Little Lessons
It's been a tad hectic in the Creature Comforts "studio" lately as I've been working on the holiday gift guide, trying to get my shop in order for its launch, and jostling around other projects that I can't talk about yet. I'll admit that over the weekend it got to me. I had a mini meltdown, complete with tearful sobs and followed by the baking of a molten chocolate cake (chocolate is magic). Even after a face full of cake I was still down in the dumps so I decided that drastic measures were needed and I pulled out my watercolor paints and paper (everything in my head argued that painting was the last thing in the world that I had time for, but I refused to listen).
Very soon after, a couple furry and feathered friends emerged from the paper (possibly making an appearance in my shop soon), and with each stroke of the paintbrush I felt my heavy heart lighten. Lessons I learned:
- It's okay to cry every once in a while, but it's nicer when they are happy tears.
- Chocolate cake will fix a lot, but not everything.
- Allowing yourself the time to enjoy a simple pleasure (like watercolor painting) when it seems like that's the last thing in the world that you have time for, just might be worth more than a week full of Saturdays.
I hope your day is bright today. Thanks for stopping by. xo Ez
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| by Ez Tuesday, October 25, 2011 
Reader Comments (33)
I love the swan painting! Taking time for yourself is one of those lessons most of us (especially me) has to learn over and over again. Hope you're feeling refreshed and looking forward to your gift guide (and what ever else is up your sleeves!).
Your art is beautiful, thank you for sharing!
Lovely Ez! Sometimes it's ok to chuck the "to do" list and do something just because you want to!
I love these lessons and they are so very true!
From what I can see, your watercolors are absolutely charming. I am glad you were able to work through your meltdown. Art is so therapeutic!
Diane
I love this post. I'm sorry that you had such a tough weekend but it's great that you found a good combination of things that helped get you out of that rut. We can be such slaves to our "to-do" list that we have to remind ourselves of what we really want.
Also, vodka helps sometimes too.
Awww, Ez! You did the right thing. My meltdown rule is food, wine, bath. When I'm most convinced that I absolutely don't have time for any of those things, that is when they are most necessary.
Gah,I know how that feels! My weekend reached near-meltdown status as well, but I am still in need of that break! I think I'll take a cue from you (and the other commenters :) ) and draw myself a bath + glass of wine tonight. And can I say how much I LOVE your watercolors? Please do put them in the shop - they would make such lovely gifts...that is, if I could bring myself to give one away!!
p.s., can't wait to hear about your other secret projects! xo Laura
Those look beautiful, Ez. I hope that this week will be kind to you. Making time for little things that fill you up somehow always seems to ultimately create more time, don't you think?
Beautiful paintings Ez. Creativity is good for the soul. I was stressed this weekend so I rearranged furniture. I moved a bookcase into my office/craft room and organized the shelves with craft supplies in baskets and jars. It was good for my soul (not so much my muscles).
Thanks for sharing.
Your watercolor paintings are beautiful! I'm looking forward to all the projects you have planned.I hope this week is much better for you!
So beautiful, Ez! Thanks for sharing the lessons you learned. I don't know, though...pretty sure chocolate cake can remedy any hint of sadness. ;)
Oh, I'm really looking forward to your gift guide...any chance it will be in print? xx
I had a rough start to the week -meltdowns, tears, hysterical international calls to my mum. Your blog is one thing that ALWAYS lifts my heart. Your fabulous finds, your charming projects, awesome art and your honesty. Thank you!
Now where's that chocolate ....
You all are just so incredibly lovely! Thank you for taking the time to leave such beautiful and thoughtful comments today. Each one means so much to me. Hugs to all of you. And to those of you having your own meltdown moments...you're not alone. Hang in there, eat some chocolate, and do something just for you that refreshes and makes your heart glad. Things will be better before you know it. xo Ez
One of my favorite quotes came to mind when I read this post.
The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.
Here's to better weekends! Glad you're feeling better :)
So true - that little sneak peak of a swan looks absolutely lovely.
I think the quote for that was just on Pinterest - "What you do when you are procrastinating is probably what you should be doing for a living . . ." or something like that ;)
These are beautiful and I'm glad painting them made you feel better.
Somehow, the act of creating has that magical effect
what beautiful things to come out of a meltdown! Lovely paintings, I hope you feel serener now x
A nice bear and a wunderfull and beautiful swan!
About the crying, choclate and sometimes take time for things you wouldn't have the time for is so true!
x
Eos
The critters that emerged amist your mini breakdown must have turned your frown upside down. They are so cute! I hope your spirits continue to lift as the week continues.
~Liz
Wow! Thank you all so much for your encouraging words and compliments too! I'm so touched. Hugs all around! xox Ez
I'm a big believer in chocolate cake, and it's magical abilities...
is it ok that i`m feeling jealous of your watercolor skills? because, wow those are sooo beautiful. i know i know not the right time for jealousy, but watercolors are something that so far have made me nothing but frustrated!! i will get there though, baby steps...
i can really relate these days to having a lot on ones plate - i had a meltdown just the other night and you know what crying it out is where it`s at. and i think turning to art like you did is such a great, healing way to handle things. lately even when i don`t have the time to create it comforts me so much to know that i will again soon!! thanks for being so honest here and i hope things calm down for you very soon.
Simply stunning, I love the bear! It is always so much better to stop, breathe, and do something lovely for the soul. Besides, when I am super busy and stressed, how many times do I find myself pausing and thinking about all the stuff I have to do...you aren't being productive during those moments so you might as well do something fun!
BTW I am so saving that quote...chocolate cake can fix alot...but not everything. LOVE! and so true...
I'm glad you're taking care of yourself! (And, I'm super excited for your gift guide this year!)