I am so pleased to introduce Laurie Lunsford, a friend and fellow author. Laurie creates by interacting with God, others, and herself through the arts. This includes not only visual art, but gardening, poetry, music, journaling, creative games in the moment, and cooking. Laurie believes that creativity can be achieved throughout every day: re-arranging a room, putting together a wardrobe, creative discussions with a child, entertaining, and many other ways. Laurie is the author of several children’s picture books. She is offering a free give-away for Keegan Wonders–see details below!
Eyes That Laughed, by Laurie Lunsford
I have heard it said that eyes are the window of the soul. They are a place to see love, curiosity, and gratitude. What I see in these soul windows leads to conversation and stories. This is what happens when women gather for coffee, or a grandparent relates stories to children, or people meet for date in the park. Families interact beautifully when it is face to face over a meal, games, bedtime stories, and art.
Drawing portraits is a vehicle I use in getting to know people. It is face to face time for about 20 minutes. We gaze into one another’s eyes in stillness, and it sometimes leads to talking. It is affirming. I enjoy doing this with my grandchildren. It is ok for it to look silly. Maybe even better.
I had an interesting experience with a woman who was sitting in a wheel chair. She could not lift her head. I asked if I could paint her face. She was shy, but she quietly gave me the go-ahead. I sat cross-legged at her feet and looked up into her face which was facing downward. I drew as I gazed into her distinctive and beautiful face. I watched her eyes fill with laughter. Before long, she was giddy. I let her laugh for a moment as I put down my pencil. She laughed some more. I laughed with her. And she laughed even more. She could not stop.
“What is so funny?” I questioned.
“No one ever looks into my face!”
That made sense. She could not lift her head to even look at people. The only way I could see her was from the floor, and no one had taken the time to get in a position to notice her She wanted to be seen eye to eye. When the laughter subsided, I was able to finish.
I like to be seen, too. I want others to look into my eyes so love can be shared. Let’s take time to look into the eyes of all those we meet, even if it is just a quick glance accompanied by a smile! We can model this for our children.
And now, about Laurie’s book, Keegan Wonders:
Keegan likes dinosaurs, trucks and trees. He explores the outdoors, along with his cousin, Addie. His imagination comes alive as he observes nature. He asks many questions which may or may not have answers. There are dinosaurs to find, birds to name, seasons that change, and many ways of saying “hello” around the world. Geared for ages 4-8, a little boy shares honest questions about trees.
(Becky’s note: Laurie is also the illustrator!)
For a chance to win a free copy of this delightful children’s picture book, just answer this question about Laurie’s blog or make a comment of your choice: What are some creative ways we can look into each other’s eyes to convey love?
- Deadline is Saturday, April 11,12:00 midnight MST. From all comments, a name will be drawn randomly and the winner will be notified on Monday, the 13th.
- Just leave a comment here. And…
while you’re here, I’d love for you to sign up for my newsletters/blogs on the homepage!
Purchase Links: https://www.laurie.pictures/
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=
Author and illustrator, Laurie Lunsford
I appreciate the comments. Yep, my favorite way of communicating is eye to eye, especially with children.
Thank you, Laurie, for being a guest blogger for me. And congratulations to Randi Carmichael who won the drawing! Randi, Laurie will get in touch with you.
I miss the personal contact with friends and family with what’s going on in the world currently. My kids especially miss seeing their friends and teachers. We do ZOOM as well which means a lot to my kids. Being able to look in the face with someone is special. Eye contact can be intimate. It’s a great way to show and see love. I am thankful during all these hard times that I am still able to see the love from my kids’ eyes.
Elizabeth, I am very thankful for zoom and other virtual ways to connect. I’m so glad you can still enjoy the love you can give and receive from your children’s eyes.
We had a small group meeting last night and the thought of not seeing with my eyes the faces, smiles and eyes of those on the screen saddens me. Looking directly in the face of a person so much more meaningful !
Randi, like you, it saddens me too that we can’t have the personal contact we used to enjoy, but I’m thankful that we can still connect virtually during this pandemic.
Congratulations, Randi, for winning the drawing for a copy of Laurie’s book, Keegan Wonders. I know she will be getting in touch with you!
I love your face-to-face thoughts! Even Zoom meetings provide some of that now, and I am thankful. The getting on the floor to look up at a face that seldom is met by others is beautiful. I want to laugh too!
Alexa, I just had a Zoom meeting last night–I never thought about that! Good point. Even that kind of a communication during our pandemic allows us to connect with our eyes!