Amy Kiezebrink: Writing Letters to Your Kids
What did you use to do during recess?
Ha! I haven’t thought about this in years but my friends and I used to create our own plays and dramas. We always had so much fun using our imaginations and making up stories.
Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? What does creativity look like for you these days?
Yes absolutely. I loved anything to do with painting, crafting, and I used to write poems and short stories.
These days creativity takes place in the kitchen trying something new, at the table with the boys as we work on crafts together, photography and writing. I can take the last two wherever I go, whether it be waiting at the doctor’s office (well okay you can’t take photos there), sitting at the bus stop or taking the boys to the park. I create a lot on-the-go!
How much time do you get to work on creative projects?
Not enough! I have to be very deliberate in making time for my creative projects by pre-planning time for them. I also am a part of a couple of writing accountability groups which help me carve out time for my creativity - mainly writing.
How did motherhood change your creative practice?
I was a big scrapbooker before I had kids (I still enjoy it but it is a hard practice to just pick up at any time or take anywhere). After I had my first son I started writing “letters” to him on social media. Funny letters as I honestly couldn’t believe some of the things that motherhood entailed. The letters turned into a blog which I still write to this day, along with a newsletter now.
“There will be people in this world that tell you that creativity is not worth pursuing. They will say it is pointless, silly, unnecessary, not worth your time, not financially viable, or not contributing to society. They will call you a weirdo, a starving artist, or a dreamer. I am here to tell you that they are wrong. What you have my boy is a gift. A gift that should not be squandered or muffled or tossed away. It is a gift that should be nurtured, loved, and valued. I am a firm believer that everyone in some way is creative, just many choose to stifle, deny or ignore it. Please don’t be one of these people. Even if creativity is in your life only a little, trust me when I say it is an important and crucial part of it. And it always will be.”
Quote from Amy’s blog post “Creativity Is Crucial. Always.”
When do you feel most creative?
I feel most creative when I’m inspired by something - usually something my boys have said or done that has made me laugh - but also when I have some time to just be and let my thoughts go. I feel very creative and inspired when I’m surrounded by nature - it enables my mind to let in space for creativity. Thank goodness for phone cameras now with lots of storage as I love taking photos of nature and have been known to get into some strange spots/positions to get that perfect shot.
What helps you make time and space for being creative? How do you avoid burn out?
I try to be diligent about making time and space for being creative in pre-planning. But we also know how planning goes in motherhood sometimes! I am very intentional about making time for myself when I can and thankfully my husband is amazing at making sure I have this time which makes for excellent accountability. After all, if mommy’s burnt out then that’s no good for anyone.
How would you like the world to see artists and mothers?
I’m not sure if I’m answering the question correctly but I want the world to see artists and mothers as the same. After all, we did and are still creating something beautiful. (Well, for the most part it is beautiful, maybe not at bedtime). I hear way too many mothers scoff, wave their hand away and proclaim that they are most certainly not creative and let alone an artist! But motherhood is art and art comes in so many forms—you need to be patient, nurturing, super creative, open, and accepting to thrive and survive motherhood. If that’s not the qualities of an artist, I don’t know what is.
What do you do when you feel burnt out or filled with doubt?
I give myself the time and space that I’m obviously needing. I go for a walk, take a bath, or read a novel. Stress, burnout, and self-doubt all go hand in hand and for me it happens when there is simply too much pressure and overwhelm. So I give my body and my brain a break that it obviously needs.
What’s your favorite super easy creative practice to do when you’re looking for fresh ideas?
I just take a walk - being in nature always inspires me and brings out fresh ideas that I didn’t even know were hiding away!
What do you hope your kids will learn about creativity from you?
I hope that my kids learn that creativity comes in all shapes and sizes and that EVERYONE is creative. I want them to be creative in a way that brings them joy and does not demand perfection. After all, perfectionism kills creativity.
Amy is a stay-at-home mom to three little boys (Pieter 8, William 6, & Alexander 5) and married to her high school sweetheart Pieter for almost 18 years. While a graphic designer by trade, she has also always had a love for reading, writing and photography. She started her blog after her first son was born as she felt a desperate need for a creative outlet in the midst of dirty diapers and projectile vomit. She’s never to be found without at least two books on the go or her phone camera within arm’s reach and loves creating with her boys thanks to their substantial craft supply cupboard. She enjoys the outdoors and exploring with her family at their farm in Ontario, Canada. Find her on Facebook, Instagram, and on her blog www.dearsonlovemommy.com.
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