Since I wrote my post a few weeks back about re-inventing ourselves, I don’t stop receiving mails from …
To one woman it may be knitting a fine pair of socks, to another sewing a quilt, to yet another making a favourite jam; some may like to paint, and others prefer to write … but at the end of a day most of us like to feel that we have used our minds and our energy to create something or other.
Many women have told me how much they enjoy running their own small – or not so small – business. Some need to do so financially, and some just love it!
Especially today, in a world whose old values have been severely shaken, and where many of us are needing to discover new ways to be happy, a new voice through which to express ourselves. We are also proud to set a strong example to our children.
So tell me please. What is your creative outlet, and how do you fit that in with the rest of your daily life and commitments. Have you written a best seller? Set up a cottage industry? Is your blog your creative channel? Is cooking vital to your everyday well being? Have you found new confidence in being able to say “I created that!”[blank]
71 comments
A great post Sharon! I think about this topic a lot, especially since becoming a mother and with that being forced to re-evaluate my time and priorities. I think modern women now expect more out of life, and I am always amazed at the creativeness and passion we women have for things. It's important not to let go of our creative outlets, though, regardless of how busy we are.
My creative outlet is my passion for vintage and business I'm slowly building up – my two boys are still little, so I'm at a snail's pace right now, but maintaining that passion for my creative space is important 🙂 Having a blog attached to my online shop is also my little creative & personal 'haven'! Alison
My creative outlets are purely pastimes – I knit and cross-stitch and blog. I've also co-written a small book about the WW1 soldiers named on our local War Memorial and getting that into print was a really satisfying experience – so was selling enough of them to make a profit for our local history society who funded the printing costs.
I love your blog!!I just wanted you to know that every morning I grab a tea and before I do anything else I read your blog,It starts my day off with a smile.Thanks!
I was off work due to an injury for many months, so I started baking baguettes and muffins for my husbands lunch, now I do focaccia and pitas etc. Really it is fun. I make bread to bring to dinners etc. Everyone enjoys this.
I had to leave work due to Rheumatoid Arthritis…so I took up crafting again. I can change what I am doing to not overtax any one part of my body….so quilting may be a day or two and then painting and sometimes I collect vintage linens. I sell online at my store so I don't have too much hanging around. Crafting is an extension of who I am….
Nancy
https://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com
So many creative ladies on here! It is inspiring. I put gardens in for people and help them with roses, sweet peas (my favourite), fruit trees, and vegetables. I sell starts and offer advice should I be asked. I am an avid gardener and love almost anything to do with it.
Creating fulfills me. Been a day-care provider for 30 years. And the children have sat under my work table as pillows, wall-hanging, ornaments, dolls and paintings are done above them. Prim folk art is the main theme. I work all year long for one open house which a friend hosts in the fall. And the few pieces left, which don't sell, are given to friends. Just feel compelled to create and share to make others happy.
Hi Sharon! Great post. It's so inspiring to know that there are so many women out there being creative and building businesses from their talents. After 20 years of working for big companies,it's been a thrill to focus on my creativity and take the first steps toward having my own business. Painting and writing are such an important part of who I am, and being able to focus on that every day, instead of making PowerPoint presentations of marketing strategy, is such a gift. I'm a lucky, luck girl!
Wishing you a creative day!
Your post is wonderful, Sharon, so well written and very true on all points. We do give a lot of ourselves in raising our children, and once they are grown, we are standing at the crossroads. My interests are very scattered right now…I am trying to redefine myself as something other than a wife and mother. It is taking a lot of soul searching but I know I will be grateful when I find my niche, be it little or large! Thanks for a post that makes us "think!"
XO,
Jane
I have always been a collector of the things I write about in my blog…and thanks to my daughter she introduced me to the world of blogging. I'm learning more and more and just wowed by the creativity of so many beautiful women and it's just at my fingertips to view. I'm very proud that I'm finally close to get my degree…something I should have done many years ago!
Interesting post Sharon. My blog is my creative outlet. I designed it myself by learning the ropes of blogging step by step, learning from my errors and also learning from fellow bloggers like you. It is really fun and great to have discussions like these through the blogs.
