❤️ A little reflection from my heart this week… This past week has been an absolute whirlwind for our family. My husband became critically ill and has been in ICU. For a while, life became very focused on survival… decisions… waiting… praying… hoping… and navigating moments that felt incredibly heavy and uncertain. Today, I am deeply grateful to say we have climbed out of that “darkness” zone of simply trying to save his life… and are now stepping into the next phase — preparing for him to leave ICU and move toward surgery for optimal healing and health. Moments like this have a way of stopping you in your tracks. We go about our days making plans, building dreams, rushing through routines… often living as though tomorrow is guaranteed. And then suddenly… life reminds us what truly matters. One thing that has been highlighted so powerfully for me is the support surrounding our family. The messages.The prayers.The people who cooked us a meal.The love.The kindness. It has reminded me that the richest parts of life are often the things money cannot buy. I would love to ask our Creative Hearts community a question today ❤️ 👇 Its Poll time!!: When life gets stripped back to what REALLY matters… what do you value most? (You can choose more than one of the options below if you’d like.) And if you feel comfortable… share WHY below.Your answer may encourage someone else more than you realise.

What’s something life has reminded you NOT to take for granted lately?

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).

Did you know that we have a tab called "tell your story". I would love to give you an opportunity with share your story with us. Perhaps you are working on a project, being creative, following your calling, have experienced moments in your life that led you to skool. I look forward to hearing your story. (Start a new post and share to your hearts content) (in the category - Tell your story)

I don’t think you can ever be truly prepared for these moments that happen in life. One thing that is highlighted for me is that you don’t need to go through these moments alone. And the 2nd thing. Don’t wait. Not to tomorrow. Start imperfect. Start messy. But Live now. Book that trip, Start writing that book. Your today could be the best of days that you look back on with fondness in the future. Make today a good one. Love you guys. Thank you for choosing to be here.