weekend update: divali, the festival of lights, and creativity

The diya Alex decorated at her school this week.

Tonight is Divali, the Hindu "Festival of Lights." This evening, thousands of families in Trinidad will decorate the exterior of their homes with small lanterns, or diyas, as "a sign of celebration and hope for mankind" and triumph of good over evil.

Now that's a festival I can get behind.

In further celebration of this joyful day, I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite recent posts from my favourite creative bloggers:

First, from beautiful art blog woolgathering, Elizabeth shares the materials she uses to make her beautiful images. I actually used this post to put together a small kit for Marcus' birthday last month, and now he's making quick images every night. For those of you frustrated artists out there who never seem to find the time to create, these items might be just the thing to get you going.

Also, from my new favourite spirit, Jen Lemen, more inspiration on how to get creatively unstuck. For those of you who, like me, are new to the whole creative scene, these words can get you started.

And finally, if you're trying to figure out the perfect gift for someone you love, check out this beautiful gift Elspeth recently received for her fortieth birthday. Also? I love this definition of "creativity" -- it makes me want to go out and get creative right now.

With that, Happy Divali, everybody. Although we're not Hindu, we will be lighting diyas tonight on our veranda. And if you're of a mind to celebrate your hope for mankind, consider lighting a candle in your home tonight, too.

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Comments

[Memoria]

This is nice. I've seen this on many Hindu and Bollywood movies. I will light a candle tonight. Thank you for this post.

[bek]

I moved to Birmingham, England about 10 years ago right before Divali season. I was wonderful. There is a huge east Indian community there and every store, every house and every street was light up. I love that holiday.

I didn't realize that there was a large population of Hindu's in Trinidad... that brought back many memories...

[Island Spice]

Shubh Divali!! Tho I am not Hindu either .. I will be joining in. Celebrate our Diversity! I look forward to your photos..

[Michelle]

What wonderful ideas. My mother is an artist and is so hard to find gifts for because she has everything she needs. There were some great ideas for things I'm sure she doesn't have. Thanks.

[jen]

oh, what a lovely holiday! your lights look magical--i so love the glitter! lots of love to you and yours and thank you so much for these kind words.

[Elizabeth]

Oh, how wonderful! Happy belated birthday to Marcus, and I hope he has great fun with the materials.