Sharon, you have expressed so well what I have been feeling lately. I have been a bear and doll maker for years, but I have not had the courage to sell anything and I have never felt the support from other artists until I started blogging, now I have a family from all across the globe who are encouraging and supportive. I just need to fine tune my style and hopefully I shall start my own business.
Women need to support women, giving confidence and building self esteem are so important to our well being. The daughters and sisters and mothers, need to pass on their talents and encourage new ones…..we all have something wonderful to share.
Hugs,
Mags
xxxx
Creativity is part of who we are as humans. I think everyone is creative and has to express it in some way to be whole. It might be in ways we don't usually think – like technology or personal interactions.
I love creating with my hands. Sewing, embroidery, cooking, gardening, are all creative outlets. I write – used to do some freelance for magazines, but now write for myself. I'm currently sewing myself some new clothing, and working on handstitched blank journals for an art show in December.
A thoughtful post, Sharon.
Well, what an interesting posting, Sharon. I was considering, just a day or so ago and after perusing several of my favorite written-by-women blogs that morning (I keep discovering new ones, via the ones I already follow), how many of them go fairly seamlessly hand-in-hand with the authors' various commercial (and, of course, creative) endeavours.
Now, I've spent almost all of my adult life neck-deep, for various vocational reasons of my own, in authors and artists of various stripes and wildly varying degrees of commercial/critical success.
My continuing experience is that men don't, as a very general rule, take very-willingly (and certainly not enthusiastically) to this business of "Oh…I do several things that I enjoy, and somehow I cobble together a living from it all". Men don't (in my experience) enjoy that at all; the women I know either explicitly enjoy casting a wide net, or at least don't mind doing so. They're also FAR less unproductively competitive and territorial, and they're far more interested in each others' work and efforts than men (once again, at least the ones I've known) are in regard to each other.
It occurs to me that perhaps women are simply (not that this is a "Good" thing) more accustomed, from a very young age, to not necessarily getting praised and rewarded for every little-or-big thing they do. I certainly know all too many male creative/artistic types who spend most of their time grumbling over a lack of public recognition or the fact of their having to hold a day-job when, presumably, they should be winning Pulitzers or Whitney Biennial prizes.
Oh…I know…..there are, no doubt, plenty of bad/horrible/uncooperative/backstabbing women out there in the world of artists & writers. I just happen to have never encountered many (considering the matter, I CAN name three who are enterprising gorgons-on-greased-wheels….but they're the exceptions in my experience).
I hope this doesn't seem a complete non-sequitor, but?….
These days (which are economically hard for so many folks), I can't help but notice how many women (with spouses AND children, thank you) have just gotten up and STARTED that Etsy store (or several of them, for that matter), or that blog-linked-to-her-little-side-business,etcetera. I find that extremely encouraging.
I can't help but recall the MANY times I've heard tales of how Grandpaw, when he lost his job in America's Great Depression, just parked himself in his chair and never left the house except to join his other unemployed buddies at some bar…..while Grandma took up raising chickens and rabbits (all for sale or barter) in the backyard, and making pretty embroidered things to sell to the town's still-rich ladies….I could, if asked, immediately cough-up at least ten such tales concerning my friends' families during that time.
Similarly?….I think of the many times I've been involved with a church fundraiser/charity-effort (I'm an Episcopalian, just to set that record straight). There've always been, of course, the five or so Big Men Who Write Five Big Checks For Big Applause, and then there have always been the thirty or so women who spend a couple of months working in groups to make various things (canned goods, embroideries, knitted stuff for babies, etcetera)for the bazaar…(to be continued)…
…..Oh well, I wouldn't be the first to have noticed that women are (whether we're looking at the annual Christmas Relief Bazaar for the parish or this current World o' Blogging) much-much better at working with each other and for each other (and everyone else, for that matter) than men seem to be.
All too many men (including a number I dated in my younger&dumber; years) won't do a thing unless they KNOW what they're going to GET for doing it. I wouldn't be the first to have noticed (to say that once again) that women aren't, as an all-too general rule,raised to assume that you get a ticker-tape parade down Main Street every time you do or make something (that would include painting a picture, writing a story, nursing a baby, caring for a sick relative, cleaning a house, making dinner every night for twenty years & more, and any number of other accomplishments and sacrifices that, in this world, mostly go unremarked upon).
and just for the record?….I'm not some weirdly (it would be weird, given that I'm a man) "anti-man" feminist (although I DID write a "feminist dissertation). I just happen to be relentlessly observant and rarely forgetful. Perhaps I should also emphasize that I, myelf, found a good man…….but it took about 25 years to do so after I started the business, and doing so was a complete accident on my part.
