Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Suzanne McRae



My journey through creativity…

My creative life started when I was about 12 years old. At that time I learned how to do embroidery and sewing at a 4-H club and shortly after that I learned how to knit and crochet. And at age 14 an elderly neighbor decided to show me how to quilt.
For the next three decades I did sew some clothing for our children and I sewed a beautiful flower-girl dress for our daughter that I was very proud of. I did a bit of quilting, smocking, and needlepoint

I took a tole painting class and made a small project. I was hooked. During those years, creativity was mostly done in little spurts here and there, never seeming to be a priority for me since there never seemed to be enough time. For a couple of decades, I have been a stay-at-home mom. Our son, who is the youngest, has autism. My life revolved mostly in the world of autism, researching and learning everything I possibly could… until last year... when I felt an urgent need to do something for myself.


and this is how I re-discovered the creative spark that was still within me…

In the fall of 2011 at age 53, I decided to hire a career coach to help me discover what I could do in this next phase of my life. It had to be something that I was passionate about and that would nourish and fulfill me in many ways while still being able to stay home to help support our son. Writing and creativity were two things that kept coming up constantly while doing the coaching. So I began by knitting dishcloths for myself, then I made a granny-square afghan for our daughter for Christmas. In February 2012 I opened my Etsy shop online, and since April I have my own website and am writing and figuring out all that I want to share about. I love having these two places that are mine.
I also enjoy genealogy and presently am working on a family book that includes over 6 generations of photos and stories. I want to start scrapbooking again, because anything that has to do with preserving memories for the next generations is very important to me. I have done a bit of painting and would love to explore the many different techniques that exist. I have also taken an interest in photography and love to travel with my family.

In the last decade I studied energy healing and have become quite passionate about learning several different types (Karuna, Reiki, Sphe-Re, Reiki Crystal Healing, and EFT). I am a firm believer in Heilkunst therapy and essential oils. Spirituality and personal growth are a big part of my life.

Come and check out what I am writing about and
what I am having a great time creating in my life.

 http://www.suzanne-mcrae.com



20 comments:

  1. Teresa, thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to be featured amongst other extremely creative souls. I love how you displayed my story too..
    Blessings. xo

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    1. It's my pleasure to add your flower to the vase. Thank You for sharing your story .

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  2. Wow you rock Suzanne. The challenges of an autistic child are hard enough but to know spiritually that YOU needed to find a way for you to be whole, amazing.....I'm off to check out your blog right now. xox

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    1. Hi Corrine, thank you for your beautiful words. There's been challenges and in the midst of all that it's what drove me over the edge of the cliff... right into energy healing and spirituality without me realizing how important at the time it would become. It's been an absolute blessing for me. It's making my journey much easier in some ways.

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  3. Hi Suzanne,
    I'm one of the late bloomers as well. It seems there is a common thread that goes with the late bloomer territory, putting others before ourselves. I'm so glad that you gave yourself a small act of kindness. It lead you to so many new creative adventures. Your work is lovely and I will be checking out your other blogs and Etsy shop.
    Thank you for sharing your story.

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    1. Hi Denise, yes I do remember your story as a creative late bloomer on here not that long ago. For me it's felt like a long journey to being able to figure out that it was ok to give myself some time space and freedom to do what I needed to for myself all while continuing to take care of everything for my son. I appreciate your lovely comments. Thank you for dropping by my website/blog and Etsy shop. :)

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  4. Hi Suzanne! It's great to make your acquaintance! I found your story very interesting, mainly because it seems we have much in common! I too love genealogical research and have embarked upon some art projects meant to preserve the stories I've learned about my ancestors. I've also recently decided that after 10 years as a teacher, I'm going to return to college in hopes of changing careers. I can't wait to check out your blog...please visit mine anytime!

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    1. Hi Jenny, it's nice to meet you here. I love that we have so much in common with genealogy research. I love that you are also preserving the stories you have learned about your ancestors. They are such a bit part of who we are. I need to get back at working on that soon. I had put it aside for a little while.

      All the best to you with returning to college and changing careers. I'll be sure to check out your blog. Thank you for dropping in to read mine. :)

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  5. I want to say, "Welcome to the Vase" of Teresa's flowers!!!

    Loved reading your story, and that 4-H had an impact on you, too. It sure was a good place for me as a young girl and helped introduce so many wonderful creative ideas.

    I think I'm going to have to subscribe to your blog. I see we have a lot more in common.

    Peace and blessings to you...

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    1. Hi Deborah, thank you for the warm welcome. :)

      I'm happy to hear that 4-H also had an impact on you at a young age. I think that's when all young girls need to be exposed to their creativity to help it flourish early on.

      It's o wonderful to hear that we have a lot in common. I'm heading out to check out your blog right now and get to know you better. :)

      Blessings. xo

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    2. Deborah, could you give me an address for your blog/website? When I click on your name I only get to see a handful of blog posts. I'd like to add your site to my Bloglovin' reader. :)

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  6. Hi Suzanne & Teresa!

    Teresa, I hope that you will join us over at michelebergh.com's blogging forum. That is how I found out about Suzanne's post! It would be fun to read your stories!

    I feel a similar theme to my life, Suzanne. My sisters are all very talented artists, but I never really considered myself one as I compared myself to them. I know that I am good at art, but I never really pursued it. Life got *busy*. Then recently, my dear friend Michele Bergh mentioned a painting class that she went to and I decided to try oil painting. I loved it. I only did that one class, but it got me moving again on art. Since then, I decided to gather a couple of friends of mine together once a month to do art. We call it simply Art Day. We each just bring whatever projects we are working on and my project has been a quilt. My first! I love that I was able to complete my quilt with my friends. I tend to never finish my projects, so to me this was a big deal. The quilt is keeping my Minnesota legs warm as I type this! :)

    Thanks for a great story!

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    1. Amy, it's so nice to hear about your own story here. It would seem that we are a lot alike in many ways. :)
      I have more of a tendency to start projects than to finish them. Love your idea of once a month doing an Art Day with friends. The days are getting cool in Minnesota if you have your quilt out... it's getting much cooler up here too in Ontario.

      I agree with you that Teresa should join Michele's blogging forum.

      Thanks for dropping in. Loved hearing from you. xo

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  7. I like that line...YOUR COMMENTS ARE SIMILAR TO CLAPPING WHEN YOU HEAR SOMETHING THAT YOU LIKE.

    So true! I might steal it, if you don't mind!

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  8. Suzanne- it was great reading your story here, I didn't realize all of the creative projects you are involved in. Love hearing about your creative journey.

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  9. Sue, thank you for taking the time to read my story. I'm still trying to discover what new things I might want to try. I'd love to learn to paint and find what my style might be. Something to look forward to.

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  10. Hooray for you Suzanne! So glad I got to know you through BBTL and that you have shared your story here. I find your story fascinating and it is such a great testament to your spiritual strength and tenacity. Loved reading it.

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    1. Hi Carin, thank you for dropping by here to read my story, glad to hear you enjoyed it. :)

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  11. You sound like an incredibly creative soul, not just art-wise but life-wise. Thank you for sharing your story!

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    1. Thank you Erin for your beautiful words... I really appreciated reading them. Glad you enjoyed my creative journey story. :)

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YOUR COMMENTS ARE SIMILAR TO CLAPPING WHEN YOU HEAR SOMETHING THAT YOU LIKE.