design Archives - Writing From The Kitchen

Jewels of Nature

April 17, 2019April 17, 2019by Erika K Rothwell2 Comments

I love jewels. Not jewels of luxurious and wealthy means, rather the magnificence presented in tiny morsels each morning in simplistic excellence and elegance. Nature’s jewels exist for me as they appear in a raindrop, a perfectly shaped bud of a flower, a molded stone discovered in a riverbed or an iridescent shell plucked from the seashore.

Adorning myself with the inspiration of nature on a daily basis brings me closer to answers I seek. My thoughts arrange themselves in a pattern of words, formed by simply gazing deeply into the heart of each stunning treasure, by connecting to each unique design of powerful creation.

And so, each day I wake and explore a kingdom of unimaginable and glorious riches as I behold diamonds glistening on the surface of the water and emerald blades of grass clothed with fringes of iridescent baubles on their surface.

Wrapped luxuriantly in the chiffon of wispy clouds, as the spotlight of dawn showcases the earth’s museum of artistic treasures, I am grateful to visit without an admission fee once again.

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Creativity, hope, inspiration

Kaleidoscope of Hope – True Inspiration

April 8, 2019April 8, 2019by Erika K Rothwell2 Comments

Fragmented, broken pieces of myself have formed into a moving creative pattern appearing through a kaleidoscope induced image of myself. My feelings of inconsistency remind me to accept the orderliness of a divine arrangement marked with symmetry and cohesiveness to produce authentic work reflecting my individual design.

Psychology of perception ground up learning theory would state that I am a product of experience. What I see is because of what I already know. Having learned to finally tweak the vision of those broken parts into some sort of manageable recurring design for others to view plays on this well-accepted theory. However, what is perceived still remains subjective.

Events can turn the environment causing a new realm of stability, slightly shifting the lens, and strikingly new patterns emerge. Consider too that each repetitive pattern is continually morphing into a modified version of itself until it becomes completely unrecognizable in the metamorphosis, retaining only some of its original colors.

We can all recognize the beauty in the constantly changing visions of a kaleidoscope. But can we accept change in ourselves?

Vivid colors surround me daily, awakening a deeply-rooted purpose to express my feelings and reflections in the form of artistic creation. I cannot deny the profound effect of colorful displays of inspirational images on my heart. Motivation to share and create is born from these visions of delight. Flowers, birds, and trees as well as oceans and mountain streams enlighten me guiding my heart deeper into a natural realm of being where self-acceptance and a desire for a non-hurried lifestyle allow my dreams to thrive.

As in the turn of a kaleidoscope. creative development often remains a work in progress and a mystery. A journey refined by every step. Joy felt from our individual perspective of each design as seen today without our eyes on tomorrow or our hearts left in the struggles of yesterday.

It is for each of us to appreciate the constantly changing visions of our inner kaleidoscopes.

For what we think to be true, is often only true because of how we see it.

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Discovery, Growth

Arranging Life

April 3, 2018January 10, 2019by Erika K RothwellLeave a Comment

Arranging Life

Why is everything in life such an arrangement? This morning I find myself arranging my workspace more than I find myself working in my space. Contemplating the amount of time and focus spent on arranging my life, I start to believe the greatest enjoyment is granted within this creative process.

The word arrangement is used in our language to describe artistic creations like flower arrangements and musical arrangements.

The positive artist in me always strives to display a dazzling arrangement in every part of my life, precisely why I spend countless hours in the activity. One definition of arrangement reads “a combination of things to make up a design.” That’s it, the design actually requires arrangement!

My feelings of inadequacy clearly marked the beginning of this day, as I negatively viewed my inability to begin writing. As the past has taught me, you can’t change your nature, but you can change your view of yourself. This is a written reminder of how negative self-talk can be transformed into grace and positivity, simply by considering another angle. Each day we have the choice to talk ourselves down or build ourselves up.

Today I have discovered, arranging can help in overcoming insecurities and lead us forward. If we focus on the best ‘things’ to make up our design, using a hopeful and graceful attitude, life can become a beautiful arrangement.

– Erika K Rothwell

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