Finding what feeds them

It is the Martinmas season. A season when we just start that spiral inward. A season when we search deep within ourselves for that inner spark that lights our way in life. I have been spending some time really looking at our girls, asking myself, "what ignites their passion?" "What is lighting them and how can we nurture those inner sparks?" "How can we support their interests, so that as they grow older their choices in life truly feed them?"

Here is what I see at this moment in their young lives--

Drawing, playing classical violin, tricky mathematics, geography and architecture all make Elizabeth just glow. She likes to find patterns and order in the world.

Writing poetry, singing, modern art, and all things Tudor England set Helen alight. After sinking into the deep color of a Rothko painting or losing herself in the writing of a poem, she emerges nourished.

This weekend we went on a day-trip that spoke deeply to them both. Our first stop was a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Lou absolutely loved it. She loved the patterns of the architecture. She loved how the furniture connected to the building. I could see her mind organizing every horizontal line in the house.

she wouldn't get in any photos

The biggest in-take of breath, however, was when she saw the piano, cello, and music stand. Oh, she wants her Dad to build her a Frank Lloyd Wright music stand. The idea that someone would design a house around the performance of music was a big one for her.

photo courtesy, Currier Museum

Helen also enjoyed the house, but she lit up at the art museum when she got to visit her favorite artists--Mark Rothko and Georgia O'Keefe. She also loved hanging out in this big sculpture called Origins.

It was a wonderful day. This season, I hope I can continue to find the contemplative moments to really see my girls and feed those inner sparks.