Okay! Here’s my first creative family challenge for you all, inspired by Frances. The whole idea is to create a space of heart connection with your family in the midst of your busy week, shifting into a more open, creative, joyful flow, in the every day moment. It doesn’t have to be complicated, it could be anything from cooking together with your kids, to an impromptu dance party, to a no smiling contest, to doing 100 jumping jacks…it might only take 5 minutes, (or it might turn into an hour) but once you open your heart up, the possibilities are truly endless!
Be sure to document your activity in pictures or a video…it does not need to be fancy, it could totally be done with your phone, my method of choice! And since inspiration is contagious, share your results on Bamboo Photography’s facebook page and Frances England’s facebook page, to inspire the rest of us! I’ll choose my favorite to win an autographed copy of her fabulous new CD, Mind of My Own!
And here is my share, which was really inspired by my oldest son. He’s been wanting to make soft pretzels, and once I gave in to the idea of changing the homework/dinner/clean-up/bedtime routine, it became a family affair! We all made a pretzel, even my little two year old (you can see his in the middle!) and we all felt great.
Okay, I know I’ve got some creative readers, so I can’t wait to see what you all come up with!!
ETA: You can still do this challenge even if you don’t have children. You can connect within your heart, with nature, with your neighbors, with your partner… it’s just about being present and creating a space of love and inspiration in your every day life, and sharing it with others!!!
Stephanie Bastian-Thanks Dana! Check out my blog with pictures!January 22, 2011 – 8:33 am
Maleka -We made pizza. But then I couldn’t find my camera. I suck at documenting things. But the pizza had black olives, broccoli, and vegan cheese. Yum.January 22, 2011 – 3:21 pm
dana-Ahhhh Maleka!!! Sounds perfect. Why don’t you write a short story about it! January 25, 2011 – 12:32 am
Shallyse-I love Frances England, and I love this idea! I’m going to implement the same thing at my house! Thanks so much for the inspiration. January 31, 2011 – 12:41 pm
I’m so glad I had the opportunity to work with Natalie and her family to mark her Quinceañera. There is something so beautiful in honoring the rite of passage from childhood, into adulthood. It’s like an embrace…that says,
“You are beautiful, you are loved, you are worthy, and you already have everything you need within you to be amazing.“
That’s powerful stuff.
I am so moved by the immense love that Natalie’s family has for her, and what a genuine and sweet young lady she is becoming. This photo was taken in the Solitude House, which was built and lived in by John Penn, William Penn’s grandson. To be cherished like this, is priceless.
lindey-just beautiful dana!January 20, 2011 – 1:32 am
Aleza -Breathtakingly beautiful!January 20, 2011 – 5:24 am
Cristina Coco-This is stunning, what a beautiful young woman!! amazing shot, Dana!January 20, 2011 – 9:33 am
Lisa t-Oh wow – this is a stunning image!!!January 20, 2011 – 9:41 am
Julie Sowers-This is absolutely breathtaking! So timeless and elegant while being so innocent. Beautiful!January 20, 2011 – 10:10 am
Delores Bauer – Nancy’s Mother-in-law -What a beautiful photo and commentary. You and your family are such beautiful people. Would love to visit your studio it’s in my old neighborhood. When are you likely to be at the studio for tea?January 20, 2011 – 6:01 pm
Zaida Richardson-Bey -I want to start by saying thank you Dana. I love all the pics but this was my #1 choice. I could not have a better person take my goddaughter’s pictures. You have such love in you work and that is why your pictures are so amazing and beautiful. Once again thank you.January 20, 2011 – 6:46 pm
kimbrali -beautiful dana! this image is so regal and her profile is so beautiful!January 20, 2011 – 10:40 pm
dana-Zaida, you are quite welcome. She is an AMAZING young lady! i feel so very honored and grateful to be able to capture such a beautiful time in her life. She is blessed to be part of such a loving family. Thank YOU!January 21, 2011 – 8:40 pm
milagros -beautiful, love it!January 21, 2011 – 10:05 pm
Edwin -Natalie’s Uncle here. Glad to have been a part of her sweet 16. Father/daughter dance was sweet.January 22, 2011 – 6:17 pm
Kevin Torres -Hi Nana! You look fantastic!January 22, 2011 – 6:19 pm
Frances England’s music is so refreshing, fun, and just plain delightful that I simply had to share her latest, brilliant, musical concoction, Mind of My Own. It’s the kind of music that you buy for the kids, and before you know it, the whole family is shaking their groove thing in the kitchen while cooking dinner! My two year old requests her music on a regular basis, and it’s even gotten grown men (i won’t say who!), dancing around in a feel good mood.
Her music is not the only thing I love about her. She inspires me. She’s a mom herself, and in her diary, she always posts things that just make me want to tap in to being present with myself and my family and just living a more joyful life. She started a series of videos challenging families to spend time and get creative together.
Check out her first family challenge video:
This got me thinking, and inspired to do my own creative family challenge. If your family is anything like mine, everyone’s going 90mph in different directions, every day. I know it can seem hard to just keep up with the daily demands, let alone create the kind of creative connected moments we’d like to have more often with our children. But, (thanks to my eldest son,) I remembered it’s just a matter of perspective and being a little bit more open and creative than we adults usually are. I’ll post tomorrow my own ‘creative family challenge’, and a very cool prize for the winner, from Frances England herself!
I spent Thanksgiving in upstate NY with some of my dearest friends. They drove down from Canada and we drove up from Pennsylvania, and we stayed in a very sweet country house that we rented for the weekend. There’s something magical about exploring someplace new, and trying something familiar, in a different way.
I woke up everyday to our baby girl bearing her gums and two bottom teeth, and crinkling her little nose up in the sweetest smile I’ve ever laid eyes on. I chased my two year old until he giggled uncontrollably, and came colliding into me full of hugs, giggles, and more hugs. We took our 5 year old to a toy store, and with the help of the science toystools we bought him, he discovered that he’s not only going to be an artist when he grows up, but also a scientist! And I took my 14 year old shopping, Black Friday shopping to be precise…something I’ve never ever done, but weirdly enough I enjoyed it, because of the excitement and satisfaction it brought to him.
Everyday I look at my babies, and know they are growing up….and, I know that I am blessed.
Elegant, romantic, classy….timeless beauty will never go out of style. And chivalry…oh, let’s not forget chivalry!
Have a beautiful beautiful Thanksgiving, and savor each and every sweet little moment.
xoxo
Dana
P.S. Do you do black friday shopping? It’s madness, right? How about trying something different this year, Small Business Saturday! Shop at local businesses this Saturday, get awesome & unique gifts for your loved ones, and support your community! And, I’ll be offering a deal you won’t want to miss! Check back Friday for the full details!
Luvlee-oh Dana..she is so beautiful i cant wait to meet her!!November 24, 2010 – 10:11 am
ERIKA -Hallo, Dana
I just saw the picture of your Baby-Girl.How fast is time
passing by. She is so adoreable and gorgeous. Wishing you
all the best and your sweet family.
ERIKADecember 2, 2010 – 11:01 am
Aleza -OMGoodness, she is so darn cute!!January 13, 2011 – 11:27 am
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