creative endeavors & “ladies who lunch”

by | Jun 10, 2016 | a slice of life | 44 comments

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If you haven’t figured it out, I am definitely the “creative type”.  I get lost in my art, whatever it happens to be that day…sewing, refinishing, painting, music…and I tend to forget appointments and I run late for things and I burn dinner and I realize I worked on something that stirred my soul instead of something that really needed to be done.

It’s been a bit of a challenge to balance that desire to create and the discipline it takes to run a business.  And, when a lot of my creative endeavors are tied up in my business, I can start to feel like the creativity is caged.  It can happen within these parameters and those who are creative know that’s just not good for creativity.

You need an open field, room to stretch, time to play and fiddle.

So, I’ve been working on creative things that don’t have anything to do with work.  One of those things is guitar.  If you follow me on Instagram, you may catch a snippet of a song I’ll share once in a while.  I play and sing in our church worship team and I’ll sometimes record a bit of my practice, just to share a non-business piece of myself with my readers/followers.

… My one defense, my righteousness. Oh, God, how I need you. @taylorguitars #taylorguitars #praise

A video posted by Marian aka Miss Mustard Seed (@missmustardseed) on

Acoustic guitar has always been my thing and my dad bought me a beautiful Taylor as a gift a few years ago.  It was when my oldest son was just a few months old and it was a rough time for me as an individual.  Everything is about your baby and it’s easy to feel like the things you cared about don’t matter anymore and may not matter again until that kid is in college!  It was then that my dad gifted me with something I didn’t ask for and could never afford at that time – this gorgeous acoustic guitar for me to play.  It was something just for me.

That was when I really, really started practicing.  I worked on hard songs like Blackbird and more complicated picking patterns.  I worked on chords that had always been a challenge for me.  

That time of creativity did a lot for me.  

Now, our church is going to offer a more contemporary worship service and I’ve been praying that a great electric guitar player would join our congregation.  (We actually have one, but he’s headed off to college.)  

A couple of weeks ago, it hit me.  Why couldn’t I learn electric guitar?  I am a 38 year old mom and that may immediately make me nowhere near cool enough to shred, but I think I could get away with some simple licks and, even if I play it like an acoustic, we can have the rich sounds you can achieve with an electric guitar.  

So, I shopped around for one I thought I could get away with wearing/playing and ended up buying an Ibanez Artcore vintage style (of course), hollow body electric guitar.  

Come on!  Aren’t the dings and dents and the vintage finish totally Miss Mustard Seed?!

And my sweet dad, once again wanting to encourage me, bought me the amp, case and some other accessories.

I clearly need some amp lessons, because the knobs and how they all relate to one another are a bit of a mystery to me at the moment, but I am having a blast with the guitar.  YouTube tutorials are my best friend when I’m practicing.  

I’m just waiting for the time when my boys have to ask mom to turn down the amp because they are trying to sleep.   

I know talking about electric guitars isn’t my usual thing, but I’m sure you’ve picked up that this post isn’t about guitars, but about feeling that creative stir and going for it.  Following it even if you feel like you’re too old or too young or not cool enough or too cool or whatever your excuse-of-the-day is.  

Another creative stirring I’ve felt is for painting.  When I first started my mural business, I worked on a few canvas paintings.  I thought so poorly of them that I sold them all at an auction just so I wouldn’t have to look at them again.  My mom managed to save one and I’m glad…

This is a painting I did when I first started my business. I sold the rest at an auction, but my mom saved this one…

A photo posted by Marian aka Miss Mustard Seed (@missmustardseed) on

I used to look at it with a very critical eye, noting how much of a amateur I am with a brush and how I didn’t capture the lighting and shadows well.  When I look at it now, though, I see something I really enjoyed that I gave up on too quickly.

While I still think I have a ton of room to grow, I see now that I wasn’t giving myself enough grace.  We often don’t give ourselves the grace to be okay at something until we can practice and get better.  Right?

I did a lot of painting as we were getting ready for Lucketts and I felt so inspired by it. It was so nourishing after the parade of white furniture.  I love those pieces, too, working on them and the results, but the process is just different.

And then I was so pleasantly surprised that readers were asking to buy my work.  In fact, one reader did buy my work!  She bought one of the large canvases!  She requested that I add a few things to make it personal for her and those critical voices started speaking to me again.

You’re going to mess it up, Marian!

I was most nervous about adding the two maltese dogs.  I don’t know if I can paint dogs.  But I went for it.  I figured I could turn them into bushes or something if they were really bad.  Well, they turned out so sweet!  She didn’t know it, but I’m glad she pushed me a little.

…and painting those two dogs pushed me just enough to buy a few blank canvases and some fresh artist acrylics (mine were getting pretty exhausted.)

