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Whimsical Wednesdays ~ The Artist’s Corner: Christmas Whimsy is a Family Tradition
As today is Whimiscal Wednesdays, I couldn’t think of a more whimsical way to share what is in my heart and how I live every day from the innocence of my inner child than to share a glimpse into our day yesterday. While it’s true that I have never let go of the the little girl within and don’t go a day without a bit of silly and imagination, in part this is also because of having a family that does the same.
There are many things my spirit carries forth into embodiment simply by way of essence, but my parents have instilled much of the same in me because they, too, have never stopped nurturing their inner child and “living life as art.” Neither did my French grandfather who is the one I often mention having been the one to encourage the artist part of me. We have a lot of family members who have enjoyed continuing on in the ways of the inner child’s artist, thoroughly enjoying life, laughing a lot, and finding ways to bring beauty more to others.
We are truly grateful for this and even though, like any family, we have our ups and downs and challenges, I truly believe that having this little part cultivated and in tact, has supported moving through life with more hope, resilience, and desire to keep re-imagining anew.
Both of my parents are artistic and creative as well in their own ways, and both love to have fun, giggle to tears, and enjoy creating beauty around them. This includes creating an enchanted Winter Wonderland in their home that rivals Santa’s North Pole home and toy shop. In fact, every holiday they go all out with decorating from their childs’ hearts.
My dear Faery Laura has mentioned having had a word for 2018 and a new one for 2019 – “thrive”, and while I wouldn’t say there’s only one for me, I would say that “storybook” often comes to mind when I think of the theme I’ve been cultivating in my life and “whimsical” is another I have truly become extra fond of.
When put together, I feel 2019 to continue anchoring in more of both of these and that my life is unfolding and embodying a storybook that I’m singing from my whimsical heart.
Because of this, I felt so strongly that yesterday I would wear my Alice in Wonderland dress to my parent’s Faeryland home to celebrate Christmas, as it would be a way for me to immerse more fully into this wondrous journey I’m creating and embarking on.
I truly felt like the little girl that I am, now walking hand-in-hand with the woman I’ve become. There is no separation.
And I loved being surrounded by the beauty and enchantment my parents create, the warmth they exude, and the love that emanates from all that they share.
I didn’t take photos this year of the entire house, but I assure you every room is themed with Christmas Wonderland delight!
We spent a lovely day that was filled with a full vegan feast they lovingly made for us, opening sweet and thoughtful gifts, watching Christmas animations – Nestor the Long Eared Donkey (a fav of mine and how my twin soul rabbit, Nestor, got her name) and one we’d never seen before – The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (which was very magickal too), and sharing about the old ways and how life once was so different and simple. This to include stories of my parents when they were children growing up – one in a small, cobbled-street village at the foot of a castle in the South of France and the other in the old Italian parts of Hoboken, New Jersey.
We were then sent home with a huge care package of goodies to last a week – no cooking for me weeeeeeeee!
Before we ventured off to their Otherworld, Dave and I had enjoyed a mystical morning Christmas skiing. A fog covered the slopes, creating mysterious pockets to journey through on our descent. It was such a cool experience and coupled with Christmas Eve’s snow storm while skiing, a full rainbow that day, and a small misty rainbow portal yesterday, I felt magick consume me and offer more hope to a New Year filled with potential of greater peace and joy.
I hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas and holiday and I wish each of you a little whimsy and sweet delight, as you think about the ways you might want to create this upcoming New Year from your inner child’s creative heart.
Christmas Reflections & New Stage of Life
It’s been a big week so far, beginning with warm celebrations at my family’s house in Reno for Christmas, some completions, and a huge day today for Astrid. I was able to complete my office, except for a new sliding glass door and three special things to hang, which meant it was time for the reveal to her. And boy was it the best day of her life, and my life with her, yet! She had a huge day of joyful tears, soulful release, and courageous leaps – quite literally!
