Still Seeking Beauty
Dear Reader, who has stumbled upon my little corner of the world (perhaps for the first time in a long while or for the first time ever), I thank you. Thank you for being here. For caring to pop in at this exact moment. I am humbled that fellow kindred spirits still come here to this place that houses my words, my photographs, my imperfectly creative life.
Life continues to move on even as blogs get left in the dust. I have so much I could share. So much I would love to have time to pour out here. I wish you could sit across from me right now as I pour my heart out to you about all that’s been happening in my life over the past couple of years. There would be so much to tell and laughs to be had, but also many tears to be shed.
This pandemic has stolen so much from so many of us. But, even during all of this, I still seek to find beauty in the every day. There is surely still goodness and light and love out there for those who choose to see it. If we just open our eyes to it. That has always been my goal no matter how hard things get.
Look for the beauty in the imperfect.
It’s still there.
This blog (at its best) is my creative outlet, my point of view shared with you, my story, and hopefully it has been relatable, in some way, to those who visit.
At its worse (or at my worse), I wonder if it matters at all if I post here? Perhaps in the grand scheme of things it does not. But, if perhaps, for even one soul out there who comes here to be inspired, refreshed, renewed, made to feel hopeful or find a kindred friendship through the bond of words and photographs, I will continue to write and share.
The past couple of years have been extremely difficult for me, but I have been doing a lot of praying, soul searching, and striving to grow for the betterment of myself and those around me. It has been a long haul and some personal changes make the every day more challenging, but I am definitely getting through. I’ve had to do a lot of work to learn about “self care” and knowing that what I care about and have dreams of doing does matter. I forgot that for a long time.
The current season of life has found me spending more time reading for pleasure and personal growth and exploring new adventures for myself in art and creative writing. With three of my children in school this year and one who naps in the afternoons, I have found a little space of time to be creative if I choose to (or just have a nap if need be!).
A few months ago, I started working on a studio space in my basement where I can work on my collage art and paintings, and other creative projects like the dollhouse. Although, I have relinquished most creative control to my 10 year old Hazel (shown in the photographs above) who has taken up a strong interest for it. It is a pleasure watching her ideas shine.
I have also been dabbling in creative writing (spiralbound notebook style so far, which feels the safest to my timid writer self as of yet.) Even though I have written here on my blog for so many years, I have not worked on fiction or poetry since high school and college. But I feel drawn to it these days. I hope to use this blog as my starting off point to share some of that in the future.
So my hope is that when I find the time, I will once again get the creative spark to share those tidbits of my life here with you. I thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your life and your journey as you are a part of mine.
Till next time…
12 Comments
deborah kaempf
always a pleasure to receive a blog update in my inbox,
and an inspiring visit as well, thank you, Alice!
Alice Wingerden
Thank you so much!
Michele
Thank you for reaching out. The most important part of this living is the people and sharing is a great gift.
Christine Irvine
It’s always a pleasure to see your blog posts in my mailbox. I’m happy to hear you’re taking time for your creative self. Your little girl is getting so big…so pretty! Lovely photography and girl, you can draw! Awesome sketches! Truly.
Take care.
Christine
New Hampshire
Alice Wingerden
Thank you Christine!
Alice Wingerden
yes, thank you!
leesa b
Alice! I still love getting to peek inside your world… I hope life will continue to inspire you, even in the hard moments and that you find balance in the everyday routine and the wondrous surprises life brings… never doubt your voice or your talent!
Alice Wingerden
Thank you so much for these kind words!
Briana from Texas
I am always happy to find one of your posts in my inbox. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Alice Wingerden
Thank you so much!!
beth, from houston
good morning Alice! sending love!! I wanted you to know I love reading your website. At the change of each season, I go back through and read your posts for decorating inspiration and for refreshing my home. Your children and family are lovely!! you are not alone in your hard moments!!! 2 Corinth. 4.17-8 <33
Alice Wingerden
Thank you so much for these kind words!!!