☆ A story about Bean + everyday Bravery. [LIFE LESSONS]

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I wanted to share a story with you about Bean and her every day bravery and how much of a reminder it was for me to be brave every day.

Today I watched as my baby girl grew up before my eyes. I knew it would happen, but I didn't realise it would happen so soon.

Bean is a dancer. She always has been and since she was two she has never once said to me "Mama I don't want to dance any more." Not once. She just loves it.

So now we are moving into a more serious side of dancing and there are exams involved. Mr Mac + I talked about it a bit - is this the right thing to do? We talked it over with Bean - did she understand what it meant? But in the end we decided she would do the exam.

This morning was exam day. I asked her before she walked into the studio, how she was feeling + she said great! She turned around and said to me "Remember Mama, the two rules of dancing? Smile big + have fun."

Yup she just quoted me back to me.

I left her their waiting to go in, no nerves no worries + she rocked it.

But after the exam we then walked into the dentist to have them look at this tooth of hers, that has been stubbornly hanging in. Her second tooth has grown behind it + this disgustingly manky tooth has refused to leave.

So she jumps in the chair + sits there. (I loathe the dentist + I start feeling icky)

Sits there + has a needle to numb the gum (I am feeling queasy now)

Sits there while they pull the tooth with pliers (I had to turn away here.)

Sits there while they give her this ugly rotten tooth is a plastic baggy. (Oh it is just disgusting!)

And then says to me - can I go back to school now? (Me? I would be in a foetal position in the corner sobbing!)

She has grown up before my eyes.

Today she reminds me that it is the everyday acts of bravery that really count.

It is turning up to an exam to have fun.

It is sitting in the dentists chair, mouth wide having a tooth yanked

It is wanting to go back to school even though her mouth is sore. (I convinced her that an afternoon at home would be better!)

Bravery is showing up and just doing what you have to do + moving on.

But sometimes I find it hard to show up. Sometimes I find it hard to move on. And sometimes I put off doing something until it is almost too late or the problem is debilitating.

What about you? Do you find ways to be brave every day? Do you show up + move on. Or do you struggle with it? 

For the rest of this month, I will at the end of each day write down three ways I was brave on that day. To remind myself that I am brave + do brave things every day.

What about you? Are you in?

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☆ Asking for Help + gaining Perspective [Life Lessons from Bean]

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My children have these amazingly huge creative hearts + I love that so much. 

LOVE IT.

The flip side of these huge hearts, are very, very sensitive souls, spirits that can be crushed by the smallest comment, by the most insignificant of actions.

So I am very careful with my words when talking about their art works.

I ask them to 'Tell me" about the picture they've drawn rather than look at that amazing mermaid, only to find out that the drawing is a girl on a unicorn... Awkward!

The other day, Bean surprised me with this drawing.

She told me she loved my 'Princess + the Pea Painting' so much (it hangs on the wall in our living room) that she wanted to draw it too.

(She has already learnt that very important first lesson of 'Steal like an Artist')

So she did + it was amazing.

She took my painting + made it her own, her own colours, her own girl, her own crazy hair.

So the next part of this story is that she decided that she wanted to draw the painting again, but with the Princess laying down.

She drew this amazing girl, but struggled with the feet + asked for help, so I did, and off she went to colour.

Two minutes later she's back, in huge floods of tears, telling me she coloured in wrong, and messy + her feet look stupid. 

So I showed her she could fix it, how she could change it to her wearing shoes instead, but she didn't want to see that it could be different.

I told her, to put the drawing away + we'd look at it in the morning.

The next day she picked up the drawing + said "You know Mama, those feet aren't bad at all...'

Bloody Hell.

Those tears + that tantrum, that five minutes of hell...

But, the best thing about my awesome huge hearted girls, is the way that their life lessons are so connected with my life lessons.

I was struggling with my Tea-Cup Pirate last week. 

So just like Bean I asked for help (thanks guys for helping by the way!) + I walked away from it to gain some perspective.