This mirrors me, as I’ve been reflecting on all that has completed and is about to begin in my own life, which was reiterated by the Tarot cards I pulled on Christmas.
My family and I always pull cards at the holidays to see what current theme is streaming through and what the New Year holds for us. All of them were very accurate, and mine were no exception to that.
They spoke to the rebirth taking place for me, an inner calling surfaced, release from all karmic ties, and everything coming together in my life story as I reach a significant stage on my journey.
Synchronously, the last week or so I’ve had an influx of people inquiring for services I have let go of and items I used to offer. To all of them I politely said no, but shared my gratitude for the reflections. It’s become much easier to do this, as I get the clearest yet about myself and what I want and don’t want.
As I felt into the messages of the cards, it was such a relieving confirmation and when I saw Astrid’s joy today and felt and heard her own release and depth of gratitude, I knew we were riding this new path together in all ways. Her feelings were mine reflected, and vice versa.
I will soon share a post on Astrid’s explorations and fun in our new shared room, which got its name a few days ago.
For now I’ll just share this one tiny peek of her in one of her play areas, standing tall and proud, and want to express the touching moment for us.
After she explored a bunch, she returned to the center of the room where I sat. Normally when she’s excited, she’s very interested in doing her own thing and will jet off if you come to her. But this time she came right to me and I put my hand on her head and caressed her softly, as we shared words.
Her eyes softened and lids lowered and she melted into my hand. All I could hear and feel was her joyous release and appreciation.
Like me, she’s had a long, hard journey.
Like me she’s waited patiently and kept going and believing, even when there seemed no hope.
Like me, she is experiencing the best time of her life now and receiving reflections of all the work she’s put into things, come to fruition…finally.
I could see her past and all she went through to get to this moment…how she waited for the right time and person to adopt her.
No one would and kept passing her by because they couldn’t “see” her.
She waited nearly three years, which is a lot for a little rabbit, as all of her friends at the rescue got adopted and left her behind.
And now, here she was, being gifted a magickal rabbit playroom fit for the queen that she is.
It was all overwhelming for her in a beautiful full circle way.
I felt both of our hearts open wider and our connection deepen, as we both shed tears of gratitude.
I knew her journey, as it mirrored so much of my own.
I’ll share again more in an upcoming post, but today was a huge day for us both. And on top of that, she learned to go up and down the big staircase all on the same day.
I knew she could do it, but thought it might take longer.
Astrid proved her bravery, as within a couple of hours she was up the stairs. And just a bit ago, she made it down.
It was such a cute process….the down that is, as she kept coming to me to help her. She kept nosing my ankles and then tugged on my pant legs with her teeth, to help. So I gave her a pep talk and went to the stairs to show her how. It took a little while, as she kept checking the first step down and then circling to regroup. And then it was done.
Today was a BIG day for both of us on so many levels. Speaks to the New Year to come!
Here are some photos from our lovely Christmas we all shared as a family, which was festive, fun, and full of giggles and yummy vegan feasting! Grateful to have parents that support our vegan lifestyle and always make, buy, or search out vegan restaurant options for us. My brother (who is absent in the photos due to camera shyness, but far from absent in the shenanigans shared) is vegan and was actually vegan a few years before I even knew what being vegan was. Both my mom (makes the entrees) and dad (makes the desserts) got in on the vegan creations and sent us home with care packages and apple dumplings to enjoy for the mornings.
Grateful also to have Faery folk as parents, which brings to Christmas and all holidays the magick I love.
The painting hanging here in their living room is an original by me of Venice that I painted while living in Sedona in 1997 – my first major painting I ever did – as an anniversary gift to my parents (it replicated a photo from their trip there, with a little “T” twist)
Such warmth shared all around! And wonderful gifties too!
I hope everyone that celebrates Christmas enjoyed a warm, peace, and love filled one and that the holiday season (however you celebrate or don’t) was a perfect reflection of you.
Faery kisses to all!
Tania Marie 