Blank Book Project (Day 4)

We developed this page after a conversation that we had with my Mom about what she enjoyed the most when she was little. She said that her number one favorite thing was to go outside her house and run all over the place barefoot. This was considered something bad for a girl but she did it anyway with her Mom's help who was the only one who approved it. Natalie also LOVES to go barefoot in and outside the house so she completely understood what Grandma was saying.

We all agree that running around barefoot gives you a wonderful sense of freedom. I think that I am going to do it more often. As I write this we are all barefoot and having fun in my studio.

And here is something funny that we did! We created a portrait of our family using photos of Natalie's feet in different sizes and we named them The barefoot Family. But my favorite thing of all this barefoot experience is what my Mom wrote in the little book for Natalie and here is the translation: Natalie, freedom is the most beautiful thing that a woman can have. The freedom to decide what you want to be and do. Never forget this.
Grandma Margot.

We will be back tomorrow!
The barefoot girls!
:)

Comments

[Marianne]

I want to kiss those little toes!

[Lois Collins]

That made me cry, what your mum wrote to Natalie, fantastic!!!! I love you all! :0) xxx

[ana luis vieira]

Well, in my house, me my brother and my sister only had the chance to walk barefoot when my mother wasn't at home. This was one of many things that we were not aloud to do... Si es una sensation de liberdade preciosa! :)
Ana

[Sonya]

Wow, what a powerful message. I love the interaction between the ages and generations - Nathalie is so lucky to have two very strong women in her life. I love watching this project unfold. I am going to have to try the nine circles with my daughter.

[julie]

Me and my girls LOVE to go barefoot too!
Beautiful ideas in this post.

[Margaret Oomen]

I am with you Margot. I used to spend my entire summers at our cottage barefoot except on Sunday when I had to painfully squeeze into dress shoes for church. I used to walk miles on dirt roads and never complain. The first thing I do when I arrive home everyday is take my shoes off. It is not to keep the floors clean but to free my feet. Next the watch comes off and the bra. Then I really start to feel relaxed. I have done a fair bit of reading in natural therapies and your mom might find it interesting that one of the fathers of Naturopathy Sebastian Kneipp even based some of his treatments on walking barefoot in moisture like dew. (Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Kneippism \Kneipp"ism\, n. Also Kneipp's \Kneipp's\, or Kneipp
\Kneipp\, cure \cure\
Treatment of disease by forms of hydrotherapy, as walking
barefoot in the morning dew, baths, wet compresses, cold
affusions, etc.; -- so called from its originator, Sebastian
Kneipp (1821-97), a German priest.)

[Ulla]

I am so tickled by your blank book project! Every page is an inspiration! I have done a cross post on my blog, hope you don't mind, as this just screams to be shared with as many as possible! Bravo Elsita!!! and many many hugs from me to you and your lovely family!

[karen]

You are amazing and inspiring. I have worked for many years as a commercial illustrator doing things other people wanted to see. Now that it's my turn I seem to be afraid of a piece of paper, afraid to make a mark that is truly my own. After reading your blog I'll keep trying to find my own voice. Many thanks.

[Tiel]

those white shoes I have to say are just beautiful!.....As are your visual diary/moleskin entries and this blog.