Creative Outlet aka Keeping Sane

On this blog I write about the importance lifestyle plays in health, mainly focusing on diet and sharing recipes. This week, through blogging, I reconnected with a cousin that I have not seen since childhood. I am so excited to have found you Dolly! Reading her blog  reminded me of something that I believe is essential to good health. Since it's second nature to me, I've completely overlooked mentioning it. But I know that in my own life it is crucial, and I could not function without it.


It is a creative outlet. Creativity fosters a sense of accomplishment and well-being. It helps relieve stress, lifts your mood and can help ease depression. Creative self expression takes many forms; art, crafts, dance, music, writing, cooking, blogging, gardening, decorating one's home, etc. The list goes on and on. Everyone needs some form of creative outlet.

 I know that in my own life if I go too long without a project of some kind, I just don't feel right. I get cranky, impatient, stressed and sometimes depressed. I have a deep need to create with my hands. Once I am working on something, I immediately feel better. Dolly, it's nice to know we share the same crafty/creative gene that our grandma had! I really enjoy looking at all of your fabulous work on your blog!

I have tried just about every craft out there. I have done woodworking, ceramics, counted cross-stitch, crochet, sewing, quilting, knitting, black and white photography, and drawing with charcoal. Quilting and knitting are my favorites, and the two I always come back to. I love knitting since it is so portable and is great for when I am hauling kids around and waiting for them at music lessons, etc. I have a pinwheel quilt top that I finished a few years ago and them set aside. Dolly, you have inspired me to get that quilt finished, thanks! I pulled it out and here is a photo of it:

Here are some photos of other quilts I have done (or things that keep me sane!):

This rose quilt hangs in my living room.

I quilted this blue one by hand.

I quilted the bird quilt by machine. It's one of my favorites. And here is some of my knitting:

This is the traveling cables cardigan, the branching out scarf and 2 pairs of socks. You can't see them well, but there are cables on the blue socks. I love knitting cables and lace, they are so much fun!

I know that many of you use your creativity in your fabulous food, what other creative outlets do you have?  I would love it if you share them, we can all use some creative inspiration!