I hope this response isn't too long or obtuse, but your comments on womens' creativity and its current manifestation in blogging struck (obviously) a chord with my own interests and observations.
Sincerely,
David Terry
http://www.davidterryart.com
that's very interesting Alison, 'modern women now expect to get more out of of life' … and I would ad that they expect to give more too!
ww
wow! well done for the book Rowan, I can only imagine the work involved there
xx
It is me who thanks you Tracy … 🙂
xx
Dear Sharon,
You and your readers should know this song (written and sung by one of the wisest women singer/songwriters I know of). go to:
https://www.myspace.com/carrienewcomer/music/songs/three-women-68847550
(hit the "play" icon", and try to ignore the advertisements…
Here are some of the lyrics:
There’s a light in the kitchen, there’s a glass on the stand
Three women round the table and they’re holding hands
They’re caretaking the birthings, bringing food when they can
They’re easin’ the leavin’ and they’re holding hands
Love can get tangled and jumbled sometimes
You can lose your way in this world, you can lose your mind
But there’s something about love on which I can depend
It’s the strength in women, holding hands
The night can be dark, so dark and wild
And life burns like a diamond
It’s unbearably hard
But it’s sweeter than honey, right from the jar
Your eyes have the look of some different place
You’ve got one foot in heaven and one still in this land
So we breathe it in deep and we let it out slow
We’re holding up up while you’re letting us go
There’s a free falling feeling I’m lighter than air
And home burns like a beacon in your eyes
But somehow we get anchored somehow we get by
Here’s to the women who bind the wounds tight
Here’s to the ones who sit talking half of the night
Here’s to the love and the life that they mend
And here’s to the strength in women holding hands
sincerely,
David Terry
dterrydraw@aol.com
http://www.davidterryart.com
There you see Shelagh, everyone finds their own special way to express themselves
xx
well done Nancy, your quilts are certainly lovely
xx
"compelled to create" – I love that
xx
and you are one of them! I'm sure your gardening talents make many people very happy
xx
You are a lucky girl Jeanne, and your paintings are beautiful
xx
Thank you Jane, I know that you are already very creative around your lovely home
xx
Our blogosphere is pretty amazing, I agree. And well done on the degree, I really admire you for that
xx
thank you Pamela, and all power to blogs!
xx
I wish you every luck with your business venture, how amazing that you gained confidence through the words of other bloggers
xx
I know that you always have loads of things on the go Lorrie, including learning foreign languages 🙂
xx
Well David, you were already a pretty popular visitor to my comment box, but I should think that after these compliments your popularity ratings will be through the roof!
Seriously though, I was surprised by your comment about women not expecting praise because not used to receiving any …. an interesting idea. I think you are right that women don't do stuff for recognition or gratitude, but maybe a little harsh to say that's how they were raised.
What is sure is that there are very many women out there with a load of talent, and that blogging has been a great way to reveal them.
thank you for your generous contributions David 🙂
xx
A wonderful post Sharon with fabulous comments. I find everyday new and interestings blogs which inspire me. I write mine to provide information and insights…I am an International etiquette and protocol consultant. Over the 20 years I have met wonderfully interesting people and learnt that one should never judge a book by it's cover…
Hey sharon,
I can't seem to get the "reply" icon to work, so I can't quite keep this "in thread" with your response to my response. Still?…
It's been borne out, time and time and time again, that girls (from first grade onwards) are not recognized/"rewarded"/praised (at least not in any overt, particular fashion) for being "good girls". By contrast (and, trust me, I'm one of the folks who used to do the studies) boys are allowed to interrupt at least 5 times more often (without ever being scolded; in fact, they're generally praised for being "actively involved" when all they're doing is interrupting), and boys are praised for doing practically ANYthing (even when it happens to be their job, so to speak)…the list goes on and on.
Perhaps this is a peculiarly American phenomenon; I've never worked on research concerning early education in any country other than the USA.
