by emilyneal | Apr 1, 2021 | Creativity
“I’m sorry. I tried for so long to belong. To be as they needed me to be. Now, I wish to be myself.” ~ Ana, “The Book of Longings” Last week, I got together with some friends from work and led them in an art project. We used modeling...
by emilyneal | Mar 30, 2021 | photography, Uncategorized
I woke up while it was still dark yesterday with so much on my mind. My heart aches because my kids keep trying to grow up before I’m ready. I’ve been worried about a loved one battling a serious illness. And I get overwhelmed by all of the hate and...
by emilyneal | Mar 23, 2021 | Creativity, Uncategorized
One of my life rules is that I don’t pick up old furniture that people have left by the curb. But when I saw this roll top desk in a neighbor’s garbage last fall, it called out to me. I had just finished painting the mandala picnic table, and I thought it...
by emilyneal | Mar 23, 2021 | Creativity, Uncategorized
Gather + Create That should be my tagline! I have only had one regret about the picnic table that I painted a few years ago and wrote about here. My husband built it in our yard, and I enjoyed having it down there. But I’ve often wished I could move it onto our...
by emilyneal | Mar 22, 2021 | photography, Uncategorized
This morning’s sunrise was...
by emilyneal | Mar 8, 2021 | photography, Uncategorized
They say it’s easier to do something everyday than sometimes. I’ve definitely found that to be true in my quest to walk outside every day in 2021. Now that I’ve made it through the brutal cold and crazy snow, my rhythm of walking several miles twice a day has become...
by emilyneal | Feb 26, 2021 | photography, Uncategorized
I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and...
by emilyneal | Jan 31, 2021 | Uncategorized
I love to track things. When I created my planner for 2021, I knew I wanted to include sheets to track four things for the entire year — the days I am active outside, my steps, my Bible reading plan and my weight. Physically writing these things down helps me keep...
by emilyneal | Jan 29, 2021 | photography, Uncategorized
Even the bright glow of the moon can be dimmed as it passes through the clouds. But wouldn’t it be sad if it never broke through and we missed its stunning beauty? That’s what I’ve been learning about humans, too. We all have a unique voice and a message to share. I’m...
by emilyneal | Jan 27, 2021 | photography, Uncategorized
I used to hate winter and basically tried to hibernate until it was over. The past few years, I’ve really been trying to appreciate the seasons. Sixteen degrees isn’t bad if you wear the right clothes. The pale palette of a winter sunrise is perfection. Cooper gets to...