A LIFE WELL SPENT James West Cope 1878

I have discovered a wonderful blog through a book that I picked up in the library yesterday. I noticed a very colourful book in the cooking section but was a bit embarrassed to get it truth be told because it was called "The Gentle Art of Domesticity" by Jane Brocket. Her blog is called yarnstorm

My concerns about reading a book of such a title were quickly dispelled when i read her introduction which emphasises the difference between domesticity and domestication. So it is a book and a blog about getting creative in the domestic environment and not about endless domestic chores.

I think I have blogged before about the unexpected pleasure of motherhood which is an opportunity to get creative again. Or really to recognise muyself as a creative person for the first time. I did art at school right to A Level and did well but I did not consider myself "creative" as I did not produce imaginative original works of art. Having kids and getting into all their crafty things and baking silly bright coloured cakes and buns has been great fun and brought some freedom to how I express my creativity. Man made in God's image was made to create and relate (as per Dr Mark Strom, Laidlaw College).

I sometimes feel I have to apologise for somehow "wasting" my education and qualifications that I have coming out of my ears because they are not currently bringing in any cash. Jane Brocket is clearly an intelligent and accomplished woman and it's great to read about the pleasure and learning she takes from her family life. Jane critiques a few paintings that she feels provide interesting insights into domestic life in history. One of her favourites is A Life Well Spent which depicts a mother multi-tasking surrounded by her 4 children a slightly messy carpet.

So the next time i am making gingerbread men with ethan, growing bean plants from soaked dried beans from the cupboard, covering canvases with bright material for immy's room or drawing with chalks on the concrete, i will echo Jane Brocket's sentiment that I am doing something both "valuable and enjoyable".