In any case, there are a thousand studies out there indicating that, from a very early age onwards, girls are more willing to work more productively in interactive groups than boys do, are scarcely ever "rewarded" for doing so, etcetera. This whole dynamic is changing, of course and fortunately…..at least in our schoolrooms.
Moreoever (and this is borne out by my own personal, admittedly anecdotal experience)young girls are generally expected to support their mothers and to "help out" in the house; boys are seldom saddled with that sort of expectation regarding their families.
Obviously, there are exceptions to general trends and pressures, but the fact remains…..
—-david terry
What a great post. I went back to work in a corporate setting about seven years ago. I like my job a lot but it's not tapping into my right brain interests so at the urging of my family I started blogging. It's been a wonderful creative outlet and I've so enjoyed reading other blogs and hearing from people through their comments. I feel balance in my life and a satisfaction that I'm always learning new computer skills.
Karen
FOR "Louise"…
I just read your comment while I was stopping back-by to see if everyone-iun-the-world hated or loved my musings.
So, you were an etiquette and protocol consultant?
One of the funniest things pinned to the bulletin board hanging in front me as I type this is a VERY fancy card, at the top of which is engraved "Margaret Wilder Wilson".
Miss Margaret was six when she wrote it, just a couple of years ago, to a friend of mine in Atlanta who, for years, has been an etiquette coach/teacher for adults and children.
the card (which I find screamingly funny) reads (in a frantic, six year old's scrawl):
"Dear Ms. Murphy,
I apologize for my behaveiors when my mommmy was on the phone with you. I do notusually scream and yell even when I am frusterated.
If I get the chance to meet you I will use polite behaveiors. sinceyourly, Margaret Wilson"
From what I've gathered, six year old Miss Margaret wasn't at all pleased that her society mother was enrolling her in "etiquette" classes, and she simply dug herself a deeper hole….can't yo just SEE her mother, standing over poor, rowdy Margaret and MAKING her write that note?????
amusedly as ever,
David Terry
http://www.davidterryart.com
Dear Sharon,
As you know, I started Linen Flower Studios almost a year ago. I'm so busy with it that I've not had the time to notice how much I've accomplished in the past year!I always seem to dwell more on the ideas that are still swimming around inside of my head that haven't seen the light of day, or new techniques I want to develop that I forget to appreciate what I have already done! I haven't been satisfied with myself for not getting my book self published, but it was recently pointed out to me by someone quite wise, that the fact I have a 67,000 word manuscript is pretty awesome in itself. So, for now, I will my give myself credit for that as I save my pennies to pay for editing and formatting for a future eBook.
I'm also working on a Japanese themed quilt for Esther( all by hand, mind you…no machine). This is the first quilt in over 12 years.I had such happy times quilting when I lived in France.Today, my pleasure quilting is enhanced by those memories as well as the company of Esther sitting nearby chatting with me about her own creative projects concerning a possible summer in London and Portugal with Angele and Rob taking photographs for a personal project.
Soon, it will be time to make my famous Christmas tomato/orange marmalade, which always makes me think of those lovely Christmas sales we used to do in your barn!
I often think about having a blog again, but seriously, there isn't enough time to do everyhting I'd like to do and have time left for what I must do!It is delicate finding balance between living serenly with one foot a little bit out of the comfort zone so that I don't go stale and stop growing.
xx Martha
Hi David,
I think you'll like this blog by a younger friend, a music prof at UVa. https://threekidsandabook.blogspot.com/
Louise I have never even met an 'etiquette and protocol consultant' what an amazing job title. I'd be terrified to have tea with you in case I held my cup the wrong way!! 🙂
xx
Well done! and well done to your family for pushing you in the right direction
xx
🙂
what happy days those barn sales were Martha, a very special time in our lives I think.
67,000 words is totally awesome! I'm sending you a mail to see if we can chat sometime soon
love to you all
xx
After realizing clearly that painting was a need not a want, I created something that does not make a lot of sense as a business at first. Watercolors of French Foods. I am always so interested in this theme, in the form of actual food or art orbooks or pictures. I started painting my French Food Watercolours. It expanded my circle of friends, clients, activities, local groups etc…. I then started blogging about it at http://www.melinart.co.uk
This has brought business opportunities I did not imagine! Sharon, if you have time to take a peek let me know how you find my watercolors!
http://www.melinart.co.uk
Such a good thought provoking post. I don't think women have lost the art of creativity the problem is for one reason or another work outside of the home or careers have taken so much of our time and so hobbies, have been pushed to the back. Bring the back forward I say.