I’m not making any promises, but I am going to work at it again and, if nothing else, I’ll just enjoy the process.

Lastly, speaking of art, many of you have asked about a painting I’ve shared in a lot of my pictures.  It’s an original painting (named “the ladies who lunch” by a reader) by Cindy Austin, the same artist who painted Eulalie and Gwendolyn, the cow paintings hanging in my home.

She painted it for me as a gift and didn’t go through the process of having it photographed, so it could be reprinted, before she gave it to me.  Well, so many of you have asked about it, that I encouraged her to make prints available.

So, now they are!  You can buy a giclee print of this painting now in Cindy’s online shop .  Eulalie, Gwendolyn, and other paintings are available as well.

I don’t make any money off of these sales and this is not a paid sponsored post.  I just love Cindy and her work and many of you have expressed an interest in purchasing the painting, so I wanted to share.

And, now that I have put myself out there, sharing about electric guitars and canvas painting, it’s your turn to share what creative endeavors you are pursuing (or hope to pursue)…?

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    44 Comments

    1. gerre lynne

      Greetings Marian. Your electric guitar is gorgeous and kudos to you for once again taking up playing the guitar and painting. Methinks that everyone should indulge themselves in at least one thing that they love doing. Having such an outlet is good for the soul and the mind. How lovely that your Dad understands and encourages your “you time” and gifts you with what you need to have just that. I have several outlets. One is creating grande paper flowers (many of which reside in my studio) and another involves hosting elaborate parties for friends twice a year. My researching, planning and creative process for the themed soirees takes about six months. Besides having a marvelous time with my planning, I also learn quite a bit in the process. My “time of enlightenment” so to speak! For instance, one party theme was Japan and Geisha and a much was learned during my research. This Saturday, I will be hosting a Marie Antoinette sit-down dinner/art workshop/dessert fest for ladies and what a great history lesson that research has proven to be. Here’s to everyone making time to have and embrace their creative endeavors. And, while indulging onself should it end up providing others with happiness, it is truly a win win. Blessings to you and yours…gerre lynne

      • Robin Ramsey Leach

        Those sound like amazing parties. I love that you spend much so time researching….God is in the details!

        • gerre lynne

          Thank you very much Robin and I wholeheartedly agree! 🙂

    2. Susan

      I have loads of different creative interests (paper craft, upholstery, appliqué, visible mending…) but have just started a new one. After hearing me say I was interested in learning, a friend gave me their ukulele they never play. I’ve had it for about 2 weeks now and practice every day. It’s harder than it looks! But I’m making progress and it makes me happy to even be trying. And I reckon even if I have little natural ability and even if progress is sloooow, with practice I’ll eventually improve and maybe one day I’ll just be able to pick it up and bang out a few songs. Proud of myself! ?

      • Kelley

        I recently taught myself to crochet. What a joy to add my personal touch to a pennant made from a vintage bedsheet, a baby jumper, a pillowcase, a greeting card. No, my handwork is never perfect, but it keeps idleness and boredom at bay and the results are like candy without the fat and calories!

        *hugs*
        Kelley, Piano Hands

      • Kim

        Our neighborhood has a Uke group. We are all learning together. There are quite a few of us and we meet each Monday. My husband and I have played guitar since our teens but it has challenged our brain to learn a new chord structure. We are having a blast. (Marian’s Mom)

        • Robin Ramsey Leach

          We used to have a ladies uke group, too. My husband was our instructor. We called ourselves the Fabulous Ukuladies. My husband said he required 2 shots of tequila just get us all through tuning!

        • breida@breidawithab.com

          Hi Kim –
          I just told my husband THIS morning that I want to buy our daughter a ukelele. They just finished unit at school where they learned a couple of songs and 6 or 7 chords – Maybe I’ll buy TWO and she can teach ME!
          -breida

    3. Karen Umbrello

      I do things like knit and crochet. I paint some furniture (Inspired by you). But the thing I’m most excited about, is learning spoon carving with my 16 year old son (who does woodworking) this summer! He makes gorgeous pens, bottle stoppers, cutting boards, a skateboard (!) and turns bowls. He’s always happy to drag someone into his workshop to teach them how to use tools and let them make something. So, I fancy becoming a spoon carver. It just seems so relaxing, and hopefully satisfying. And, if it works out, I know what my family and friends will be getting for Christmas this year!
      Karen

    4. Gina

      I love to be creative in my home and this post is so spot on. We let life get in the way as our brains are constantly thinking “I should do this or that to that wall, floor, fireplace, etc.” The thinking never turns in to action and we mourn that project not done! My upstairs hallway gallery wall was my never done project. I had all my ideas, collected frames, prints, pictures, postcards (all beachy and Charleston theme)sitting against the wall for weeks. Finally one Friday night I decided that this was going to be the weekend that it was going to happen!!! I felt like I had been set free and was surprised at the feeling. I realized that that feeling was just waiting to fly. It took me all weekend to do five small wall groupings….I LOVE IT. it greets me every time I go up or down the stairs. There is such meaning in some of the framings and my creativity soared and surprised even me!!! Thank you Marian for always knowing what we need. Play on…..

