Slowing Down Each Day
by Alissa
This afternoon, while my son took a nap and my daughter read quietly in her room, I pulled out my needle felting supplies. By the way, we’ve kept nap time a routine since my daughter was a baby. She’s nine years old now. I love our afternoon quiet time and hope to never outgrow it. I find it necessary to make time for relaxing. Sometimes I read, sometimes I nap, and sometimes I create. Today, I chose to needle felt, which is an activity I find very soothing to the soul. You can’t rush forming the wool one needle poke at a time. Needle felting is a slow, but intuitive, gentle process. It is an activity which requires me to calm my body and quiet my mind…to be present, yet playful. One item I finished was a wee little creation made from a broken walnut shell, wool roving, and textured yarn. I gave it to my daughter after our quiet time ended. She thanked me and bounced away with it cradled in her hands, wearing a joyful smile. I couldn’t help but smile in return. Life can get busy quickly, so don’t underestimate the power of slowing down each day.
Honest Simplicity 
Exquisite mushrooms! As a needle felter myself, I definitely appreciate all the details on both mushrooms including those tiny spots and different textures. And to top it off, your message of slowing down and enjoying the little things is essential to finding happiness in life.
Thanks! Mushrooms are fun to needle felt, aren’t they? I ended up adding the mushroom house to a felted naturescape for my daughter to play with. It is fun to play.