Things to Feed Your Soul

As we go through life, some things just make us feel better, and as I like to say, “they feed our souls.”

For me personally, tea ranks right up there. I know that’s a surprise, right? I have my favorite teas that I go to regularly like...

• Decaf Peach Black, I prefer this one cold,
• Decaf Lemon Supreme Green,
• Organic Tulsi Cranberry Orange Ginger,
• Organic Hibiscus, this one cold,
• Heavenly Hazelnut Black,
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries Black,
• Organic Ruby Oolong,
• Green Cinnamon Twist, and
• my House Blend Chai...

...to name just a few. I guess I have more favorites than I thought...anyway these teas make me feel good.

What else makes me feel good?

Books. I love to read. I always have a book I’m reading and one in reserve, ready to open as soon as I’ve finished the one I’m working on. I can’t imagine not having something to read. I’m a fiction kind of girl. A good book and a cup of tea just go together.

I also am a fiber junkie.

I knit, crochet and needlepoint. The feel of great yarn in my hands is such a pleasure. There are always new patterns that just call to me to be cast on. There are just not enough hours in the day and way too many patterns...I know a bad problem to have. There’s such pleasure in picking up a yarn project and sipping a cup of tea while I work.

Some new loves that I’ve discovered over the last few years are Fused Glass and Clay Handbuilding.
Check my class schedule online.

Fused glass is very addictive and is different than doing stained glass. With fused glass, you learn how to cut pieces of colored glass and then put them together to create fabulous pictures that grow up to be...vases, bowls, suncatchers, trivets, nightlights, tea-strainer holders, to just name a few. I got so addicted that I tapped my friend and teacher Jane to collaborate with me and offer fused glass classes that we pair with — what else — tea, scones, and chocolate-covered strawberries. It’s a fun event that feeds my creative side and those of the people who join us. The best part is that you don’t need any experience or to be able to draw, which I can’t. My drawing skills begin and end with stick people, so this medium works very well for me.

Another fun thing that I recently discovered was clay hand-building. I’ve tried using a clay pottery wheel, and there’s a bit of a learning curve there, well, really a big curve. It’s fun, but clay building has less of a learning curve, and you can have success sooner. My friend Laura is a master clay sculptor who does fantastic work, and she’s partnered with me to teach clay classes. There’s something therapeutic about working with the clay, molding it, and shaping it into a unique piece. We offer tea, scones, and chocolate-covered strawberries to create an event to feed your creative soul and get your hands dirty. If you’re wondering, the food goodies are eaten either before or after class, so we don’t accidentally eat clay. I know that sounds like something little kids would do, right? Again, no experience is necessary, and no drawing skills are needed. Laura talks us through the whole project one step at a time. The end result is a unique piece you can be proud of.

If you’re local to me, I hope you think about joining us for one or both of these classes. Please check the website for dates and times. Come join us and feed your creative soul.