Being in business for decades, I have had more than a few clients make comments about how my house must look. The creative strain started many years ago while going through some rough patches. Possibly it was there inside me all along, just waiting to express itself. But once I allowed myself to release it, the desire didn't take long to grow to where I found the need to temper it down, at times. It was my get-away from the norm.
My husband and I have always lived the simple life, catering only to life sustaining needs. In our early years of marriage, we didn't have money to use for the non-essentials. Creativity was all I had to work with, always looking for things to decorate my home with, usually finding them at garage sales or gathering from things others were just throwing away. It didn't take long to have more than enough to fill any nook or cranny I might find.
While packing for the move to NC, much of my treasures got thrown out because of time constraints. I couldn't be in two places at once, so accepted help in sorting and loading for the big move. Couldn't have done it without the generosity shown us. However, without my eye on every little item I had collected over the 39 years of living in Oklahoma, much got lost in the mix of "what to do with this".
Once in our new home, I went through a range of emotions when I found out that many things I loved were no longer in my possession. But...me being me, it didn't take long to replenish with up-dated, more beautiful, STUFF! Much to my husbands dismay. In our existing shed; his work shed, there are shelves overhead on either side as you walk in. On the right, is my recently closed Elements Salon totes, full of seasonal decorations. All labeled with "Salon Spring/Easter" "Salon Summer" "Salon Fall" & "Salon Christmas". On the left, are totes labeled, "Home Spring/Easter" "Home Summer" "Home Fall" & "Home Christmas". They ALL need to be downsized, once again...
This new season of my life...this new chapter labeled "Retirement" has thrown me a serious curve that I didn't see coming. The drive I once had to decorate every space (inside & out), is beginning to diminish. It feels as if there isn't any real need to go to all the trouble of putting up and taking down just for the two of us. Our girls and grand-girls visit a few times throughout the month, but both daughters have families that are priority and time constraints don't allow for being able to just walk next door to see each other. First of all, they don't live next door, and secondly, life can be super busy when you have a 9-5 and family to tend to. I'm happy they tend well to the necessities of their lives, but it sure does leave a house feeling empty, even though it isn't.
Now that even the salon is in my rear view mirror; where traffic and praise was plenty and where my ego was stroked a bit, I find myself questioning the importance of it all. And quite frankly, it scares me.
However...my husband and I still enjoy the ambiance, and joy, decorating for each season brings to our lives. So, I will most likely continue to dot our surroundings with items that beckon the senses to enjoy the comings and goings of the seasons as they dance their way through our lives.
After all is said and done, I must admit, the mood set in any shell of a home, speaks volumes as to the mental status of the homes occupants. Creativity is placed inside us all from the time we are being formed and nurtured, inside our mother's womb. It's a God thing. We ALL are created to create. In one way or another. And to worship the only true creative God, in whose image we are made. The master of all things we see. One might say, "But Mary! God didn't create the computer you are typing on. Man did that." To which I would respond, "There is a miraculous network of neurons and matter, created by a loving God, called 'the brain', so that any human desiring to create, can."
This creative vein I have is so simple, but shows its own worth through the desire it manifests. May it never cease. May I never allow the lack of having crowds who stop to peer into my business studio to take it all in, keep me from creating. I don't know. Maybe God enjoys watching me live out this new chapter. Seeing what I will do with it. Watching, inspiring me, as I navigate this 180.
Slow and steady is my pace these days, but...as always, here you will find me...in Mary's World
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