Mothering Artist, Kelly

Introducing mothering artist, Kelly Deal.

I am a mama of two boys age 5 and 2. Not only am I blessed to be the mama of these two sweet, curious and rambunctious boys, I am also honored to work with 20 or so Kindergarteners every day as their teacher at Oak Grove School.  As well, I share my deep love of yoga and nature with children every summer at Solstice Yoga and Nature Camp.

My family and I are just coming out of a 3 year journey of simultaneously building a house( mostly done by my husband and some awesome helpers) and growing a baby in my belly and then onward…..My little, but growing family got very creative while living 18+ months in a 30 foot trailer. I have many memories of my newborn in the carrier and my 4 year old by my side while we hit up tile stores, paint stores, flooring stores….but we did it! And we are now living in our “almost done” beautiful home.

Now, it truly feels like most things that used to be or feel hard, are just not as hard anymore after braving that adventure.  Amazing how perspective can change our way of being and the way we live.  We feel very blessed!

As a family, we enjoy hanging out on our property as well as working on projects on the house and land, hiking, biking, beaching,  and adventuring.  But truly, most of all, just being together, wherever our path takes us.

How do you practice your art of mothering? 

First, I feel so blessed every day that I get to be the mama of my two boys ( 2 and 5.75). Each day is a huge opportunity for me to grow and build my character. Some days are blissful and amazing, and other days push me to my deepest core. There are many days that I feel proud of how I parented and many other days that I’m not so proud of my parenting. Mothering, for me, has been a huge lesson in surrender, trust and patience. Whenever a challenge/issue/worry comes up, I try my best to continue to come from love and heart. I’ve learned that thinking too much about things does not always help me, or my family. Often, a little breath, a little perspective and maybe a chat with another mama friend, and before you know it I feel better. And then after this reflection, I either have an idea on how to handle it, or I realize it just needs time and presence with each moment.

What are the simple things in life that fill your heart? 

Ahh… I live for those simple things in my not always so simple life.  Those simple things, like cuddling with my children and family, or watching my children in awe as they play , or listening to the newest thing my child has learned to say, or witnessing the deep curiosity my 5 year old has about life. Oh and then of course, watching the stars at night or listening to the crickets and frogs sing to us, or staring at the ocean waves dancing in and out.

What is one thing you think your child loves about you?

Hmm…that’s a hard one. That would be a fun one to ask them.:) I think they probably love that I am present with their feeling .  I hear them, hold them, and allow them to have their emotions. They know I love them, even when they aren’t at their best or are working through something.

What did you receive from your experience with Mothering Arts?

Well as I mentioned above, my mama friends have been so monumental in creating a positive and supportive mothering experience. I struggle at times with the fact that I am a working mama and I sometimes feel sad that I don’t have more time to focus only on being a mama.  I balance a lot each day trying to find time for my work, my family, my partner, my friends/community and myself. I am a big believer in sometimes blending those together( ie. I love meeting a friend for a walk, so I get friend time and exercise time all in one!) Mothering Arts has helped me simultaneously meet my need for self- care and nourishment and also my need for community and social time.

The Mothering Arts circle was something I looked forward to every week. I was nourished by good food, lots of hugs and love, friends for my baby and I, and I was inspired by the topics each week that helped me to take better care of myself and my family.

I also took the Healthy Home Rhythms course, which has guided me to find the simple rhythms in each day and week that keep my life feeling sane and manageable.

I also enjoy being a part of the online community where I am able to learn/share with the many wise mamas out there.

Mothering Arts seeks to uplift and inspire parents to celebrate their unique art of mothering. When we can share and witness our one of a kind gifts, true community and connection blossoms. Through our daily lives, we express a shared experience, the dynamic experience of mothering. Each mother is an artist and life itself is her canvas.

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If you are interested in sharing your unique art of mothering, please send us a note through our contact page.