Antisdel's Story

The Pride of Creation is an Extraordinary Thing

A few days ago, I shared a quote about the Joy of Pure Creation. I was saving this quote to share later, but I just couldn't wait. The word "pride" is so often used in a negative connotation, but used in this way - pride of creation - it's so positive. My children often have "pride of creation" when they show me the stew they've made from berries, nuts and grass on the front porch or the stories they've written or the meals of play-do. 

"One does feel proud to belong to the human race when one sees the wonderful things human beings have fashioned with their hands. They have been creators - they must share a little the holiness of the Creator, who made the world and all that was in it, and saw that it was good. But He left more to be made. he left the things to be fashioned by men's hands. He left them to fashion them, to follow in his footsteps because they were made in his image, to see what they made, and see that it was good.

The pride of creation is an extraordinary thing."

from Agatha Christie's autobiography on her husband's archaeological discoveries in Nimrud

 

Here is another image from my series of portraits of our 4 children. Kessa is such an outdoor girl and she's always climbed all the trees in our yard. I've had this sort of image in my head for a year or two. So happy to have it out of my head and onto my computer. Next stop for it, printed on fine art paper and framed at the studio.

 

A Little of the Joy of Pure Creation

"One wonders where these things come from - I mean the ones that are a must. Sometimes I think that is the moment one feels nearest to God, because you have been allowed to feel a little of the joy of pure creation. You have been able to make something that is not yourself. You know a kinship with the Almighty, as you might on a seventh day, when you see that what you have made is good."

from Agatha Christie's autobiography on writing the book Absent In Spring

I haven't been allowing myself to read fiction until I complete several studio projects, but I couldn't keep from reading at all so I picked up Agatha Christie's autobiography. I had seen it quoted in several books and articles about totally different subjects and that intrigued me. Not ever having read her novels, Agatha Christie was a brand new subject for me.

The whole book was quite interesting, but this quote really took my breath away. I know exactly what she is talking about. Recently, I photographed each of my children and I felt such a "must" to create specific images of them and a great "joy" when they were created.

Every session I photograph, I feel this "must" and "joy" of creation to some degree, but there are times like these recent sessions when the sensation is quite overwhelming.

Here is another image of Chilton from that first session. Again, I had something specific in mind with our new prop, Sunshine and Chilton's favorite "cowboy" shirt.

 

 

Unusual Book Recommendations at the Pool this Summer

I was at the pool the other day here in Louisburg. It's the place to go to see and be seen. When we left, Sephine said, "Mommy, did you ever stop talking to people?" The answer was no. I talked with so many people - several of whom have 4 and 5 year old boys. They were saying how difficult it's become to get the boys to behave as they've gotten older. They are not the sweet little baby boys they used to be.

I found myself recommending this book repeatedly. Making Children Mind without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman is my favorite resource for child rearing in general. I actually got it when I was ready for some new disciplining tactics when the girls were 3 and 5. There are simple little miracles inside. I find that every few years, I need a fresh look on how to approach parenting the new people my children become as they grow older.

 

A few years later, I found the book Have a New Kid by Friday by Dr. Leman. What I liked about this book is that it addressed some issues for older children as well. That was really helpful.

The main premise of Dr. Kevin Leman's philosophy is to let your children deal with the natural consequences of their behavior. It takes the pressure and responsibility for acceptable behavior off of the parent's shoulders and puts it where it belongs - with the child.

I Wish I Were a Scrap Booker

I wish I were a scrap booker. One year, I even took a Wednesday night class at church that you were supposed to spend the time scrap booking. I did get most of my snapshots organized and a few printed from around the time 5 year old Chilton was born. But no scrapbooks created.

So, you can see why I was excited to discover a really talented artist who wanted to scrapbook for us at antisdel.s. These are our first few projects and I can't wait to try out more on other sessions with my kids. If you are interested in purchasing one of these handmade albums of your portraits, email me or call the studio.

This first album is from our Bohemian Valentine's session. Betsy had just turned 2 and was a bundle of energy. That's really incredible to think about actually. Here is a link to her newborn portraits and her 1 year portraits.

 

The delicate angel wings of this book make it my favorite so far. I love the whimsical use of the feathers and the pearl details as well.

There is a flap on the page opposite Beale that I will write about how my children are such angels:).