I have discovered that one of the biggest things that had brought down our family, in terms of morale, is not to embrace and love our quirky family ways. The things that we do that is 'different', the ways that our family sees the world that doesn't quite 'fit-in' with the norms or is accepted by popular culture is what makes each family special. I have always danced to my beat, and I nurture that in my children. In my pide piper ways, I have brought my kids along to notice 'nature' not pop stars, to notice 'feelings' rather than be romanced by violence on the screen. I have encouraged words or ways that are not necessarily 'cool' but kind. I have always encouraged my children to make their 'own choices' not the 'choice of the masses'. Not because its wrong to do what is considered 'popular' but because it might not necessarily be what they like or bring them joy. This is what has made us happy as a family. This is what has made us even closer as a family. This outlook in life has made us comfortable in our skin and had helped us to discover who we are.
When we have some time for our leisure, we like to:
Sketch the sunset & learn to paint our collections
Find things of interest on the beach and examine them closely.
Paint things till midnight, if we are allowed.
Learn to draw our collections.
Take the time to look at and appreciate the beauty of natural things and all things!
Be purveyors of all things grown in nature!
Be what other holidaymakers refer to as 'those kids that draw'.
Once on holiday, I photographed some of my children's collections:
Then I found some great photos of collections by Swedish artist Camilla Engman (my love of all things Swedish extend beyond IKEA!). Check out her blog, and you'll see some fantastic artwork. I love the way she sees the world and captures it in her photos and collections..
When I saw Camilla Engman's work with collections, it drove me to write this post and to appreciate the quirky things that we like to do as a family. It's not just ok to be a little different; it can be GREAT!
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