After a busy spring, I’m looking forward to some down time over the summer months. I recognize the risk of my calendar filling once again, but I’ve decided to take the vow of sleeping at home as much as possible during June and July.
Several years ago, my uncle Mack and I were chatting about some of my travels. I said to him, “Uncle Mack, you should come with me on my next trip. I think you’d really like it.”
He said he would join me save for one reason.
“I can’t bring my bed, Jan,” he said.
After multiple weeks in a row on the road, I get it. I’m ready to be home for a while, sleeping in my own bed. Going too much, too fast and for too long can take its toll.
I have several reasons to look forward to spending more time at home this summer. I have things to do. These things fall in line with a 2021 study I read recently. The study found that adults who engage in artistic and creative activities — such as clubs, hobbies, baking and cooking — were associated with reduced depression.
The study surveyed 19,134 participants between 2008 and 2016 to measure their arts engagement every four years and their depression every two years. Those surveyed were over 50, but I’m convinced the findings hold true for younger folks as well.
Art and color play huge roles in my life. I long ago recognized how much color lifts my spirits and nourishes my brain.
My husband is an artist, primarily an oil painter. He paints a variety of subjects and prefers larger canvases. However, years ago he started painting chickens on smaller canvases. He always covers the full canvas before he starts a painting, either in white or some other neutral color.
I asked if I could do that job for him just because I knew how much fun I would have with color. It’s been one of the healthiest things I do for my head. I can spend hours in his art studio, mixing colors and painting smaller canvases. I always leave feeling better and brighter about the world at large.
This summer, I’m looking forward to being in my happy place painting chicken backgrounds.
I use color in my life beyond painting canvas backgrounds.
When I can’t come up with a topic to write my column about, I have a secret weapon. It’s one of those Pantone Color Finder fan decks. I fan it open and see every color of the rainbow. For whatever reason, if I can’t think of an idea to write about, I can hold one of those in my hands for a few minutes and ideas just spring into my head.
The same process might work for you, too — no guarantees! The trick is recognizing what consistently stirs your own imagination.
Lastly, on one of my “Louisiana at Large” Tuesday column adventures — where I spend time somewhere in the state doing something interesting with someone — I visited Lafayette and learned how to operate a loom with Suzanne Chaillot Breaux.
It was my first time weaving. Knitting has done wonderful things for my brain through the years, but weaving on a loom was like knitting on steroids. I loved it. I’ve been wanting a loom ever since.
Finally, last week — seven months later — I got one. Granted, I have no idea how to set up a loom, which I believe is called “warping,” but I have faith that I can learn. I’m giddy about the prospects.
I realize my enthusiasm can wear some people out, but I’ve stopped trying to tamp it down. Joy is a renewable resource, and this summer, I plan to tap into that — one painted chicken background, one freshly mixed color, one woven thread at a time.
Here’s to sleeping in our own beds, making things with our hands and finding happiness all summer long.