Celebrating bravery in all forms (plus, two finished paintings!)

“You have to be brave with your life so that others can be brave with theirs” Katherine Center

As my pregnancy progresses into the final stretch (7 weeks to go!), I’ve found myself preparing to transform into whatever new version of myself I’ll become.

Of course so much of this transformation will happen once the baby is here and we’re in the midst of the learning // the growing into parents // the ebb and flow of joy vs. overwhelm. I can’t fully prepare for that ahead of time, so I’m doing what I can.

At my recent baby shower

I’ve been carrying around the wisdom of friends and family who have been here before us. I’ve been letting myself off the hook when my energy wanes and I can’t finish my to-do list. I’ve been creating SO much new art and celebrating with family and friends.

Lots of decorated onesies. All you need is love!

Ultimately, I’ve been trying to remain present and brave during this journey (from the biggest decisions to the smallest conversations).  Transitions are never easy and it will likely take us some time to find our rhythm in this new life, but it’s my goal to step into the uncertainty with all of my love and attention. It’s my goal to awaken into a person changed, but changed in ways that continue to expand my capacity for love, creativity, resilience, and strength.

Shower decorations – paper flowers

This is a wild ride already, friends! Thank you for witnessing.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

In the past two weeks I’ve also done a lot of painting. Here’s the finished lion painting, which has turned out to be one of my favorites so far from the collection:

Here’s a close-up detail shot:

♥

Last time I’d also hoped to have a new painting-in-progress to share with you this week, and I had so much fun with my newest that it’s already done!

I decided to stick with a cat theme and sketched a much smaller kitty dozing on a tree branch. I know I’ve mentioned before how much I LOVE cats – I couldn’t have an animal collection without at least two different varieties of cats.

Here’s the initial sketch:

I added a variation on a sun // dream catcher above her head. Dream catchers are meant to protect us, catching bad dreams and filtering through only the good. I like to imagine that this little kitty is having lots of wonderful adventures in her sleep.

Of course the first stage after I begin painting is always a little silly, as this cat has lost her ears and part of her face and is patiently waiting for them to return:

Don’t worry, animal friend! I always love when it’s time to outline the animals once again and give them back their shapes:

I used a lot of vibrant jewel-tone colors, so for the kitty I wanted a more neutral color. I gave her gray fur (with a few added details, of course! I can’t resist). I then got to this stage and knew the painting was almost done, but not quite: 

I always show my paintings to Eric at this almost-finished stage and we talk about what’s working / not working. We agreed that the branch needed detail in order to look more branch-like, especially since I don’t often use truly realistic colors.

Here’s what I decided on (and here’s the final painting!):

Also: a close-up view of the branch. I decided to keep the marks really light by using a mixture of colored pencil and acrylic pens on top of the paint, and I’m really happy with how it turned out:

I haven’t decided yet what animal will come next in the series, so stay tuned! In the meantime, Ms. Cat would like to invite you to her tree branch to say hello. Rumor has it she’s got a really great view through the trees.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Speaking of all things brave, I shared this photo recently for Mother’s Day – it’s a favorite of my mom and I walking the Breast Cancer 3-Day a number of years back.

We did the walk together for four years to honor my aunt who passed away from cancer, and for me the experience was at its core a beautiful example of triumphing over fear.

I often think back to setting what felt like the insurmountable goal of raising thousands of dollars and training for a 60 mile walk four years in a row, then to making that goal happen with our other teammates in the spirit of love and memory.

There was stress, of course. Sadness. There was uncertainty and the emotional toll of holding so much space for loved ones who had passed. But there was also joy, and the celebration of people we love. There was ultimately the realization that we could do just about anything we set our minds to.

I want to celebrate today how the decision to participate in the walk solidified two of my most significant life lessons from young adulthood:

• Fear can always be conquered with a mixture of courage, determination, and planning
• Never doubt the impact we as individuals can have on other people’s lives

I’ve carried these lessons with me for years, leaned on them while starting my business, and will hold them close on the journey into motherhood (remember that it’s always possible to move beyond fear // remember that our lives have so much meaning and impact — more than we know).

It can be as simple as that.

Here’s to our bravery, always. What will you conquer today?

With love,