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I hope you all are finding creative ways to light up this dreary month of January!
For my second Creative Living Blog Feature, I have a very special friend to for you to meet. Katie and I roomed together in the October House in Arlington years ago, and are still walking together as time passes. We (and our other dear housemate) all read the book "Hidden Art" by Edith Schaeffer (get it! It's great!). From that time on, we've encouraged each other to live creatively in the ordinary parts of our day. Katie is wonderful person and gentle compassionate friend! Here's a fun fact - she worked with a wedding cake decorator! I could totally see her getting back into that someday. For now, most of her time is spent mothering two adorable little people and being a wife to her wonderful hubby. Enjoy some inspiration from Katie!
Tell us a little about yourself – your name, where you live, your work.
My name is Katie and I live in Roanoke, Virginia. I live with my husband and two children -- Susannah is two and Evan is three months old. My work involves taking care of my family and supporting my husband in pursuing his calling.
What creative crafts or activities do you like to do? Tell us what you like to do and why it appeals to you.
Given the nature of raising two very small children, I don't have much free time, so most of my creative pursuits are pretty practical. I love gardening - digging in the dirt and growing flowers and vegetables from seed. during the winter months we compost in anticipation of rich and fertile soil come spring. Since we are living on one income it is necessary to make a little bit go a long way, so another great joy of mine is creating something out of nothing in the kitchen. Lately, I have started making huge quantities of stock from leftover bones that would otherwise have been thrown away. The stock simmers for several days and fills the house with a delicious aroma. then comes the fun part -- making soup! Nothing beats homemade turkey soup (leftover from thanksgiving) when those winter colds hit. I also made scotch broth from lamb stock made from our christmas leftovers. Finally, I have found that it takes great creativity (and patience) to engage a two year old in the daily rhythms of family life. believe it or not, two year olds can can help sort laundry, learn where things go and put them away, help add ingredients to whatever is cooking, and even set the family dinner table! susannah is always asking to help and I have found with creative thinking I can ALWAYS find a way for her to contribute.
Do you have a person that inspires you (living or historical)? Tell us about her or him!
Edith Schaffer -- wife of the late Francis Schaffer and mother of four. she has inspired me not only in areas of faith, but in creative living -- the the beauty in every situation and working with what you have.
What is the most beautiful place you've ever been?
My name is Katie and I live in Roanoke, Virginia. I live with my husband and two children -- Susannah is two and Evan is three months old. My work involves taking care of my family and supporting my husband in pursuing his calling.
What creative crafts or activities do you like to do? Tell us what you like to do and why it appeals to you.
Given the nature of raising two very small children, I don't have much free time, so most of my creative pursuits are pretty practical. I love gardening - digging in the dirt and growing flowers and vegetables from seed. during the winter months we compost in anticipation of rich and fertile soil come spring. Since we are living on one income it is necessary to make a little bit go a long way, so another great joy of mine is creating something out of nothing in the kitchen. Lately, I have started making huge quantities of stock from leftover bones that would otherwise have been thrown away. The stock simmers for several days and fills the house with a delicious aroma. then comes the fun part -- making soup! Nothing beats homemade turkey soup (leftover from thanksgiving) when those winter colds hit. I also made scotch broth from lamb stock made from our christmas leftovers. Finally, I have found that it takes great creativity (and patience) to engage a two year old in the daily rhythms of family life. believe it or not, two year olds can can help sort laundry, learn where things go and put them away, help add ingredients to whatever is cooking, and even set the family dinner table! susannah is always asking to help and I have found with creative thinking I can ALWAYS find a way for her to contribute.
Do you have a person that inspires you (living or historical)? Tell us about her or him!
Edith Schaffer -- wife of the late Francis Schaffer and mother of four. she has inspired me not only in areas of faith, but in creative living -- the the beauty in every situation and working with what you have.
What is the most beautiful place you've ever been?
I would have to say my parents home up in maine. This is a place that fills my senses - nothing soothes me like the sound of the waves lapping the rocks, the seagulls calling and the distant drone of a lobster boat. I love the smell and taste of salt ocean air and the sensation of it filling my lungs. I have almost thirty years of memories of sunsets too - each one drawing from a unique palette and demonstrating God's infinite creativity.
What creative things would you like to learn this year?
I don't know if this is the year, but I look forward to picking up another painting class one of these days. Each year, I try to grow something new in the garden - don't know what it'll be this year. . .
What creative things would you like to learn this year?
I don't know if this is the year, but I look forward to picking up another painting class one of these days. Each year, I try to grow something new in the garden - don't know what it'll be this year. . .
Katie also uncovered a great ability to pick out jewelry for some Christmas gifts - it was delightful to work with her to make something just right for special family members! And I have a feeling Ms. Susannah will be a bauble girl - love it! :-) Thanks, Katie!!
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