SharedBliss: Made with Love by Hannah

My new Snow White skirt by Hannah; the Gnomes love it!

Listening to: If you don't think this is fun, I don't know what to do with you!

Today's Bliss Formula: The moon last night was gorgeous, looking all autumnal behind gothic clouds. Today I think I will plan which Hannah skirt to get next. Oh, and play on my computer lots -- thanks to that new wonderful cable!

I cannot for the life of me remember what I was reading that led me to something else that led me to something else that led me to Hannah. But I am so thankful that I followed that bread crumb trail to its magical end.

When I was younger, I was all about having my own style -- weren't so many of us? And then somehow, we look in the mirror one day and realize we look a whole lot like most of the people around us. This happened to me innocently enough. I was desperate to only buy clothes that would last and those are hard to find and when you do find them, well, they tend to be "conservative."

But I have longed, for years now, to get back to a sense of whimsy and individuality in my clothing choices, wanting to look on the outside how I so often feel on the inside.

Gnomes are so lazy -- even a short photo shoot wears them out!

This may seem trivial, but it is not. Being expressive in every way available to us is just layering and playing with our creativity. The walls of our home, the gardens around it, my bike...everything else says who I am, who we are, and I wanted my clothes to do that too. (Can you hear the whining?!)

And alas, I found Hannah!

I've tried the pseudo-hippie look. It's not me. I've tried schoolgirl. Though fun, it can get old, too. I wanted fairy tale clothing.

How did I ever know that I would find exactly that!?

You can also find her here, here, and here.

Describe the PrimaryBliss of your life. How did you come to know that this was your PrimaryBliss?

I like to make things. When I don't make things, I feel all out-of-sorts. One time, I stopped making things for an extended period of time, and I got pretty depressed. That let me know I'd better keep making things!

What types of choices and sacrifices did you make to be able to craft this bliss-filled life?

Quitting my job and giving up a steady income was pretty scary. But worth it! I don't have too much leisure time anymore, but I can live with that, too.

How does your PrimaryBliss radiate out into the rest of your life?

I think my work is a reflection of my personality and my home. The fact that my clothing and artwork make other people happy is pretty awesome, so I think it radiates out that way big time.

What are some other activities that also give you this sense of bliss? Things that make you lose track of time?

I like to make things and fix things. When I start working on something, I'll keep going until I can't keep my eyes open anymore. I could also spend all day petting my cats & bunny.

What is your daily or weekly spiritual practice?

Hmm. I keep my fingers crossed a lot!! ha ha! I don't really have any spiritual practices...I just try to keep the creative juices flowing and try to see the same old things in different ways. I've never really considered myself that spiritual, but I think my spirit definitely shows through in the things I make.

What music is your bliss?

I think I'm more of a visual person. Of course I enjoy listening to music, but I don't feel like I necessarily get inspired by it like some people do. I listen to a lot of Billy Childish.

Name books or authors/poets or people who are your bliss, who influenced your bliss.

I like to read diaries. I like to read about how people overcome or deal with harsh realities and make their own way in the world and keep moving forward. Some of my favorites are diaries of pioneer women. The ‘covered wagon women-diaries and letters from the western trails’ series is really good.

What advice would you give to someone who feels they have not yet discovered their PrimaryBliss?

I think deep down everybody knows what they want to do, or are meant to do, but sometimes it's just ignored or buried because it's really scary to take responsibility for your own life/happiness. Don't be scared! Take the first step, that's the hardest one.

Do you have a favorite quote you would like to share?

Some of my favorites are on some kitchen knick knacks hanging on my wall:

"Let's be happy while we're here" and "Seid nett zueinander" (Be nice to each other!)

I know -- call me corny!
We won't call Hannah corny. Some of the simplest sounding things truly are the most profound of life lessons or guides. Just imagine if we were all truly happy in this life! Just imagine if we were all nice to one another!

Hannah points out some really important things -- and probably more by example even than by her words. She is committed to her creativity and knows that it is necessary to her positive experience of her life.

And she's right about another thing -- the first step is the hardest. That's why so many people never bother walking their path.