Gifted Hands

This past Christmas, I made up my mind to do things differently (my budget actually helped encourage me to take this new approach). Instead of last minute drive-myself-crazy-shopping and running up my credit card, I decided that I would make gifts for my family. In the true spirit of Kuumba, I got creative and made presents from the heart.

First, I gathered photos of everyone from the collections I had on my computer, and pics I copied from social media pages, and made personalized 2014 calendars. The calendars contained images that I thought reflected inspiring characteristics about each individual and/or one of their many talents. Initially, I just made some for immediate family, but they came out so nicely that I made some for others and they were extremely budget friendly!!

Next, a friend of mine had recently sent me a recipe for DIY deodorant. Yeah, I know, deodorant can be a little sensitive to give as a gift, but this recipe provides an alternative formula for deodorant that does not use any of the chemicals used in processed, commercial brands. Instead of seeing it as an insult, I considered it a way to invest in my loved ones' health by offering them this handmade alternative. I found neat glass jars to put the product in and added labels on each jar informing them that of what was in their possession: Lulu's Handmade Deodorant. It was definitely crafted in love…you can ask Lawrence about how I turned his place into my science lab, with pot melting shea butter and coconut oil all over the place. In the end though, it was definitely worth it. So far the feedback has been positive. I'm actually wearing some of it now, and have been quite satisfied with the results, even under conditions of a high energy exertion, heat, and stress. Score!!

Lastly, for my mom I created a special gift to honor her retirement and help her transition to life after her 9-5. I won't describe the details of that gift here because I may be turning that one into a marketable venture in the near future. I'll keep you posted.

Since I've returned to MD, my hands have continually been working. In addition to my dissertation, I've been trying out some recipes and keeping my creative juices flowing in other areas.

A few months back when I was working on some affirmations, one of them was to be open to discovering more of my own creativity and talents that I did not know I had. Well, I've been doing just that. Today, I give thanks for my hands and all that they will lead me in manifesting this semester and beyond.

That's all.