Target Practice

Yesterday my husband and I played disc golf for the first time. I'm not sure why we haven't tried out that sport sooner, because it sure was a lot of fun!

Enzo guarding the discs. Note how obscured the targets are..they are in there somewhere!

Preparing to throw. Note the heavenly rays of blessing streaming down ;)  

Enjoying the surprises along the way -
a carving of a bear, a beehive, and an eagle, from a tree stump

The big picture

Stopping to enjoy the view

 At first it took us some time to determine where each target was located. A lot of trees and brush obscured our vision at times. If we didn't keep a good eye on where our discs landed, we could have easily lost them. It took us a lot more throws than the 'par' suggested. And it probably took us more time than we figured it would.  But, ultimately, we did find each disc and we hit every one of our targets, with persistence, dialogue, and the help of  a few friendly young disc golfers who were happy to share technique and point us in the right direction.  

Our adventures in life are a little like disc golfing, don't you think? It's not a solo adventure and sometimes it seems we might be way off course. But with our goals on the prize, and with a healthy community around us who can walk with us and point us in the right direction, we are able to succeed. It just might sometimes take longer than we had initially anticipated! And it can be frustrating, especially when we compare ourselves to others or we only see the mistakes we seem to be making. 

Let us trust the One who has set the course and walks with us each step of the way. He is faithful to finish the work He has begun in us. 

God is with us all the way, and cheering us on.  

Very Interesting

I've recently been following a blog that has quickly become one of my favourites. There are so many people out there with encouraging things to say and Joel Malm is one of them. Go check him out!

I am putting a twist on one of his recent blog posts-- hope that's okay! (I'm stealing like an artist ;)

I agree that each one of us is unique, created for a purpose, and can change the world for the better in both small and big ways. We can choose to keep our gifts or share them. No gift is too small or insignificant in God's eyes. And He is good at multiplying the little we might think we have to offer.

Signs that you are probably a very interesting individual: 

You create. I recently read Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. Good stuff. How many times have you heard the comment "I'm not creative". I've said that many, many times but I know it's a lie. We are ALL creative! But our creativity might look very different from someone else's. No sense comparing. In our culture, we often default to passive entertainment, which steals our God-gifted creativity. Creativity takes time to grow.

You read. It's a great way to experience things you might not be able to see or do first hand. And it opens up your mind to how others live and think.  It's not always comfortable to step out and read others' views when yours might be pretty entrenched. But it's healthy. And it helps you  to understand where others are coming from.  It's the best way to help  figure out what you really believe and it can make for some interesting and lively discussion.

You take risks. Remember what you consider a risk might be a piece of cake to someone else. I tell myself that a lot! Do you regularly do something that 'scares' you?

You ask questions. The most fascinating people are the ones who don't have all the answers. And they aren't afraid to ask the questions. Interesting, scary, uncomfortable ones sometimes. Asking questions usually leads to finding answers. But sometimes it's good to just sit with the questions until answers come.

You learn new things. And then you share your experiences to enrich others' lives.

You listen. You look people in the eye and you focus on them. You are interested in what others believe, think, and experience. You don't have to have all the answers. You are open to learning. That makes you very attractive.

You admit mistakes. A wise person once said, "Do you want to be right or be happy?" I want to be happy. Winning an argument is never a win/win, is it? I don't enjoy being around people who are continually wanting to be right. Sometimes that person is me. Ouch. Often the most beautiful (and hardest words to say) are "I'm sorry, I was wrong, I apologize".

You need people. We are made for community. And we don't often do this well. You include people. You meet new people. You are honest. Your bravest word might be "Help".

You care for others. In your own unique way, in the small and big things, you care for God's creation - people, animals, all of creation. You do what you are able to do because it's the right thing to do. We are all in this together.

You take time for YOU. Self care is so important and it's not selfish unless it takes up all of your time and interest. Then it's self-absorption. We care for ourselves so we can care for others.

Can you add to this list? Disagree with any of these signs?

Done

Enjoyed a great few hours this morning with the family over for Saturday brunch and then a lively discussion on which candidates deserved our support. 

Drove up the hill to vote. 

 Done. Won't have to think about that for a few more years, thankfully. 

And now, after several hours of  work, I'm going to make some tea, put my feet up for a bit,  eat a few of these:

grab my knitting needles, flip open my iPad and watch a movie.

Home alone.

And don't mind at all.

Play Date

Creativity flourishes when we have a sense of safety and self-acceptance. Your artist, like a small child, is happiest when feeling a sense of security. As our artist's protective parent, we must learn to place our artist with safe companions. Toxic playmates can capsize our artist's growth. 

                                                                           Julia Cameron, The Artist's Way

Which reminds me of  my grade 9 art teacher. She was not a safe, accepting companion. She was definitely toxic. And my experience in that class probably destroyed my last little shred of confidence in considering myself  a creative person.

But, thankfully, since then I have spent time over the years with  positive, helpful, encouraging teachers, family, and friends.  And so I tentatively attempt various creative projects, enjoying the learning process.

And I've come to believe that everyone is uniquely creative, because we all are created in the image of God, who is THE creator. It's our self talk (often stemming from negative experiences) that usually keeps us from leaning into the creative experience.

The Great Creator has gifted us with creativity.                                   Our gift back is our use of it.   

Today I spent several hours crafting with some of my favorite people, girlfriends who are positive, safe, and accepting. It always takes a little while to relax and get into the groove of cardmaking, I find. But once we are all settled with our artistic supplies surrounding us, a cup of coffee or tea and a treat within reach, and some good conversation.. well, then we are all off and running.

It was a great way to spend a Saturday in November.

Prancing Poetry

For the last few weeks, I've been teaching poetry appreciation to a class of homeschooled 9-12 year olds. I had no idea how this was going to work out, since I haven't actually taught a class for quite a while. But, I am rather enjoying it. 

When I took a poll during our first class on whether they liked or disliked poetry, it was about 50/50. I wonder how the stats will look at the end of our 7 weeks together (we're about half way done now)? 

I've always loved to read poems. There is something satisfying about trying to deciper the meaning the author is conveying.  Sometimes it takes a bit of time. 

  Emily Dickinson says it well : 

 There is no frigate like a book

To take us lands away,

Nor any coursers like a page

Of prancing poetry.

This traverse may the poorest take

Without oppress of toll;

How frugal is the chariot

That bears a human soul! 

Writing poetry is a bit more daunting. Most of my students are surprising me with their effort and imaginations, though. They seem to be enjoying the process. Not all, but most. That's okay. Writing poetry isn't everybody's cup of tea. I think it's more important to appreciate the magic of words in poetry. 

Do you read and/or write poetry?