Go, Do • by Cynthia Shaffer

Craft anyway.
Craft often.
Go, Do.
These are just a few mottos that I live my life by.


03.11.11
On March 11^th 2011, the 4^th largest earthquake in recorded history hits Japan. My husband Scott is there and I receive a text message from him just 10 minutes after the first quake saying that he was alive and that he loved me. No broken bones, just tossed to the ground and bruised. Six hours later I receive an email from him letting me know that he is back in his hotel.

I received many calls that day, many emails, and many messages on Facebook. There were inquiries from new friends and old friend, complete strangers, and family members who wanted to know if Scott way OK and if I had heard from him.

Later that night, while I thought of my friends in Japan and thought of all the Japanese people devastated by the earthquake and tsunami, I began to craft.

My Constant Friend
And so that’s how my life goes.

I learned at a very early age that arts and crafts, creating and making stuff would save me from myself. It saves me from the dark places where my mind and thoughts can go. Places that wait for us all and that can consume us if we let it. But through art, I enter into a trance of sorts, where my mind can rest and find peace. Art and creativity has always been my best friend and also waits for me, a friend with whom I can solve world problems and tackle daily challenges that life brings my way.

Thanks for allowing me to share.
Gotta go now.
Lots to do.

Cynthia Shaffer is an artist, photographer, and author of Stash Happy Patchwork. To learn more about Cynthia, visit www.cynthiashaffer.typepad.com.

Comments

[Ellen]

Thanks Cynthia for sharing your story! I think it is through color we can escape the darkness that enters our souls. It reminds me of the Northern Lights;the beauty embraced in the darkness, we have to be open to receive and see it's beauty.
Then we can heal.

I am so happy your husband could contact you and let you know he was okay; so scary for all of you~xXx