My mom & dad grew up during the great depression. A time when things weren't wasted. Everything had value. If someone could use it for anything, you didn't discard it. Recycling & repurposing was mandatory, not a fad. We moved a lot growing up and with each subsequent move, a little more of my childhood disappeared. When my father passed away (I was 14), there were 2 younger siblings in the home. My mom didn't drive, didn't know how to write a check, and was tossed into a world she wasn't prepared for. She had been a traditional homemaker her entire life. So, she took jobs working in daycare, cooking, and doing alterations. Things she had great skill in. I was the eldest in the home, so as soon as I got my license, I was the family chauffer. At 14, I learned to write checks. At 15, I was working 2 jobs and going to high school. I wasn't afforded the opportunity to go to college, but I'm a lifelong learner. I read a lot. I love making friends. As an adult, I began "collecting" pretty things. Things that reminded me of my childhood. Then going down rabbit holes learning about the things I collected ended up being addictive. Now, I'm in the "letting go" season of life. I don't want my kids to be burdened with the removal & disposal of things they find no value in. So I'm making other people happy (giving it away). I'm also archiving anything that will fit on the bed of a scanner. THAT will be my legacy. A growing museum. And people can use all the digital assets in any way they choose. I try to share tidbits of interesting history and love hearing insights and perspectives on the history (in your eyes). My mom raised me to be creative and explore any form of art that tickles my fancy. And I have and will continue to do so. I hope to retire soon and that will afford me more time to enjoy the arts and creative expression. Right now, it's working full time in a manufacturing plant, selling things online, and managing 2 skool communities. My hands are full (but my heart is full as well).

In my last post I suggested that we share some treasure that we have recently read from neighbouring communities and then take a screen shot and let the person know that we have shared their nugget with our beautiful community here, and invite the person to come see - the ripple effect being that Ina has now become a member of Creative Hearts. Please welcome @Ina Tenniswood into our Hearts and lets share one fun fact about ourselves to help each other get to know you more.

Welcome @Flory Fuller ! We all bring ideas, stories, and half-finished projects 🎨 Creative Hearts — what’s one thing in your creative backpack right now?(Flory unpack with us and share a little about yourself so that we can get to know you.)

When Life is happening for you - What tunes are your enjoying?

✨ Welcome to Creative Hearts @Jode Moore ! I share a love for Fiji as well. :) This community is full of people who believe life is meant to be lived creatively and shared generously. Let’s start with something simple… 📍 Where in the world are you joining us from? Drop your location below and if you like, share one thing you love about where you live. You might discover someone here is closer than you think. 🌎