Constantly Creative

Being created by the Creator in His image means we are creative beings. The first thought that comes to me when I think of the word create or creative is the formal arts - painting, drawing, sculpture, music, poetry, prose, architecture. However, we are constantly creating something just living our lives.

When we get up in the morning, we take food stuff and create a breakfast. Our minds focus on the things we need to get done and we create a schedule, a 'to do' list, a plan of action. We get in the car and create energy, movement, a trip. If we have a fender bender, we've created a scene! Speaking with our co-workers, friends, family, we create dialogue. Working through problems, we create solutions. Caring for one another, we create community.

Humans also possess the desire to deliver a tangible work that expresses or reflects what goes on inside of their souls. Those folks that seem more in tune with that desire we call Artists. And they have produced beautiful work throughout the centuries. I believe we are all artists, each one of us at a different point of being in tune with our creative needs and meeting those needs in different ways.

I've spent my creative energies in needlecrafts for many years; crewel embroidery, cross stitch, quilting. I learned lots about color and design working on quilts for 30 some years. Now I am exploring paper, paints and drawing. Learning new skills to channel that creative desire. And having a great time doing it. I am thankful to be created in the image of a Creator.

Love's Constant Flow

For Valentine's day!

Love is a constant. Even in the absence of love, love exists.

When I was 23, I gave my heart away; when I got it back at 30, it was broken and incomplete. It was missing the love of a husband, friend, companion. It had a hole that threatened to swallow me and drown me in sadness. Yet love abounded everywhere for me; God's love, my parents' and siblings' love, the unconditional love of my children, friendships forged years ago and not least, my ability to give love.

Our failure to focus on love, embrace love and trust love, does not mean it isn't there.

Just Me

My name is Connie Jo....I've had three last names in my life. Brewer from my father; I was Connie Jo Brewer for 24 years - minus one week. Some people still call me 'Brewer', and I like that. I was Connie Jo Bennetts for 25 years. Bennetts is the name of my three sons and grandchildren. Now my name is Connie Jo Maeran. I like that name. I've been Connie Jo Maeran for 8 years.

The contstant is Connie Jo, that is who I am. Most people call me Connie, but I love it when people call me Connie Jo. My boss, Lambros, says it best; next Jay who works with me on occasion, and of course, my mom. She hardly EVER calls me Connie Jo, but she ALWAYS refers to me as Connie Jo. My niece calls me Connie Jo and I love it.

The root of my first name is constant. I think I will explore that word this year!