ebb and flow

These past many weeks have seen me struggling with juggling too many things...and carrying heavy loads of guilt, overwhelm and exhaustion. I have constantly thought of putting my art on hold and have gone back and forth...to infinity. It's a deep and painful struggle and I'm not going to pretend otherwise. . I can't keep on going the way I have these past many months...so I have had to scale back a bit. Both in terms of getting into my studio as well as writing my blog posts. But I decided that's okay. This is where I am in my life right now...and it's all about leaning into the ebbs and flows. Everything changes...and that's a great thing. Our days over here are filled to the brim with dress up and fairies, dancing and storytelling, art making and watching birds. And driving Tara to her classes, the library...play dates. Before I became a parent I simply couldn't imagine me spending my days this way...but now it seems the most natural thing in the world!

I also have started reading this book...why did I wait so long??? It kind of came to me via synchronicity (a long story best left for another time) and i am ever so grateful. It's written in such a down to earth + compassionate way...I feel as if Brene is sitting right across from me having a good old chat. It's absolutely the thing I need right now!!! It's all about embracing our imperfections and vulnerabilities for the gifts they are. As it says right here on the cover...it's about "letting go of who you think you're supposed to be and embracing who you are". Essentially...it's about being okay with being yourSELF. Warts...gifts and all. Another heart changer:)

And Tara has been creating up a storm these days. I moved her large easel to a bay window with tons of natural light and set up a little artist station for her. She has access to most of her art stuff whenever she wants. Sweet birdie loves mixed media...she loves combining crayons, markers and paints. And of course... if it's pink + sparkly...it's a hit! I have her write the date on the back, sign it when she's done and then...we hang it all over the house. When she meets new people, she often declares "I'm an artist!". Which makes mamma  super duper sparkly happy:)