Do not Fear the Silence

Rosebud Floral Still Life by Claudia McBain

The daily noise of our lives distracts us from what is real and honest. We must learn to settle into the silence of our minds in order to find the simple truths.

Without silence, there cannot be any real appreciation in life, which is as delicate in its inner fabric as a closed rosebud.

- Deepak Chopra

Like the rosebud, which eventually blooms into a rose, life will flourish when it is ready. The delicate inner fabrics that have been there since it's creation will unravel into intricate beautiful layers of experience and knowledge.

Do not fear the silence for it is there that we find our truths and appreciation. Look deep within yourself to weave that inner fabric with love and peace so that when it blooms it will go forth into the world as true light.

Nutcracker Pointe Shoes

It's Fall and that can only mean one thing to a ballerina, it's the start of the new Nutcracker season! For several years it's been our family's tradition to not only see the ballet each Christmas but actually be a part of this unique holiday experience.

My husband and I are retired professional dancers but we dust off our dancing shoes once a year to join our daughter in the Party Scene in her company's annual Nutcracker performance. Sharing our love of dance with her and getting to perform together as a family on the same stage is truly special. It's with great joy that we look forward to this experience every year.

Another part of this annual tradition is decorating pointe shoes. Nutcracker themed pointe shoes are donated to the company for a silent auction which takes place during intermission. We try to  coordinate the shoe design with her current role and since casting varies from year to year so do our designs.

Usually, we'll recycle slightly used pointe shoes and paint them inside and out before decorating. This year we took advantage of a backup pair that she outgrew before she had the chance to wear. The lovely untouched satin color and sheen made the perfect background for the Waltz of the Flowers. Ta-da! I present this year's theme!

From start to finish my daughter and I argue, I mean, enjoy collaborating on overall design and work flow. Whether it's the task of painting, gluing, or assembling we make sure that we're both patient and supportive throughout the process. When it's all said and done we always say I'm sorry and I love you!

Thank you Grishko for the lovely pointe shoes which provided the perfect blank slate for this year's creation.



Hope everyone has a Happy Nutcracker Season!

Peek a Boo, I see you!

A tiny teal 3D flower on canvas for everyone to admire, she's a forever flower who will never wilt. 

A unique little find handmade by me she has a twin but she's not quite identical. 

Nevertheless, they go together!

Tiny art for a happy space... 

If you want to pluck these little cuties for your own, you can find them on my Etsy shop:  SimplyClaudia