Last night Elder Uchtdorf gave me permission to neglect my kids. Not really, but it was so great to hear someone say,"Stop ignoring that intense desire to create!" It is something I have felt all my life. Luckily, I have a job that lets me tap into it frequently, but it's still not the same as creating something I want to. Almost every time I felt the urge I throw it into work instead of painting, decorating, cooking, laughing, drawing, sculpting, etc. I have done those things now and again but I have had guilt about it because I could have been cleaning my kitchen or ironing Jaymeson's pajamas. Camryn asked me to draw a hermit crab for her last sunday and Julene (my mother-in-law) said,"I didn't know you could draw!". I need to do more of it. After I got over wanting to be a whale rider at sea world, I wanted to teach Art in elementary school. When I got to college, my councilor told me there weren't any Art teachers anymore so I should try elementary ed or fine art. I decided I wanted to illustrate kids books. Just like you wanted to be in a famous rock band or in the moving picture shows. Not likely. But I did love my classes and was most happy when I was painting or drawing. Uchtdorf said that we feel that joy because it is God-like to create. Take unorganized matter and organize it in a beautiful way. Create and have compassion. That's where joy is. So I'm going to do it more. I illustrated a christmas book about ten years ago and I think I want to get it published. I want to paint a huge painting of "wishes" for my family room wall. So many things and only the rest of my life to do it. I am happy just thinking about it.
23 comments:
Oh shelby...i loved Elder E's talk too. I loved thinking about the whole concept of creation and how much joy that brings. And it just made me happy. How in tune is he? ... and what a great gift from God! He's so good. I also loved how he talked about making our homes nice so angels would love to visit...which made me feel better about all the funds and time that went into fixing my home this summer. :0) Loved your entry. Can i come help paint? ;0) love you!
uhm...yeah...Elder U. But you know who i meant. I can't spell it.
That's so funny that you would mention the monkeys. That's just what I said! "I need to go make some monkeys!" But you already got 2 birthday presents so your kids get them and you'll have to wait until Christmas. I can't wait to get started.
The things you have created from t-shirts to pictures of the temple to art of Dad and Bruce - they are all treasures and the world will be so much better a place when it is filled with more of your creations.
Shelby, it's your cousin, Emily. You might know me as MOE. I just barely posted something similar on my blog! I loved his talk. =)
How are you doing friend?? :)
Check out www.lulu.com You can publish your own book. I compiled Rob Garr's deployment letters into a book and had it printed.
Dave Williams
You are the most creative, talented, witty, person I know. I love that Christmas book. It really does need to be published! I wrote a children's book that needs illustrations. You need to get busy, girl! Stop blogging and start creating!
Lisa B.
I too am a fan of Elder Uchtdorf's talk. But instead of going home and painting murals on my walls, writing and illustrating books and creating works of art and other master pieces, I made pumpkin rolls. I believe in starting off small. Baby steps if you will.
I'm just excited with anticipation for your creativeness to be photographed and shared on your blog to inspire more of us. I loved the RS conference also.
It was such an amazing talk! I enjoyed it as well. And although I am not traditionally artsy I still love to find ways to create.
You amaze me. I've been wandering around this site for the last couple of days and you've made me laugh cry lose 15 pounds.
I wish I had your creativity. The things you can just do- is amazing. You are truly talented.
i agree with lex. can you create something cool for me? you and travis both are so good at coming up with fun things to do. i got nothing. but i love you. and you should paint more.
Yea. You finally got rid of Minima. Looks great.
i no likey. paul schreiber is going to help m fix it.
I'm going to needlepoint this whole post. I think you are me except older and neater. Oh but also a little bit freakier... I have no idea how you know who Cameron and Sarah are but I'm intrigued now. Love you!
I've read Adrienne's blog. If she thinks you're freakier than her . . . um . . . well I think we should have you committed.
I just looked at this site on a friends blog. You may want more professional, but this might be a fun start.www.blurb.com
It's always fun to have a dream/desire. Have fun with it!
I can't believe there is someone on this planet that didn't know you could draw, since you draw better than anyone I know on this planet (and as well as anyone putting out paintings/illustrations/etc.) I have long wondered what you've been waiting for...
So... since you're sick of work... how does one go about hiring you? I'm serious. I'm in charge of baby shower invitations for a shower in January (yep, three whole months from now), and I don't want to go the traditional mormon scrapbooking route. I have an idea... perhaps you could help me make it work? (or at least be totally honest with me and tell me it's stupid). Anyway, leave a comment on this post if you're up for being hired, if not, I'll just figure you never saw this comment and no feelings hurt.
PS: Isn't it embarrassing to have your husband walking around in wrinkly pajamas? Ryan does that to me all the time.
I too loved that talk and felt permission. And relief. Thanks for articulating my same experience so well. (Minus the "I can paint, and write books and draw a crab, and iron pajamas(!?!?!) But other than that it was the same...) Can't wait to see your wishes wall! I'm off to create! (after i throw a load or 2 of laundry in)
Shelby has never ironed a pair of pajamas in her life - but my Grandma Marge used to and that's why we all will feel like inferior wives forever.
eprice8@gmail.com I love missions. Bring it on.
Hey forget the Christmas book--your time and talents are much better spent creating blogs for stubborn non-bloggers. Genius! I wish I had thought of that.
If there's time left over--go ahead with the Christmas book. I'll buy one.
Post a Comment