Working on a new project (I’ve started painting again)!

Today, let’s consider this: 

I’ve always loved that we move through so many different phases in life, exploration quietly meeting discovery as the glimmer of ideas take shape and we shift focus to help them grow.

As I finished up my animal painting series and took a maternity break, I started to wonder what my next new project would be. I also didn’t know when I’d have time to start painting again.

During the past 8 weeks though I’ve recognized that I’m happiest when I can fit in creative time, even if it’s only in little bursts. I’ve also seen how important it is to honor that happiness, as creating even a little time for my passions makes me a better mom, friend, sibling, etc.

Realization is the first step towards change, right?

I tuned in, ready to search for a new project, and last week one popped into my head with such clarity that I got started that same day.

2106 is a year that answers, and I’m so grateful for that.

The project was inspired by Isaac and my interest in children’s art products. As he grows I’ve wanted to document how much he’s changing, and so as many new parents do, I looked online for monthly growth stickers to add to a picture so I’d remember his cute little face at 2 months old, 8 months old, etc.

What I found was that none of the available options really appealed to me, and so I asked myself why don’t you just paint your own? 

Fun! And so I did. Here’s month 1, ready to be painted:

And here’s month 2, which I painted first so it could be finished before Isaac turns 2 months on Friday:

Here’s months 3 and 4 as well:

Aren’t they sweet? This project simply flowed out of me and I’ve been able to sketch most of the 12 months over the course of this past week with a sleeping baby in my lap. Here’s to inspired action!

Working on the sketches!

Next: paint all 12 so they’re ready to use. I missed taking Isaac’s photo for month 1, but he’ll be 2 months old on Friday so I’ll be sure to post that photo soon. The larger plan will be to transform these little paintings into my own line of stickers for documenting other growing babies, so stay tuned!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I was cleared recently by my midwife for physical activity, driving, and lifting heavier things, which feels like an important step in feeling like myself again. Eric keeps reminding me that I’ve gone through enormous change over the past year and that it’s okay to be slowly returning to everything I used to do.

This is a good reminder for all of us! It’s okay to go slow. :)

Now if this extremely hot weather would break so Isaac and I could go outside, that would be great. We’re ready to take some walks!

All in all, it’s been an illuminating few weeks.

Here’s to the slow days where clarity and insight have the quiet space needed to grow. Here’s to following inspiration when it hits. Here’s to taking care of ourselves so we can in turn take care of others. And here’s to the years that teach us where we want to go. 

With love,