The Rainbow Way: Cultivating Creativity in the Midst of Motherhood

Like many of the other reviewers, this book was a life-changer for me. After struggling to fit into the Earth Mother role I had naively assumed 'came naturally' (but why am I not patient, kind, calm, all-giving and understanding at all times??? - ARGH!!!!) reading Lucy Pearce's description of the Creative Mother, and her flip-side Crazy Woman, was the most incredible relief. To know that there were other women out there who still needed to express themselves creatively - perhaps needed to express themselves creatively even more now they were mothers - and to understand that we can be both loving mothers and honour our own needs. Lucy writes from the heart - touching on common themes, exploring ways mothers can find time for their creativity, giving examples of women who do just that - and also with a huge amount of honesty. I really value that, as so often we women portray a capable version of ourselves when inside we might be struggling...with motherhood, with creativity, with trying to create a new version of ourselves in the wake of seismic changes in our lives... Lucy offers plenty of ideas to get the creative juices flowing - frankly, you'll find yourself putting down the book in order to do whatever it is that makes your soul sing, and then coming back to it when you need a boost, a reminder that everything will be A-O-K wherever you're at on your parenting journey. Thank you Lucy, for this fantastic book. It is a little like having a funny, warm, wise mate over for a cup of tea, as well as being the catalyst for some serious creative activity. Full of joy, wisdom, passion, inspiration, honesty, warmth, and ideas - go get it NOW!

For all the mothers who felt that they have lost their creative spark since having children. For all the mothers who cannot imagine how to return to being creative while in the middle of a roller-coaster ride known as a motherhood. For all the mothers who live and breathe to create. Lucy H. Pearce shows that creativity is much wider concept that just those who do arts on a professional level and proves that creativity is essential, it's what keep us going. Let this book inspire you and colour your life in rainbow colours. Let yourself live in a vibrant, creative, wholehearted way. It will show you how.

It is so beautifully written and touches on so many questions. Although I'm not a mother, this gives me a whole new perspective on what is possible for motherhood. I have already picked up my old creative projects because of this book, it's easy to forget yourself in daily life and this is a practical and inspiring piece that encourages you to honour your own creativity. Love it!

After reading this book, I quit my job, my house looks like a permanent explosion zone and my whole family is revelling in the joy of discovering our creativity in our own ways. It's a powerful read, so go in with your eyes open! The Rainbow Way is a gift to the creative woman buried deep inside you, who you know is in there but are scared to set free. A wonderful, energising, reassuring and truly revolutionary read - it's brought rainbows to my life.

Every moment of reading this book was like looking in a mirror. So much of it makes so much sense, it’s a joke! I am so thankful to have found this book. I wear my rainbow scarf with pride on most days, I have ever since I read it. Now I prioritise my creativity because it’s crucial to my mental health. Thus the whole family is happier for it! Thank you!

Some really good ideas. Would definitely read it again and use some of the ideas in the book. Really inspiring and helpful.

As a Mother to four children I'd always felt something was missing. I love my children but the day to day chores and demands of being a mother left me feeling a little empty. As if something was missing. Reading Lucy's book really changed my life. It made me realise I wasn't the only mother who felt like this and gave me permission to have something just for me. 'The Rainbow Way' helped me re-discover a part of me that had been laying dormant for years, helped me to reconnect with the world in the most amazing and magical way and in turn made me a better parent for the experience. I went from being an unsatisfied, rarely joyous person to someone full of rainbows and sparkles! Thank you Lucy. Every mother will gain something from reading this book - so if you think it might be for you......it probably is.

My creative drive has always been a powerful undercurrent in my life - ebbing and flowing through the births and early years of my three daughters.. I'm a perfectionist by nature and have always struggled with the competing internal pressure to be creative (it's who I am) and be a 'good' mother -there for my children, having a clean and tidy house, turning up at the school gates on time, with the right stuff on the right days... This book offers a brilliant exploration of this tension, as well as of the creative process itself. By the last page,I felt totally empowered & inspired - plus I've stopped beating myself up quite as much!

Would be fun to do as a group, love tondonit just on my own

Lucy: My identity as mother and as artist birthed at the same time. They have been parallel (but conflicting) tracks of my recent life. I picked up your book as a life-preserver, I was drowning in guilt and burnout. I didn't see how the two lives could merge successfully. I'm 1/2 way through The Rainbow Way and just came across the snippet on Highly Sensitive People. This, among countless other points of practicality that you've offered, is affirming and life-changing for me. I'm reminding myself that for every three days of high-creativity, there comes a crash. Also reminding myself that taking creative time ensures I'll be the best mom I can be. I'm also giving myself permission to say no to the more demanding/draining elements of my work (commissions, etc) in order to have a more free-flowing pace of creativity while my children are still young. You have brought to focus so many hazy dynamics in my life and I am indebted. In short, your book has illumined the mommy/artist path that is before me. I intend to read this book every year, to bring myself back to the basics and remind myself that I can in fact be an artist and mother at the same time. I've already recommended this book to many of my artist/mommy friends who are struggling to live in both worlds. They have not been disappointed! Thank you. A thousand thank-you's...

Loooooooved this book and so glad I found it and will be passing it on to many a member of my tribe.

I like her Moods of Mothering book, this was a little slow.