    5. Netty

      Thanks so much for sharing this Marian 🙂
      I love to bake! It is so much fun to try new recipes, and “tweak” them to the flavours that I like. I love to watch people enjoy my baking. It puts a big smile on my face 🙂 I like to try anything crafty. I made a beautiful driftwood wreath out of pieces I collected near the cottage we sold recently. A great memento! I just purchased 6 beautiful French Provincial style dining chairs, which I am in the process of reupholstering. I also sing in our Worship Band at our church. It is such a blessing to be able to use the gifts and talents that we have been given.

    6. Terri

      more music videos, please?! Love the worship and maybe Blackbird?

    7. Bri

      Oh my goodness, how right you are. I used to ride horses competitively and have been hitting the same scenario in that setting. All of my riding became so focused that I was not getting inspired by riding anymore. I’ve had to step back and take some time to just load up and trailer to the nearest park for trails or take him on a jog with me, just enjoy him. Then I come home and am so inspired to work on our renovations. My husband just smiles and asks if Chance and I had fun. He can always tell when I am nurturing what inspires me to create.

    8. Carmen

      That guitar is so “you” that I can immediately visualize it hanging in the wall as art. :). I’ve been wanting to pick up my violin again; I took lessons for two years as an adult, which was both humbling and rewarding.

    9. Karen

      Marian, a while back I posted to you saying…..someone is going to want those canvas you guys painted…..so glad it was appreciated…..I JUST KNEW IT!!!!!

    10. wendy baker

      Hi there miz marian!
      I have had a few interests over the years that have waxed and waned but always have been creatively driven. So i get where you are coming from. I itch if I don’t make things.i have that nesting instinct to do house related primping, knitting, architecture and baking/cooking. Sometimes I get really burned out on my income producing efforts as a jewelry artist, so these other interests help to keep things balanced. This week we are looking towards getting a puppy and the need to “baby-proof” the house is nudging me towards cleaning, re-purposing things that i have collected and some knitting for holiday show inventory. every day is different and making new things serves my creative itch.
      xowendy
      Ps. I would love to hear blackbird!

    11. Renie Gile

      Thank you for sharing. I can so identify with what you say. I am painting cows and horses on old rusty screen doors and windows.

    12. Melissa Leach

      I, too, like to think of myself as creative person. My two daughters are also creative. I love that I passed that on to them. My youngest daughter is associated with an Art and Innovation Center that offers high dollar classes on how to think like an artist (creative person). I indulge my creative side by making homemade cards, crafts of all kinds, gardening, sewing, redecorating and refinishing furniture. I also love to do event planning!

      I love that you are part of a contemporary worship team at your church! Good luck with your new, very cool vintage guitar and equipment. Sing on!!!

    13. Deb Zorn

      There is a lady in our Praise Band, who is well into her 70’s. She plays the bass. 🙂

      • marian

        Oh my gosh, I love that lady!!

    14. Tracy

      Love this post Miss Marian, only have a moment and wanted to say, love that painting you did a few years ago AND your Maltese dogs ARE SO CUTE!!!!!!

    15. Chris

      Yay! Marian Clapton!!!!!

    16. Patricia

      I love this post. I too have many creative interests. There is something deliciously fulfilling about using one’s hands and ‘feeling’ one’s way through the creative process. I make things all the time ( homemade meals, gifts, crafty things, sewing projects, home dec) but periodically i just know when it’s time to really create something. My hands will yearn to attach themselves to a special project and just seem to know what to do all on their own. It’s pure bliss.

    17. CR

      You go girl!!!!

    18. marylisa noyes

      Great post

    19. Donna Doble-Brown

      Marian . . . .this post has moved me to tears . . . As I know it’s an emotional time for me (my first born daughter just got married) I’m not sure what moved me MORE . . . . Your sweet Dad, being so supportive (I never had that and longed for it) OR just being so darn PROUD of you! It’ takes a lot of COURAGE to share these thoughts and feelings with all of us . . . . I know I don’t “know” you, but honestly I feel like I do!
      I’m finishing up my certification for being a Life Coach and these are things I would have encouraged you to do . . . Well done! AND leave it to you to find the PERFECT electric guitar! Keith Urban has some wonderful guitar tutorials I think . . . Just a thought . . .
      Can’t wait to see what you surprise me with next! And give your Dad a hug from me, and say thank you! Restores my faith a little at a time . . . . XO

    20. April

      So cool!

