Where Do I Go From Here...

Do you ever have those moments when you aren't sure where to go next in your creative endeavors?  I am in that place presently where I am unsure what to leap into next.  I have been in the design stage for weeks but, haven't come up with anything that I can get really excited about putting together.  Maybe it's the Summer doldrums that have me stuck.

What do you do when you get into a creative slump?  What techniques do you use to inspire yourself?  I would love your input and advice.

Things I have tried include visually beautiful movies, a walk on my favorite hiking paths, vigorous bicycle rides, exploring my favorite junk shops, pulling out my favorite magazines and I even knitted a sweater for this Fall to take a break from the drawing board.

Sigh.

None of these seem to have worked.

Photo:  The Greenhouse and Potager in Tyra's Garden

On another note, I juiced elderberries for the first time this year.  Delicious.  The flavor of the juice is so delicate and light - and most importantly good for you.  Here are some of the health benefits of elderberry juice.

Elderberry juice is used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, improve vision, boost the immune system, improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsilitis.

Elderberries contain organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, sugar, rutin, viburnic acid, vitaman A and B and a large amount of vitamin C. They are also mildly laxative, a diuretic, and diaphoretic. Flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic actions of the elderberry flowers and berries. According to test tube studies these flavonoids include anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants and protect cells against damage.

Wow, all that in one little berry that grows wild in most of the United States and around the world.  I found mine growing wild at the farm this Summer.

With latex gloves, I pulled the tiny berries off the stems, rinsed them in cold water, placed them in a stainless steel pot, covered them with water, brought them to a boil, turned off the heat and placed the entire pot in the refrigerator overnight.  In the morning, I drained the liquid using a sieve, poured the juice into jars and placed them in the refrigerator.  I have been enjoying the juice every morning. 

Elderberries are not overly sweet, so if you would like a sweeter juice you can add agave sweetener or add natural apple cider.

I hope you are enjoying your Summer and all the wonderful fresh produce from you garden and favorite Farmer's Market.

Blessings - Julie

Let's Create

I am feeling the urge to create, it tugs at the back of my mind, calling to me to use these hands to bring "it" to life.  As I move about my day, answering emails, returning phone calls, filling orders, as I move through the grocery store aisles, as I drive my car home...my inner voice calls to me.  "Let's create."

But, I cannot yet carve out time to spend in the studio...  there's laundry to be done, a show to prepare for, obligations to meet.  My inner voice is like a sad child dropping her shoulders and going back to her room to wait for the opportunity to come out and play once again.

Maybe next week, if I work very hard this week I will have time to play...

Blessings - Julie