Creative Family Series | Living On Love
by Jennifer Cooper, posted on January 30th, 2013 in creative family series
I have had the good fortune to meet many amazing people through blogging. In fact, I think that’s what I love most about it. Sure it’s fun to come up with ideas and share things, but meeting people—great people—is what keeps me going.
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to one of the loveliest souls out there, Lacy of Living on Love and Tulie and Woo. I met Lacy through a group of friends and have been so impressed by everything she does. I invited Lacy to sit down and share her thoughts on creativity, parenting and how she’s been able to make writing her career. Here’s what she had to say…
How do you define creativity?
As a teacher, this is one of the first questions I ask my students each year. I have them tell me what creativity means to them. What amazes me is that the answers are always so different. That’s what creativity means to me – being unique and vivid and seeing the world from your eyes only, challenging yourself to create something, whether dark or beautiful or hilarious or delectable.
Have you always considered yourself creative?
For some reason, I feel kind of guilty by answering “yes” but it’s the truth. I suppose I was told I was creative growing up, and that little superlative has stuck with me. It’s funny though, I would never describe myself as artistic. “Creative” and “artistic” seem to hold hands with one another.
How do you nurture your own creativity?
Most of the time, my creative inspiration comes from my children. Songs I write, inspiration for my writing, recipes and projects and adventures all seem to revolve around my girls. Keeping up with the work of other creative individuals always keeps me going as well. Seeing others inspired to make magic happen in their daily lives inspires me to do the same.
Did you grow up in a creative household? If so, what were some of the ways your parents nurtured your creativity and curiosity?
Oh goodness, yes! My parents planted a little creative seed in me from a young age. From cooking and reading to music and imagination, we were a creative bunch. I have vivid memories of belting out “Tomorrow” from Annie as I adorned mink fur collars and dress-up pearls, taking myself way too serious.
How do you hope to nurture it in your daughters?
I hope my daughters know the power they possess. I hope to teach them a way to find their own creativity, and not my definition of it. I work hard to provide my girls with ample opportunities to explore and create – a bowl of beans to play with, a blank canvas to paint on, a hike in the woods, a dance party in the living room – anything where they can be free and express themselves.
What are some of your favorite ways to spend time together as a family?
We are pretty much always doing something that relates to one of the following categories: food, music, books, or the outdoors. These daily rituals have become the most meaningful moments for my family. Cooking is no longer a task, but a fun project. Instead of watching TV or playing with sound-making gadgets, we read or dance to the record player. We find ways to get outdoors regularly – whether a walk around the block or a 2-hour hike in the state park.
How have you been able to integrate work with pursuing your creative passions?
I was very fortunate to work at a school that immensely valued creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. I challenged myself as a teacher to incorporate as much of that into my classroom as possible. For the past several years, blogging has been a hobby of mine. I have worked so hard at pouring my heart and soul into my blog and because of that, I am now able to stay at home with my girls while writing for pay. I’m now writing regularly at four different websites. It’s a lot of work and it takes an immense amount of creativity, but it’s worth it. It’s a dream come true, I’ll tell you that.
What drew you to teaching?
Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance and value of education. I always loved school and could see myself in that environment for life. In teaching, I realized I could not only express my creativity and my love for writing, but I could instill it in others.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on a myriad of projects – some professional and some for my home. My resolution for 2013 is an ongoing project that is both inspiring and daunting. From a new writing gig to moving to a farmhouse, I’ve got a lot on my plate.
From time to time everyone’s creative juices wane. How do you handle that?
I always, ALWAYS get outdoors. A drive in the country or a hike in the woods seems to cure any kind of funk I’m in. Fresh air and wide open spaces help me clear my head and gain new inspiration.
Don’t you just love Lacy and her adorable family? Can I tell you a secret? I still belt out Annie from time to time. I know, but what can I say? Tomorrow’s only a day a-way! Oh dear, I fear I’ve gone full Broadway mode over here. Yikes!
In addition to Lacy’s blog, you can also find her on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Peggy Lawson Severs Says:
Lacy Reply:
January 30th, 2013 at 10:46 pm
Caroline, I have TEARS in my eyes. TEARS! REAL ONES!
You are too sweet.
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