This week I had the honor of leading students in creating gratitude pumpkins and painting corn. This week I have been reflecting on my time. Am I painting with me? Why did I indulge in a slice of pecan pie three nights in a row? If I’m in the class or in my creative space, what is the purpose of what I am doing? With these thoughts, let me ponder on the lessons I’ve learned this week.

Art needs to reason

We may take a stand or express pain. Or just want to pick up a paintbrush and do our thing. Art doesn’t need to make sense. If others don’t like your work. it was never meant for them anyway. Not my words but another artist’s truth.

Take Care

I had my physical. Other than I gained a few pounds I am healthy. I’ve been eating pie and munching on Halloween candy. I do eat lots of vegetables and walk a lot but I shouldn’t be having extra treats if it isn’t good for me. Being a better person also means appreciating your health.

Gratitude

It is important to show gratitude for what you have. Food, health, family, people, life, vacation, these were the ideas elementary students wrote on their grateful pumpkins. I wanted to share this project with them. They gave me a lesson on gratitude.

Paint like the child who always knows

I taught students how to make pumpkins. A few wanted to make grateful chains and Mickey heads and they did! We also painted corn. My bubble wrap idea didn’t work. Oh, but the children were using their fingers to dot and blend color. Another had his idea to create the husks. I should have filmed it.

There’s going to be a book filled with flowers like flow. I just finished putting it together. I need a few more good edits and done!

What are you grateful for? Thanks for reading. Subscribe if you haven’t.