Thanks For The Music

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008 by Alyice

This is a photo of my daughter listening to her iPod. On most days, you can find her on the computer listening to music through venues like Yahoo! Music or blaring her radio. You’ll also find her crafting lyrics to new songs—in which she hopes to set to music one day—and practicing dance moves. She says that as long as there is music in the world, she’ll never be bored.

According to the American Music Therapy Association, music is very therapeutic. Music helps us manage our stress levels, release pent up emotions, express feelings, and even exercise our brains to retain memory. And I couldn’t agree more.

I know that on the days when I feel extremely happy, old hymns just pour out of me and on days when I’m feeling really down and on the verge of tears, I tend to sing through my emotions. And I am discovering that when I am really stressed, music calms my insides, helps me focus on the here and now, and keeps me rational and sane.

Then there’s my husband. On days when my husband is really ill-tempered, I can put in a particular Christian CD—dedicated to men and their struggles—and his mood slowly begins to transform back into the man I love.

My family and I may not be able to carry the best tunes in the world but I can honestly say that when I hear someone in my house humming or singing a capella it instantly puts a smile on my face because I know that at that very moment they are happy and content with life.

Give thanks…

Posted in It's Gratitude, Dude! | 11 Comments »

Happy Thanksgiving America

Thursday, November 27th, 2008 by Alyice

Happy Turkey Day America! I hope you’re having a fantastic holiday, surrounded by loved ones, good food, and of course, The Macy’s Day Parade!

When I was a little girl, I spent the day sitting in front of our television set watching The Macy’s Day Parade while my single mom busied herself in the kitchen. She despised help on this day because everything had to be “just right” so I spent the day watching the parade. Truthfully, I liked watching the parade. It was exciting to me. I’d watch for specific floats to appear then holler at her to come see them. She’d stop what she was doing, come into the living room, and watch the float until it passed by.

To this day, one of my “BUCKET LIST” to-dos is to attend The Macy’s Day Parade in person.

Today, on this very special day in America, I am thankful for:

the good times I had with my mother,
the relationship I share with my husband of 18 years,
the bonds I share with my children,
the freedom to choose what I do for a living,
the freedom to make bad choices,
the freedom to make good choices,
the freedom to drive the highways at all hours of the day or night,
the freedom to shop at a store that’s open 24 hours a day/7 days a week,
the freedom to attend social gathering in public,
the freedom to attend church,
the freedom of speech, and
the freedoms we all possess simply by living in THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

What are you thankful for?

Give thanks…

Posted in It's Gratitude, Dude! | Comments Off

Art Play With Backgrounds

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008 by Alyice

I wasn’t always a firm believer in playing with art supplies. As a young child, my single mother worked hard to provide for us—often going without meals so that we could eat—which meant that we had to learn to stretch things and to use what we had cautiously. As I grew into an adult, I found it difficult to do anything without purpose. I was even too afraid to try new things for fear of wasting our hard-earned money.

Then I had kids and everything changed. I wanted them to try new things, I wanted them to experience life, and I was willing to do whatever it took to allow them those opportunities. If they showed interest in something I made sure they had the supplies necessary to give that hobby or that interest a real try—even if it meant I went without things.

The ironic part is that while I would allow the kids to “waste” money and supplies trying out new things, I couldn’t get myself to do the same. If I was going to create something, I had to be darn-tootin-sure that what I was about to create was something that someone I knew would want and use. I couldn’t create simply for the sake of creating. I couldn’t create because it gave me pleasure. I had to create with a purpose. And so, many of the cool crafting books I had purchased would get read, but never fully explored.

Until now…

I finally get that to become a good artist, you can’t just read the books, watch the videos, or talk art. You must get out there and get your hands dirty. You must practice techniques, try new things, and use your imagination. You must create.

And you know what the best part about playing with your art is? It’s extremely therapeutic! It feels fantastic to just immerse yourself in the moment, even if what you had in your head doesn’t quite come out that way in your art and even though you discover that you have much, much more to learn.

Until next time,

Posted in Artist's Life | 9 Comments »

Pages: Prev 1 2 3 ...63 64 65 66 67 ...94 95 96 Next

AlyiceEdrich.com
I'm a freelance writer, mixed media artist, SMVA, and the owner of The Dabbling Mum.

Copyrights

All material on this blog belongs to Alyice Edrich, unless otherwise noted. No project, artwork, or text may be reproduced or displayed elsewhere without the consent of the creator. That includes making derivative works for resale. Please use project tutorials for personal use and/or gifts only.