Natural Art

I'm seeing an art trend here! I wanted to write something deep but it's late and I was ready for bed two hours ago. I'm thankful for this, too. Natural Art.

In the midst of changing weather, changing leaves, and refreshed spirit... I love natural art. I believe that most all art comes from nature. Look at art from different parts of the world, they often have characteristics of plants or animals in the environment in which the art came from. I love almost all forms of art, but the very best kind is the ever changing view from my front window... or back, or windshield.

God is the original and perfect artist, even down to the creatures at the bottom of the sea. Even to the stars in the sky. And the best part is that his art has a fantastic purpose.

And it's free. All we have to do is take the time to appreciate it.

Thanksgiving

Every day possible, I will post a thanksgiving or two A) because I'd like to skip Halloween and B) I will be gone for a while, and may not be able to blog... so let's get this started now!

I am compiling thoughts on household posts for a right time. But this is the time for giving thanks.

Today, I loved coming home to this:

A child's creativity that is free from external hindrances is the most pure form of art that I know. And I am honored to be the mother of four incredibly creative children. I get to know them and love them for every unique quality. I get to be excited with them when they discover something new and I get to hang their handicrafts on my refrigerator. I get to watch their made up plays and "professional" skating shows. I get to hold them and tell them how wonderfully they were made. I get to be the one to love my children just as I would want to be loved. Which is, to be wholly valued for exactly what I am. Thankfully, God loves me like that, and has put others in my life to do the same. I get to give my children a glimpse of God's love. Thank you, God, for making me a mother. I would never know this kind of love without the opportunity of motherhood.

The Best Kind of Beauty

There are different kinds of beauty. Some anyone can see. Anyone can point out the vivid colors of the tropical landscape or the style of a well groomed person.

But I think the best kind of beauty takes a little effort from the observer.

There are times that I would like to be at a beach somewhere....

But it is a shame to overlook the beauties from where I stand.

Obesrving snake eggs.

And dancing butterflies.

Playing hide and seek amoungst gigantic spherical rocks

(Rock City)

Riding a 110 year old carousel

(Abilene, Ks)

Roaming around old courthouses

(Chase County)

and their jails.

Trying hometown favorite foods.

Exploring the Prairie

(Tallgrass National Preserve)

Staring at wide open spaces.

Imagining what history was like.

(Hays House 1857)

And searching for the unexpected.

Dull is what you make it.

I choose beauty.