Canvas Creation

On a cool, rainy Sunday in August - shortly after we'd arrived - we began the process of finding a way to make our memories and adventures in B.C. last...

As we were driving here, I had the idea of each of us creating a canvas which would be a lasting symbol of each of our years on the Coast. I wanted each canvas to be a representation of what "happened" not only physically - but with our thoughts, spirits, outlooks, and dreams.

My vision was for each of us to paint a canvas and then alter it with attaching things, words, pictures, or whatever else we could think of. (As a side note - if there is an excuse for me to open a jar of Mod Podge, I'll take it. I'm a fan.)

The girls and Mike gravitated quickly to the vision and began to paint their canvasses.

Each one was so different. I love watching my girls create - but even more, I love hearing them talk about why they did what they did. We've had some practice with this. A year or two ago, our house church did a series on the Arts and we dabbled and played with many mediums during that season. That was a rich time for our family.

Kids aren't afraid to begin like big people are. They jump in. They abandon themselves to the cause and weigh the consequences later. I want to be more like that.

Here are our beginnings....

Sasha

Ellie

Hannah

Mike

Karla

As we're out exploring, I'll often hear the girls speak of their canvasses. They are always looking for the perfect thing to add. We've already had one session of altering our canvasses, and there will be many more. We'll keep you posted on the progression.

As they hang in our dining room, they remind us how much room there is for new things to be added to who we are.

They remind us that we were made to be creative.

They remind us that we are in the middle of experiencing a great gift.