This post was originally published on January 28, 2009.
This post began about art, but ended up about authenticity. It all started when I checked out a book from the library called Crafts from Salt Dough. I picked out a project making flower necklaces out of salt dough, which you then bake and paint. Sounds fun, right? Nope.
Now, I think this is a fun book with great projects for children ages six and up. But in this case, I ended up doing yet another project alone as there were so many steps my little people couldn't help with. (Oh, and you do know that I have three kids, right? And not even one of them is over age six? I think when I planned this project I had a mental block and thought I only had one child!!!!)
So there I was, alone, using a knife to cut flowers out of dough while children ran, chased each other, screamed, and played around me. My kind and gracious husband approached and gently said, "Um, why are you doing this? It doesn't seem very you."
Great question! And I
couldn't quite remember the answer. Of course I like
trying new things with my kiddos (sometimes). I thought it might
be cool to experiment and then blog about different art projects. And
it's inspiring to watch people who naturally have art flowing through
their bloodstream. But
standing there stressfully clutching my salt dough, I realized I was
being inauthentic. And to blog about the project without mentioning
that little fact would be, well, a lie. So here I am, openly admitting
the art fraud I tried to pull off.
So This mommy will focus on the things that make me the best mom for my
little people. Things that inspire me. Things I have a contagious
passion about that I can pass on. Like reading, writing, discussing
deep thoughts, and helping children in need.
And I'll gladly pay someone else to do the in-depth art projects.
Any volunteers?
