Symbols and Labels

In preparing for this month's Wine, Women and a Paintbrush, I was thinking alot about the "labels" I wear these days. Mostly, they are Chauffeur, Chef, and Spectator and, while I am 100% behind my kids and their passions, I'm not always fulfilled by the routines and responsibilities that that brings for me. So, after reading Jennifer Swift's book, Creative Bloom, I thought it would be fun to create new labels or symbols that help us to remember who else we are. And, as is always the case at WW&P, everyone went off on their own tangent! Which is exactly what Cheryl and I hoped for when we designed this offering. A place to take the materials we provide and explore and play to your heart's content.

This particular evening was delightfully intimate (just 5 of us) and, as such, was full of deep thought and conversation. And outcomes. Included below are: a remembrance of life, inspiration for managing the day's activities, the fun of play, a reminder of flow, peace and joy, and a gift for someone who inspires.

This project is an easy one to do at home. Just head over to Home Depot for some rebar tie wire and flush wire cutters. Then put on some play clothes and bend away. The book mentioned above is great for whimsical inspiration and even comes on the Kindle!

March

The gathering of women at this workshop was amazing. The connections, the interactions, the surprises were truly fantastic and it was just a great place to be for a few hours.

Someone suggested recently that perhaps, in light of our focus on process rather than outcome, we shouldn't be putting the finished pieces up on the blog. That they essentially defeat the purpose of letting go of expectations in order to really be present at the evening, letting whatever happens, happen. It makes me think about the need for both - the ability to, in the moment, let go of outcome, judgment and expectation, and also, in the end, to honor the outcome, no matter what that is. It seems to me that as women, and caretakers, we spend alot

of time giving - usually without expectation - and probably not nearly enough time appreciating or being appreciated. So maybe Wine, Women and a Paintbrush is a

place for both. An opportunity to let go of the daily responsibilities for a couple of hours but also to acknowledge and be acknowledged for what we've accomplished.

These pieces turned out beautifully. There is so much thought and heart in every one of them. You could feel that in the room and it showed in the way that women who'd just met were there for each other with support and guidance.