I grew up in a small town where about the only artist was the high school art teacher; creative pursuits weren't understood or encouraged. I spent the first half of my life raising 2 children and trying to fit in to the corporate world. Turning 50 rocked my world. I was in a dead end bank operations job – the last of a string of similar jobs. I just kind of snapped (in a good way!)- I realized it was now or never to make some of my dreams happen.
I quit my job at the end of July, and started a furniture painting/vintage business. The name is Essex Cottage (I'm on facebook). I adore it. I feel like I'm in heaven whether I'm working on a piece or furniture, or researching a vintage item. I'm learning to reupholster furniture, and I just rented a space in a vintage furniture store. I need this to be successful both financially and for my spirit. It feels like I've been holding my breath for 50 years, and now I am wildly gasping for my first precious bits of oxygen.
Your blog is so inspirational to me! I love the French country style and my dream is to be a part of your brocante tour someday soon.
Dorene
I started blogging over eight years ago because I wanted an outlet to "show off" my cross stitch finishes – apparently my husband's appreciation wasn't what I was looking for! From there, blogging has also become a creative outlet.
I couldn't imagine life without a creative hobby; my blog name is "Afford Your Passions" – to me, that means to make time to be able to afford the free time to pursue your passions; whether that means getting up early to get the housework done, or burning the midnight oil – I have to find time to pursue my hobbies!
Have a wonderful weekend, Sharon!
Loved your post and all the comments attached to it! I am on the cusp of the children leaving, and even though it has been a wonderful experience raising them and seeing them grow, I can 'see the light at the end of the tunnel'. I am so eager to start the next phase of my life. I have been working very part time on my business which includes hard and soft lines for the home, but I can not wait to be able to dedicate myself to it and see it soar!
Kris
http://www.CricketAcresStudio.blogspot.com
http://www.BarnLoft.blogspot.com
Creativity is my identity as an artist, painting realistic still lifes and pet portraits in oils. http://www.jeanneillenye.com Everything I see on a daily basis contributes to my understanding of light, shadow, color, texture, etc. which continually improves my work. Of course my home and gardens are not only a cocoon, but all about creating beauty.
Sharon, I've been a multi-media artist going on 3 decades now. My profession specialized in numerous and varied wall murals as well as wall colour washes to emphasize textures within walls. It served me well but was oh so physically demanding on my body. For the last 7 months or so,I have been remodeling my "new" home of which I purchased by relocating to a new state. The walls have been colour glazed for the most part even though I swore to stay off tall ladders. It's in my blood, I must paint. I have sewn all my window treatments in this house and am continuing to complete the decorating of it.
My profession as an artist has taken a somewhat of a back seat during this time. My website still continues, however my blogging has come to a halt as well. It's difficult to do it all even though I try. I can't wait to dig into my collage creations, digital painting projects, blog about them and begin to sell sell sell once again. I also have various new twists for my artistry but for now, it's only swirling around within my head.
Sharon, you've now inspired me to now sew a french tablecloth for my bistro table in my courtyard. If there were only more hours in my day. Thank you Sharon for such an outstanding post.
I have been a stylist,art director, producer, mom, wife, housekeeper, chauffeur,among other things, then finally an interior designer(which I adore) + a blogger. Each career taught me something useful about the next career. I am so blessed! Thank you for a wonderful post. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
'a need not a want …' Precisely!
love your watercolours Chloe, I'd say the carrots are my favourites!
xx
bring the back forward indeed … all a question of priorities
xx
I love that this was such a deliberate decision Dorene. Been to 'like' your fb page, great stuff you have there!
xx
I'm sure your husband loves your cross stitch! 🙂
xx
Your Barn Loft store looks fantastic Kris, I'm sure it will be a huge success
xx
Jeanne, your paintings are stunning – I just love the little birds you add to the compositions.
xx
Thank you Colleen, it sounds like you're having a wonderful time! Even if you can't blog about it now, at least try to take plenty of photos, and you can use them to blog later on …. for those quiet days! 🙂
xx
the pictures of your store always look fabulous Peggy
xx
Oh, gosh (only thing I can think of to say just now)….
