Getting Out of Your Own Way

I’m so excited to share that my pattern ‘Cuckoo’ will soon available for purchase at a retail outlet near you!! Details to come. 

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Things have been quiet in this space lately. That hasn’t been the case in my studio by any means, but I’ve had some exciting things going on and have had to re-prioritize my studio/work time.

I  have missed meeting you all here though. I enjoy this process of sharing and recording my experience as I follow my heart.

My son is now almost a year and a half. My daughter turned four at the end of March. I’m working between 20 and 30 hours/week, and there is an ongoing conversation in my head, equal parts inspiration and guilt, about the time I spend away from my babies to chase my dream of being an artist.

When I stand back and I look at the big picture though, and I consider what I want them to believe is possible in this world, I’m proud to be doing what I love.

I have unbelievable amounts of respect for parents that stay home with their babies. It is, hands down, one of the most demanding (albeit rewarding) jobs there is. What I want my little ones to know though, is that it’s all a choice.

I want them to know that the universe is abundant. That almost anything is possible. That following a dream is not always the easiest path–but it is the one that will make them feel the most alive.

How they see and experience the world is a choice–and it’s all up to them.

What is it that’s holding you back from following your dreams? What small step could you take today, or even this week, to change course?

You only have one shot at this. Life. If you can get out of your own way, incredible things are possible.

Happy New Year!!!

Wishing you all a year filled to the brim with joy, laughter, love and inspiration.

I Like To Ride My Bike

Whether riding around town and towing my kids behind, or up in the hills on my road bike, I love to ride.

That feeling of freedom that you first experience as a kid–it never goes away.

What do you do to take care of yourself? I’d love to hear from you!

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Also, I’m donating 10% of the proceeds from my online store to Arts Street, a local non-profit program that creates opportunities for the young people of Colorado. Their mission is to “…cultivate low-income and under-served youth into a creative and culturally competent workforce. We use the power of the arts and arts professionals to nurture leadership and engage youth in learning.”

It Takes Guts

Over the past several days, I have been thinking a lot about fear. It’s purpose. It’s function.

It’s power.

How do you deal with fear?

When I was in my twenties, I loved watching the show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ (ok, I still love watching ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ when I actually get the chance). The level of talent–what those dancers can do with their bodies–is unbelievable.

But more than anything, I was impressed by the courage it takes to go after your dream, especially in a public forum like national TV. The idea of putting yourself out there and potentially failing in front of so many people was mind boggling to me. At the time I was living in a ski town, working in the hospitality industry in a job that I excelled at, but didn’t love. I was having fun, but I wasn’t pushing myself. It was comfortable. Safe.

I wanted more.

So my husband-to-be and I moved to Seattle, and I went back to school for graphic design. That first day of school, I was terrified. I remember sitting in my car, in this hip new city that I knew nothing about, with sweaty palms, giving myself a pep talk about putting one foot in front of the other and making it into the classroom.

Design and art, like dance, are creative endeavors–and the product of your labor is put out in the world for all to see. And judge.

It was daunting, yes. But there was this small voice, pushing me. Telling me that I’d always regret it if I didn’t get out there and try.

And do you know what happened? I LOVED design school. I LOVE illustration. These days, I put myself out there for the world to see, and judge, all the time.

It isn’t easy. I still give myself pep talks on a regular basis. But I also feel like I am really living my life.

What I have learned about fear:

1. Never let fear stop you from trying something. Listen to it. Honor it. Hear what it has to say–but don’t let it hold you back.

2. Failing isn’t really failing. Every time I have lost or “failed” at something, I have learned far more than when I was successful. Then I pick myself up, dust myself off, and get back in the saddle.

3. What other people think of you is none of your business. People are going to judge what you do. Do it anyway.

4. Listen and trust your instincts. Stay mindful, so that you can hear that little voice urging you on. It’s telling you where you need to go, what you need to do next. Heed your own wisdom, even (especially?) if it scares you.

When I’m 85, I don’t want to regret anything because I didn’t have the guts to try. Do you?