cold outside for my Phoenix flower, so I brought it inside to collect sunshine within the warmth of our home. (I know that is not what it really is, but the plant almost died and I was able to bring it back to life, so I think of it as my Phoenix flower.)

My mom's dad built this desk by hand over 30 years ago. It is strong and sturdy and built to last. My grandfather passed away 30 years ago, a week after his 50th birthday, so I don't have many memories of him. He was a carpenter by trade and built many beautiful things this desk included. I find comfort in sitting at this desk and think of him often when I am using it.