Let’s Create!

Nothing lifts us up out of feelings of despair like creating a work of art. Creating something new helps us see colors, light and the bright hues of hope. They each remind us that we are still alive!

It could be the writing of a poem, a blog post, a letter or even a song. It could  be an artistic painting or the sketching of a memorable face. (Faces are hard to capture)  Or it could be baking a delicious cake or a batch of special cookies. If in the kitchen, we could experiment with a new recipe.  The other day, I tried to make some of Panera Bread’s famous broccoli cheddar soup. I must say that it came out okay.  

Or it could be the building of a piece of furniture simply to challenge ourselves. My mother and father used to upholster pieces of furniture. I’m certain that it strengthened their bond and it gave them a chance to relish in their handiwork while watching visitors crowd on the freshly-finished couch.

Back in the day, the guys used to park their cars under a shady tree and work under the hoods of their cars. Thus, the term shade-tree mechanic evolved. That was before the high-tech electronic systems took over the cars’ operations. Many men and even women found solace as they fidgeted around with the mechanisms. We had a neighbor named Penny who was often seen under the hood of her Mustang out in the alley.

Whatever creative skill brings us a lift, we should embrace it. That is where real inner peace resides. As our hands move as we sew, knead dough or paint a cabinet, our thoughts smooth out. What formerly seemed paramount and pressing fall away into a native nothingness. It goes away like the end of heavy rainfall. Then, there is a calm along with a refreshing scent that beacons us toward new beginnings!

Lynn M.
April 19, 2025