After a busy spring, I look forward to a time to stop during the summer months. I once again recognize the risk of filling my calendar, but I decided to make the wish to sleep at home as much as possible in June and July.
Several years ago, my uncle Mack and I discussed some of my trips. I said to him: “Uncle Mack, you should come with me on my next trip. I think you really like that.”
He said he would join me with the exception of a reason.
“I can’t bring my bed, Jan,” he said.
After several weeks in a row on the road, I understand. I’m ready to be at home for a while, sleeping in my own bed. Go too much, too fast and too long can wreak havoc.
I have several reasons to expect to spend more time at home this summer. I have things to do. These things correspond to a 2021 study I read recently. The study revealed that adults who engage in artistic and creative activities – such as clubs, hobbies, cooking and cooking – were associated with reduced depression.
The study questioned 19,134 participants between 2008 and 2016 to measure their artistic commitment every four years and their depression every two years. The people interviewed were over 50, but I am convinced that the results are also true for young people.
Art and color play huge roles in my life. For a long time ago, I recognized how the color raises my mind and nourished my brain.
My husband is an artist, mainly an oil painter. He paints a variety of subjects and prefers larger canvases. However, years ago, he started painting chickens on smaller canvases. It always covers the canvas complete before it starts a paint, either in white or in another neutral color.
I asked if I could do this job for him just because I knew how much I would have fun with the color. It was one of the healthiest things I do for my head. I can spend hours in her art studio, mixing colors and painting smaller canvases. I always let myself feel better and brighter in the world in general.
This summer, I can’t wait to be in my happy place to paint chicken backgrounds.
I use the color in my life beyond the backgrounds of the canvas.
When I can’t find a subject to write my column, I have a secret weapon. This is one of these decks of Pantone Color Finder fans. I open it and see all the colors of the rainbow. For any reason, if I cannot think of an idea to write, I can hold one of those in my hands for a few minutes and the ideas only put my head.
The same process could also work for you – no guarantee! The trick is to recognize what constantly makes your own imagination.
Finally, on one of my Tuesday column adventures “Louisiana at Llew” – where I spend time somewhere in the state to do something interesting with someone – I visited Lafayette and I learned to operate a loom with Suzanne Chaillot Breaux.
It was my first weaving. Knitting has done wonderful things for my brain over the years, but weaving on a loom was like knitting steroids. I loved it. Since then, I want a loom.
Finally, last week – seven months later – I had one. Admittedly, I do not know how to set up a loom, which, I believe, is called “warping”, but I have the faith that I can learn. I am dizzy by the prospects.
I realize that my enthusiasm can wear people, but I stopped trying to stamp it. Joy is a renewable resource, and this summer, I plan to draw on it – a painted chicken background, a freshly mixed color, a woven thread at the same time.
Here to sleep in our own beds, do things with our hands and find happiness all summer.