And just like Bean, when I started painting again the next day, I had gained perspective + loved where the painting was going.

(You'll just have to pop in again on Friday to see the final painting!)

So is there some where in your life where you could ask for some help? Or do you need to set a project, a conundrum or a painting, aside so that you can gain a little perspective? As always, feel free to share your stories with us below.

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☆ Taking Risks + setting the Humming Birds Free [Life Lessons]

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It never fails to amaze me that at this stage of my life, the late 30's that I would still have so many life lessons to learn.

My 15 year old, know-it-all self, would have scoffed at this, because we all know at 15 you have the world totally sussed out...

So this 'Life Lesson' was featured in my LilliBean Designs: Snippets from the Studio, but I felt that it was an important lesson that I needed to be reminded of + thought I'd share it here too.

The one where I set the humming birds free...

When was the last time you took a risk? And I don't mean, jaywalking against the traffic lights, or leaving your washing out when rain threatens.

I mean when was the last time you took a risk, a risk that meant a great deal to you, a risk that put your heart on the line, that made the humming birds in your belly go crazy. That kind of risk.


Last week, I took a risk + held my second market stall. This was a big leap for me, it wasn't at my local farmers markets, where I had my first stall, (and is what I consider'safe' ), it was at a big event, where hundreds of people would be attending, the next town over.

It was an even bigger risk for me because, not only was I opening myself up to judgment + investing a lot emotionally (which is hard to do at the best of times), but I was also investing a bit financially.
I was moving into the bigger leagues.

And surprisingly, I didn't freak out too much about it, I just moved through the list of stuff I had to do. I was calm (mostly) + then, well....

So an hour before I was due to go, it all seem to go wrong. Mac had an emergency call out, Bean had a major meltdown, Beastie was sick, the site had no electricity, so I needed a solution to that + then Mac's truck had an warning light come on (and we all know nuthin' good can ever come from ignoring one of those!!)

So on the car ride over, instead of blasting my favourite tunes + singing at the top of my lungs, I gave myself a good talking to.


Something along the lines of:

"So Kirst, this isn't a big deal, ok, well it is a big freaking deal, and yes you are risking your heart, and you are putting yourself out there in a huge way, which you hate, but you are doing it, because it's the right path to take, so get out of yourself + it is going to be ok. And if not, it is only 8 hours, and Bean's labour was that long + you survived that, so this is a piece of cake, this is going to be ok"

It is going to be ok. 

It wasn't ok.

It was freaking awesome.

It was awesome meeting truly fabulous people, who enjoyed my paintings. I was awesome speaking to amazing kids about how they dream of being an artist. I was awesome speaking to others about their incredible artistic journeys. I was amazing hanging with Mac, my girls + my friends on a magical evening.

It was freaking awesome.

So the point of this is to encourage you to take a risk. Something that sends those humming birds crazy, open yourself up + put it out there. Risk.

'Cause even though it can be the scariest, craziest thing you could do - sometimes the results are freaking awesome.

How are you going to take a risk this week?

P.S. This is an article from my monthly newsletter - LilliBean's Love Letter: Snippets from my Studio.

If you enjoyed what you have read, you can click on the image below, (it takes two seconds), for more articles like this, your free downloadable art + the chance to win the subscribers only give away. Junes 'Studio Snippets' hits inboxes June 1st.

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☆ Life Lessons from Bean

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Before I became a parent I knew I would have to teach my kids, that they would learn from me and Mr Mac. I was slightly worried about it - who wouldn't be - it's a lot of responsibility.

What I didn't realise was that while I would be a teacher, I would also be the student.

Bug, Bean + I often spend some quiet time in the mornings sketching + colouring - a new practice that I absolutely adore.

But often Bean will come to me frustrated, crying + desperately unhappy because she couldn't draw something 'good' enough.

I say to her (after years of telling myself the same thing) it is good, it is perfect + I love the way you draw.