I just came back into the house(after a day of very practically and not-in-the-least "creatively" roto-tilling neglected garden beds from fifty years ago), and I've just read through all these responses.
What a grand lot of surprisingly good/interesting/ and unmistakably sincere responses, Sharon…
One of the reasons I come back, again and again, to your blog (actually, I do it every morning, when I get up with the dogs at 4 or 5), is the note of encouragement it strikes for me (at least) in an internet-world (so to speak) which is so full of bad news these days.
thank you, once again, for creating and cultivating such a lovely (a word I use cautiously and intentionally) and obviously productive & encouraging venue for so many of your readers.
Quite sincerely,
David Terry
http://www.davidterryart.com
After years in interior design, my first book came out this week!
I know all about reinvention!
xo,
p
This comment has been removed by the author.
Oh Pamela…..not to go entirely old-queen on you, BUT?….
DO TELL!!!
how do we find out about this book?
—-david terry
My creative outlet is probably my home and environment. Add to that photography. And of course, my blog.
But to be really honest, you have inspired me to create a little rental cottage for vacationers in the wine country. We
recently acquired the property next door and a funky house came with it. (call it "gift with purchase.") It's going to be
a family enterprise, hopefully with my daughter Ashley catering if need be. So I'm in the process of creating a desirable place to stay. It's like making a purse out of a sow's ear! It will in no way be as charming as your lovely cottage in Normandy, but I'm having fun trying! Love this post, love your blog. ~Delores
I write. I can't help it. Blogging is just another way for me to tell my little stories and carve my bright images out of words. Like many others, I let my dreams go slack for a time, but I finished a novel a few years ago and started another. Then I wrote a children's book. I haven't published anything yet because it easier for me to write than to sell, but I still aim to try. I am continually inspired by all of the artfulness I find on the internet, some of it so beautiful it makes me ache. Even if I never publish I will still write…I can't help it.
David, take a look here:
https://fromthehouseofedward.blogspot.fr/2012/10/a-secret-revealed.html
Pamela explains how to find her beautiful book
xx
congratulations and bravo Pamela! Your beautiful writing certainly deserves to be in print
Sharon
xx
How fun for you and Ashley, I know that you'll make the cottage a huge success Delores! Sorry we didn't get to meet her this weeks
xx
Go on! Try and get published! YOU can self publish an e-book first of all then see if the orders come rushing in!
xx
Since retiring from my engineering profession to raise my family, I started a little cottage business – various herbal sundries. I love to garden, but I also love my barnyard menagerie! My cottege business has evolved over the years and I am compelled to produce fiber art from my farm-raised wool & also goat's milk soap. My day begins at 4 a.m. and I l.o.v.e. every minute. I MUST 'create' something every day – whether in the kitchen or studio, or I do not feel fulfilled! And, I love learning new things… to push myself and live life to the fullest! Thank you for your wonderful blog!!!
Dear Sharon,
I have been devouring your blog and website for almost a year – love it! I am the owner and artist of Downtown Moose creating and selling etched glassware through stores, sales and website. I've always been a "collector" of interesting old bits of things here and there and you've inspired me to open up my barn for sales of not just my glass, but also repurposed items and up-cycled furniture. Planning for a spring "launch". Thanks for the inspiration!
ok. I admit. I have reached into the recesses of my past and helped choreograph 3 musicals at my kids high school. (Once when no one related to me was in it.) This has stirred C juices I didn't even know were still there! Love those kids and their enthusiasm for the stage. It, of course, blessde me more than i blessed them. (-:
i am late in responding after having just returned from two weeks in Italy. I took enough photos to paint wonderful glimpses of my travels and experiences which will be posted soon on my website: cindynewcomer.com. Painting feeds my soul and makes me smile 🙂 and is my business. Grazie for this opportunity to share my passion!
I can say that my sister is a huge fan of music, and she likes to write songs and perform, I always support her. At first, she used to struggle with a lack of audience, but promosoundgroup helped her with that, and now she manages to make a living that way. So I think it’s great that getting into something you like is so accessible nowadays.