A time to celebrate

“To feel the love of people whom we love is a fire that feeds our life” Pablo Neruda

Who wants to celebrate?

My 32nd birthday was on Monday, which feels like a significant marker to me.

I’ve always loved birthdays. They are the perfect excuse to celebrate, and as someone who rarely stops moving, I need reminders to relax and celebrate once in a while.

My birthday feels significant because I made a commitment to myself when I turned 30 that I would follow my heart wherever it led me.  I made the commitment that I would truly begin living life on my terms.

3 months later I rediscovered art and began the journey that has led me right here to this moment.

Every birthday beyond that 30th year now means I’ve lived another year committed to this creative journey that changed my entire life.

This week’s painting (framed 6×6 panel)

Because building a business is so all-consuming, I sometimes forget that it’s only been 2 years since I first had the thought maybe I could try art again? 

2 years to build a portfolio, a business, my own voice.

It can be so helpful to create these markers of time for ourselves.

To remember where we’ve come from and where we’re going. To acknowledge the effort we’ve put in and the sacrifices we’ve made.

To stop being so hard on ourselves. To remember how amazing we are.

Here are some photos from the weekend (courtesy of Eric Cross and Elena Saraga Danyluk, who were taking pictures). I spent time with some dear friends and then went to a family BBQ where we celebrated 4 different birthdays! The weekend was lively, that’s for sure. :)

Here’s to another year of dreams, love, and new directions. This past weekend was a celebration for me in more ways than one.

With love,