See that happy little cow up there? Isn’t there something so whimsical, wonderful, and nostalgic about her?
That cow is the creation of my 5-year-old daughter, Zoey. She loves art so much that she regularly watches Bob Ross, adds things in to her drawings to make them feel “more balanced,” and dreams of owning her own art gallery.
While one of her most favorite things is a blank canvas or sheet of paper, one of mine is watching the process of how she creates. The reason? She doesn’t think too much about what she’s doing—she lets her heart guide her hands. It’s such a beautiful thing, the way she fills that white space with whatever she wants, not worrying that things need to be perfect. I love this about her, and I think most children create their artwork in the same fashion.
But then we grow up, and somewhere along the way we let our hearts guide us a little less, not only in the things we create, but in the other things we do as well. As a graphic designer, I’ve had years of experience of trying how to make something look just right. And as an adult, I’ve also had plenty of experience in doing logical, rational things, trying to ensure that things end up the way they are “supposed” to be—carefully coloring within the lines. But as the events of the past year proved, maybe that really wasn’t the best plan of attack…
Starting this blog was my version of a blank page, my version of putting a bow on the top of a cow chewing her happy, little flower in a magical, colorful world. This wonderful new creative process makes me feel like that picture of Zoey up there.
So. Darn. Excited.
Now, more than ever, I think it’s time we all start creating curious cows and other wonderful, whimsical things. It’s time we start coloring outside the lines a little bit. It’s time we let our passionate hearts start guiding us again. It’s time we get rid of the ruled pages and maybe try some blank ones instead. Because you never know: they might just end up holding your best masterpiece yet.
At the Nostalgia Diaries, our goal is to help you simplify, enhance, and engage your lives by focusing on the most important things: remembering, appreciating, believing, and becoming. It’s all about celebrating the past to create better days today.
Weβd love for you to join us in this journey.
P.S. Donβt forget to follow our colorful, creative spaces on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Weβre fun and happy and whimsical and nostalgic over there, too. Pinky swear.
Great post! π
Thanks! π
Wonderful – it reminded me of Ermintrude of The Magic Roundabout. She’s drawn in a completely different graphic style but has the same retro sensibility. You just know they’re going to caper around, given half a chance!
I had to look up Ermintrude – SO cute!
This is one of those posts, that simply brings a smile to your face. Thanks for sharing this π
So glad we could help make you smile! π
love it! First off, the picture she did is amazing. Second, I totally agree about a blog being a blank canvas. Thanks for sharing!
I think it’s pretty amazing, too. It makes me happy! So many things in life are blank canvases – we are fortunate!
Such a cute cow painting! I love it. I think the idea of a little art gallery is so cute π
If anyone would make it happen, it will be Zoey!
I ADORE Zoey’s Cow!!!! <3 Love her passion for art – and yours for writing your blog!!! π
π Thank you!
Cows are my absolute favorite. This picture is great! So happy you are fostering her love of art.
Cows are such sweet, gentle animals. π Thanks for stopping by!
That picture is perfect! I love it!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Like your idea of getting out of the box and go a little crazy. Spice things up
Life is better when you spice things up, don’t you think?
This is so great! I love it! I have quite a few similar whimsical art pieces by my kids that are framed and I love looking back at them.
I think having kids art framed is the best!
I love your sentiments here almost as much as I LOVE COWS. That drawing is so beautiful and frame-worthy for sure.
I love her enthusiasm and her cow! She did a great job. My son loves drawing too and can sit for hours working on all kinds of creations!
Isn’t it just so much fun to watch him? The creative process is wonderful in so many ways – and for all ages π
So darn cute! This made me smile.
Me too! π
What a beautiful post thanks for sharing your beautiful little one with us! We have a future little artist on our hands β€οΈ
I think we do! The world can always use more artists, I think.
What a profound post. It is so true we lose a little of our non-thinking creativity as we age! I’m glad you found your outlet! My four-year-old son loves art too & I can honestly say, your daughter’s drawing is great!
I agree – I think that why we should try extra hard to find our creativity again π
Oh I love this! I would love to be able to see the world through my 3 year olds eyes.
I think that world is probably a wonderful, happy world!
so cute! love your shout out to Bob Ross!
I, too, loved his show as a child – wasn’t he just the best?!
I’m still smiling. That is a wonderful cow. Following you on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. You inspire me!
We’re so happy that we’ve inspired you and made you smile! We’re glad to have you with us!
I love this. I wish we could all create so freely!
I think we all have it in us somewhere – we just need to learn how to do it again π
Your little one is so adorable! I love the creativity that kids have & that cow painting is amazing!
She is pretty cute π And yes, kids’ creativity is simply the best!
First off, that cow is amazing! Second, I love the idea of creating our own cows. Doing what you really want without worry. Thanks! π
Yes! Here’s to creating happy little cows π
I am so guilty of letting my head guide me and not my heart- thanks for the reminder, now to go and colour outside the lines!
Coloring outside the lines can be so much fun (though it’s certainly a learned process :))
wow, your girl does draw well! She has talent in art! π
π I’m doing everything I can to cultivate her interest in it!
I love kids so much. They are so inspiring because they aren’t afraid to just be who they are. That is the happiest cow I’ve ever seen, and it makes me happy too. Thank you for this reminder to give myself the freedom to create my own whimsical cow.
May we all be able to create our own whimsical cow!
First off, I love the cow. He looks so colourful and happy. I grew up on a farm and really do love cows as for the most part they are gentle creatures.
And you are so right about adults getting stuck on perfection. I help people write books and one of my favourite ways to explain the process is, “Write like a child; edit like an adult.” Too many people get stuck in perfection the the creative process is messy and beautiful.
I love that advice. I need to remember that! I tend to edit as I write instead of just letting my heart do all the talking π
This is cute, it made me smile just reading about it. My little girl love coloring and it’s surprising sometimes what they can at their age.
Yes, kids creativity simply amazes me!
I can’t tell you how much I love that cow. For years, I took photos of cows and have done a few art pieces from them. So cute!
Very cool! I think cows are good subjects (so does Z!) π
Great post and her cow drawing is adorable!