    21. Barb

      My goodness! There is no end to the intrepid artistic creative side of you! God has blessed you with many gifts & talents..you seem get a sense there’s something there & you step out. Way to go you!!

    22. Sharon Hankins

      Marian, my husband said to let you know that the knobs on your amp are like antiquing wax and white wax! The treble is like white wax, it gives you a lighter, brighter tone. The bass knob is like dark wax, it gives you a deeper tone. The mix between volume and gain is like using Bonding Agent. To get a clean, smooth sound try a lower gain, higher volume, and for more of a crackly chippy sound – higher gain, lower volume. Then you have your furniture wax which is like reverb – adds a lovely shine to your tune!
      I hope you enjoyed his analogy (he was really proud of himself to come up with this!) after I showed him your new guitar.

      • Robin Ramsey Leach

        That is totally awesome! Your husband rocks!

      • Kim Wagner

        That is hilarious

    23. Cheryl

      Awe☺️❤️Love you girl!! Once again inspiring. I have experiences I’ve wanted to express on canvas and at times fear I’ll lose them with time. I admire your courage. In humor… Will you paint the guitar? ?! Often than not I’ll see a piece and think or envision… Hmmm how might that look painted. And it IS the trend now.
      ☺️❤️?

    24. Robin Ramsey Leach

      Hi, Marian! I LOVE that Ibanez! She is gorgeous, and looks perfect for you. We are a musical family also, and my husband plays in the church worship team as well. We are Taylor and Gibson lovers here. I’m so glad you’re getting some music time…it’s so very good for the soul! Spread those wings, lady, and shred that axe!

    25. Linda

      Those dogs are the cutest dogs I’ve ever seen ,you are amazing,a true artist!?

    26. Tracy

      Just thought of another project for you while reading thru this again-illustrating a children’s book featuring 2 Maltese dogs! 😀 You can thank me for the idea later-lol!

    27. Wendy Feid

      I have always been crafty/creative. I recently started an etsy shop selling handmade jewelry. It gives me such joy! I so look forward to coming home after my 9 to 5 job and playing with my jewelry.

    28. Barbara

      Marian,

      I am so happy for you! I love your guitar! I think we all need other passions:-) And I would love to hear you play!!

      Oddly enough I just want to do a simple thing like knit…but the continental method. I am a very visual person…so I need some one to “show” me..and NOT you tube:-) So maybe I will work on that.

      I guess we are never too old?

      Have fun with your guitar!

      • Diane Westbrook

        Oh, do find a knitting store with someone to teach you the continental method! My Grandmother taught me how to knit that way when I was a teenager…many, many moons ago now! I remember going to a knitting class years later and someone saying to me…”oh, you are knitting all wrong”! I have kept up knitting the way I was taught and would never try any other method. Continental is such an easy and smooth method of knitting! Go for it!!!
        I am now working on two dollhouses that my sweet Hubby purchased for me at auctions years ago…painting and papering and all the fun stuff..it is so relaxing and just plain fun…..and yes, I am a great-grandmother….LOL

    29. Kathryn Casey

      Thank you for sharing! I started writing as a kid, upholstery when someone gave me an antique sofa when I was engaged, sewing curtains during marriage, more upholstery, painting cabinets, painting signs (thanks to you!), and living in the hospital with my son for two months, I needed something small and neat since he was in the ICU and I started doing watercolor. I know what you mean about being a creative type. We can’t keep moving forward well without an outlet.

    30. Leslie

      Marian, Loved reading this post. I agree,as a creative person, it is a struggle to find the balance and the discipline to run a business. I feel like half the time I’m a divided person and I’d much rather be the one who creates and makes things. One day, I hope I can justify the expense of hiring out tasks that could be done better by someone else. Maybe then I could explore more freeing activities like painting and reading for pleasure. I look forward to that day!

    31. Liz

      Pretty guitar! A new guitar, amp AND art supplies. What fun!

    32. Marlene Stephenson

      So glad to hear you are having fun cause it seemed like you work alot, which i understand but we all need something we truly enjoy. God is good!

    33. Margaret

      Just got to sit down and read this post, awesome! Love your encouragement to get out and do new things! And I’m blessed to read all the different things folks are sharing. What a great conversation! I love ho God gifts us each with such individuality and how we can use those things to encourage and inspire others! You, and everyone responding here, have encouraged me!

    34. Sara Jo Floyd

      It’s good to hear that I am not the only artist mommy that gets caught up in painting and struggles to do the mommy things, like laundry for instance. I too have recently been blessed by the opportunity of using my art in the church and it feels so right. God is the one who wired us as artists and honoring Him with our gifts just makes sense! It is interesting that you hear the voices of self doubt too! What an encouragement this post has been! Thank you for your transparency and willingness to share your heart.

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