She will often have a meltdown, screaming, crying 'I can't do it!'

I hate it, it breaks my heart. Breaks. It.

Cause I know how she feels. I know how frustrated + angry + sad she is.

But I also know that if I don't gently encourage her to do it herself, she may end up never pushing through the wall.

By being gentle, but firm, by showing her some techniques, some different ways to draw something, eventually she draws her picture + the joy + excitement on her face is one of the best parts of my day.

Her drawings which she wants me to frame cause she loves them so much.

So my take away from this moment with my four + a half (going on sixteen) Bean, is this.

Push through. 

When you feel sad, or frustrated or want to have a arm + leg throwing tantie on the floor, because the painting isn't working, because the weight isn't falling off, because the job isn't going well, or just because - push through.

If you do, I bet your joy, your pride, you sense of accomplishment will be one of the best moments of your day.

Have you had to push through a block lately? I would love to hear your stories, please feel free to share below.

By the way - did you know that this months give away is open for entries? It is totally free + so easy to enter. Why not pop over + see whats for grabs this month?? [You only have til Thursday to enter]

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☆ Life Lessons From Bean + Bug

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Have you taken the time to realise that the people closest to you are probably teaching you valuable life lessons? Take a moment to really think about it.... 

I am constantly surprised by the life lessons that I have learned from my girls. 

I had no idea that I would learn from them as much if not more that they are from me. I shouldn't have been surprised really!

This past month, Bean (the pink pirate) has been reminding me about bravery. About how to be brave even when you are scared witless.

About how to be brave despite being scared witless. 

And considering that my word for 2012 is 'bravery', [you can read why I chose this particular word here], it is a synchronistic reminder that I need to step up, and start being braver.

Bean has been through an ordeal this last month: her four year old injections, she's seen a doctor for an ear infection (and dealt with the ear drops that followed), had eye drops for gunky eyes, and is starting her first day of preschool tomorrow.

And she has resisted, and cried and run away (from the ear drops that is!), and decided she didn't want me to leave her behind, but in the end she has persevered and bravely faced each challenge head on.

I have also resisted, and cried and run away, from my challenges, and just like Bean I am trying to bravely face each one. But sometimes I need visual a reminder too. [I am after all a visual kinda girl.]

Lessoned Learned. 

So did you think about it? And what did you discover? I would love it if you shared your story! 

By the way - did you know that Septembers FREE GIVE AWAY is open for entries? It is so easy to enter - JUST CLICK HERE

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☆ Vanity [Illustration Friday]

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I would like to thank everyone for their lovely and supportive comments, over the last week. I usually try to thank everyone personally, but I this week has just been too overwhelming. I appreciate each and every one of your lovely comments and the support means a lot.

 ☆  ☆  ☆  ☆  ☆

So this weeks IF prompt is Vanity. Before I started sketching this prompt, I watched as Bean and Bug preened in front of the full length mirror in my bed room.

Bean was twirling, and swishing, singing 'I am a beautiful princess, with a pretty tutu, and beautiful hair, and cinderetta shoes'. et cetera.

Bug, at 15 months is not speaking yet, but was swishing, and preening, patting her hair and holding out her tutu, too.

She's a mini princess.

I often ask my mother how I ended up with two diva's, when I was such a tomboy. She says it divine irony.

©2011 Kirstin McCulloch

So this weeks life lesson from Bean & Bug is... Celebrate your inner princess.

And spend a moment or two of vanity, admiring your hair, your tutu and your cinderetta princess shoes, and your total and utter awesomeness.

☆•*¨*•.¸¸
Linking to AEDM

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☆ Tuning In instead of being tuned out

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Do you ever feel like you have so many ideas, so many plans, so many to do lists that you don't even know where to start?

I have ideas for creative projects, plans for a handmade christmas (thank god we don't celebrate halloween or thanksgiving in Australia, or there would be more plans and ideas!), things that need research, trying to organise my shop......Gah!

Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed, I just stick my head in the sand like the proverbial ostrich, but instead of sand, its usually a book. I tend to tune out. I tune out of life.

But recognising the pattern is the first step to change. And this weekend past, instead of becoming overwhelmed, and opening a book, I sat down with my stack of notebooks (the pile is growing I kid you not!) and ignored that awesome new book I had just started reading, and planned.

And I feel calmer. I feel organised. I have a plan. I have tuned back in. And I know that the plan will change, life loves to throw spanners my way, but thats ok to.

Little something I am currently working on...

How do you cope with being overwhelmed?

Have a great day
☆•*¨*•.¸¸

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☆ Ferocious [Illustration Friday]

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Last month we had a meal with some of my huge extended family. Catching up with cousins, aunties and uncles.

Bean was happily trying to climb a tree, something she loves to do, when one of my Uncles said to her that she should get down, that 'girls don't climb trees!'

Do you know those moments in life when you, for a second just freeze, and then all of a sudden you let go with a torrent of words, that seem to well from your inner most heart, and it is just the most perfect reply?

Like a ferocious mama lion I told him - 'don't you dare, don't you dare tell Bean she cannot do something, because she can do anything and be anyone.'

[in a round-about-way, I AM getting to my IF painting!]

I am so ferocious in protecting my girls dreams, protecting their hopes and aspirations. I want them to dream their wildest dreams, and to always reach for the stars.

Dreamer.
(mixed media, ©2011 K.McCulloch) 

And maybe their mama should take her own advice and live her wildest dreams.

Have a great week.

☆•*¨*•.¸¸

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☆Life Lessons [as taught to me by Bean and Bug]

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A few weeks ago we had a week away in Sydney and as part of our girls week away (we'd left poor Mr Mac slaving away in the cold) I took the girls to see Disney on Ice.

Now never having gone to one of these events I wasn't sure what to expect, but our journey there was anything but serene! An hour and a half of rushing to various forms of public transport, a cranky child who wouldn't eat anything except a pink pink donut (and only the icing at that!) and then having to run from one end of the arena to the the other to find our seats as they were announcing three minutes to curtain time, dragging said cranky child past all the glittery and exciting concession stands, and finally scooting our way to our seats right at the very end of the aisle. sigh!

By the time I sat down I was tired, and hot, and cranky, and so didn't want to be there, and then the lights were turned down and Minnie, Micky and Donald drove out in their cars...

 and even Bug stopped fussing for a time!

 and when Ariel appeared Bean started to cry with joy...

(which of course set me off!)

and she was so mesmerised by the whole show she didn't move once!

In the intermission I asked Bean what she thought of the show, and she just looked at me and sighed 'Oh. Mama... mama!'

And it made me remember that life is not about rushing from one train to the next, its about living in the present and even though Disney on Ice is no Torvill and Dean performance, there is joy in every moment if you look for it, and at that very moment, I wouldn't have traded my tickets. 

Bean still hasn't stopped talking about the show, the colours the mermaids, the faeries, so I think we'll end up doing it again next year, and that little Ariel doll that we bought as we didn't rush for the train home? Well it didn't leave her hot little hand for a week!

☆•*¨*•.¸¸

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☆ Lesson

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This prompt had me pondering lessons... life lessons in particular. As in what is the single most important lesson I have learnt? What would be the most important lesson that I could impart to Bug & Bean? What lessons do I still have to learn? All very heavy stuff for a Sunday evening, and a question that I will file away for later pondering. 

So my illustration is just a lesson in using my markers in new ways, a lesson in detail and a lesson in starting my illustration on the weekend rather than waiting for thursday. (And as  Bean suggested she is giving the bear a lesson on how to be a pretty princess called raining mia.)

And the single most important lesson I have learnt so far? Well it may just be that there is no such word as impossible. It is in fact two words - I’m possible.

Detail:

Have a great week

☆•*¨*•.¸¸

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