Thank you Heather for sharing your thoughts. I found myself nodding as I read about your mum/artist/worker juggle. Like you I've always been an artist and put it second to a job (teaching) and then children. I'm retired now and grateful for the wonderful luxury of time and head space to slow down and make the art I want to. Being a grandmother is the best. My grandies are near and far. While they're little, I recommend reading them picture books over zoom.
Ahh thanks so much for the picture book suggestion Margaret ..The juggle is definitely a real thing isnt it ? (until it isn't :-) )Time is precious however we choose or are able to spend it..
I became a mother at 18 and an artist in my 30s so I've always felt like a mother first and an artist second. I felt more of an identity crisis when my last child left home, I felt all I had left was my art which didn't feel enough any more even though I'd longed for this time when my time was my own!
I'm a grandmother now and bursting with love for them all, looking forward to visits when we're able. Now I have all this time to myself I just wish I had the energy I had back then!
It's so interesting how our artist lives evolve isn't it? We are caregivers whether it be children, grandchildren or parents and partners for such a large chunk of our lives ! It's no wonder when we have the time it takes awhile to own it!
Congratulations on becoming a Grandma. It's a wonderful phase of life. You could suggest your own title, but the child may come up with something else, completely magical (like sparkle)
Morning Heather, I took some precious time this Sunday morning to catch up on Substack and finally read your lovely post! I'm called Gigi by my grand girls and since I live with them in an extended family house (with my own attached suite thank goodness!)I have a loving but often exhausting time with them. I'm also not the out of town grandma who shows up, brings presents etc. I'm unfortunately sometimes the "mean" Gigi lol. But I do hope in the end they will appreciate my efforts to instil proper table manners, a love of Nature, a love of reading and outdoor activities. They also know I can sew and repair any "stuffie" and bake goodies. One day my oldest Grand girl told me that I can do everything lol So sweet. I do cherish this time with them, watching them grow and change...it's chaotic and noisy, but I do think grand children keep us young at heart!
Nora ..Your grand girls are so very fortunate to have you close in their lives. its also lovely that you teach and show them creative ways of being in the world. A foundation for their later years in the world!
That you also find a secure time for yourself is also wonderful . I admire your ability to juggle your giving self with your creative self in busy times.
(Years ago when I worked with youth in mental health and addiction I was often heartened to hear that grandparents were mentors, guides and beloved caregivers in so many young lives!)
What a beautiful read Heather. So much of this resonates with me. My life as a dancer and choreographer abruptly changed when I became a mom. Like you, I would do it all over again- the same way. I loved my baby more than art and I loved being a mother. Now I write, my son is a young man, soon to be married. I will be 70 in November but I feel 40- whatever that means. I look forward to being Grandma- there is so much beauty in that title, I’m ready for more of life, wherever that takes me. Much love from New Jersey USA.
Thank you Heather for sharing your thoughts. I found myself nodding as I read about your mum/artist/worker juggle. Like you I've always been an artist and put it second to a job (teaching) and then children. I'm retired now and grateful for the wonderful luxury of time and head space to slow down and make the art I want to. Being a grandmother is the best. My grandies are near and far. While they're little, I recommend reading them picture books over zoom.
Ahh thanks so much for the picture book suggestion Margaret ..The juggle is definitely a real thing isnt it ? (until it isn't :-) )Time is precious however we choose or are able to spend it..
I became a mother at 18 and an artist in my 30s so I've always felt like a mother first and an artist second. I felt more of an identity crisis when my last child left home, I felt all I had left was my art which didn't feel enough any more even though I'd longed for this time when my time was my own!
I'm a grandmother now and bursting with love for them all, looking forward to visits when we're able. Now I have all this time to myself I just wish I had the energy I had back then!
It's so interesting how our artist lives evolve isn't it? We are caregivers whether it be children, grandchildren or parents and partners for such a large chunk of our lives ! It's no wonder when we have the time it takes awhile to own it!
How about Sparkling Grandma.
Love it ! :-)
Why not offer the granddaughters the choice of how they call you Heather? Start the process of empowering them young! 🤗
Sounds good to me ! :-)
What a great idea!
Congratulations on becoming a Grandma. It's a wonderful phase of life. You could suggest your own title, but the child may come up with something else, completely magical (like sparkle)
Thanks Liz ..I agree (its really their mother who is concerned about titles at this juncture ! :-)
Morning Heather, I took some precious time this Sunday morning to catch up on Substack and finally read your lovely post! I'm called Gigi by my grand girls and since I live with them in an extended family house (with my own attached suite thank goodness!)I have a loving but often exhausting time with them. I'm also not the out of town grandma who shows up, brings presents etc. I'm unfortunately sometimes the "mean" Gigi lol. But I do hope in the end they will appreciate my efforts to instil proper table manners, a love of Nature, a love of reading and outdoor activities. They also know I can sew and repair any "stuffie" and bake goodies. One day my oldest Grand girl told me that I can do everything lol So sweet. I do cherish this time with them, watching them grow and change...it's chaotic and noisy, but I do think grand children keep us young at heart!
Nora ..Your grand girls are so very fortunate to have you close in their lives. its also lovely that you teach and show them creative ways of being in the world. A foundation for their later years in the world!
That you also find a secure time for yourself is also wonderful . I admire your ability to juggle your giving self with your creative self in busy times.
(Years ago when I worked with youth in mental health and addiction I was often heartened to hear that grandparents were mentors, guides and beloved caregivers in so many young lives!)
What a beautiful read Heather. So much of this resonates with me. My life as a dancer and choreographer abruptly changed when I became a mom. Like you, I would do it all over again- the same way. I loved my baby more than art and I loved being a mother. Now I write, my son is a young man, soon to be married. I will be 70 in November but I feel 40- whatever that means. I look forward to being Grandma- there is so much beauty in that title, I’m ready for more of life, wherever that takes me. Much love from New Jersey USA.
Thank you for this lovely comment Andrea