Who you really are.

Nayyirah Waheed, who is my new favorite poet, posted to Instagram a quote from Yrsa Daley Ward: "when you learn something wonderful about yourself and wonder what else you've been hiding." 

That resonated with me, as I'm at a place in my life where it is time to, and I am really able to, step up. I'm learning I can do this working yet engaged mom, equal yet adoring partner, dedicated yet balanced professional. And when you impress yourself, you have to celebrate that. 

Here's to finding and impressing myself in my 34th year.  

Woman before

Quote from Motherly newsletter.  

This is a reminder, while I try to find the body of the woman before, the energy level of the woman before, the diverse interests of the woman before, that I have to remember my life is richer now. I'm also a better person now; more empathetic, more patient, more driven.  

So to all you other mothers out there, this is a reminder too. Celebrate your now.  

May Day

Today we celebrate May Day, for the workers, and less globally, the beginning of my birthday month. 

Write_on 2017

April is National Letter Writing month, and also the month of #write_on, which challenges people to write 30 letters in 30 days this month. This is the third year, and while sometimes it is hard to keep up, it's always gratifying. This year I've expanded from (mostly) writing people I know personally, to writing letters artists and leaders who inspire me, postcards to politicians who I'd like to give perspective to, and packets of personalized cards to vulnerable populations who need a little extra love (foster children and the elderly). The month isn't over yet and I'm still going strong!  

Commission - Move Mountains

When one of my residents from my college RA days contacted me that she wanted to commission me for a canvas, I was so excited to see what it was for. She's having a baby gal this month and wanted this powerful quote to hang above the crib.  

Sketch and full size draft.  

Finished canvas. 24"x48" 

The back.  

The Denver, CO nursery came together beautifully, with hand painted mountains by The Color Lab. I'd be happy to have that room, and I'm sure their baby gal will be too.

Universe

I understand the problems of a JD Salinger quote during Women's History Month, but I love this one. Women do hold the universe together.  

Character

This quote is paraphrased Goethe. But it reminds me to be my best self, even when the clock isn't running.  

Writing resistance

One way that I can use my talents for the resistance - writing. Handwritten notes have been going out to all my representatives to let them know my priorities, and now im adding in thank you notes to those doing right by their fellow citizens. Inspired by an activist friend who posted she was thanking Judge Donnelly for her emergency stay against the executive order. And then she said, "The resistance WILL be thanked via snail mail", which is absolutely perfect. I'm in. 

Women's March

Yesterday was certainly the most inspiring day I've experienced since the November election. Seeing everyone in DC (both at the Women's March and then around town after it) and reports of everyone in other cities filled me with awe. Women are a force. We are the resistance. And this is the beginning. 

We marched with good friends from DC and the Moms Demand Action group.  

And this little lady made heart cards to pass out to marchers to spread love to them (her own idea, facilitated by her awesome activist mother). It was a joy to represent with such a great group. 

So many great and pointed signs throughout the day.   

Janelle Monae had one of the most moving speeches, partially due to her call for audience participation, while highlighting the mothers who have had children killed at the hands of the police.  

I can only hope all the attendees feel inspired to continue the resistance.  

Thumbs

Headed to DC to march in the Women's March. Still in disbelief we are swearing in a president who communicates almost solely through 140 character inflammatory declarations. May he learn more restraint while in office.  

#resist  

Resistance

After some deliberation, I've chosen another word for the year, instead of a resolution. A word to keep in the forefront of my mind as I make decisions (long term and mundane), and as I frame my hopes and goals. 2017's word is Resistance. 

At first I was afraid the word was too negative, a connotation of unfavorable pessimism. But in my narrative, resistance is survival in adversity, standing up for what is right, which isn't always popular. Resistance is anti-populism. It is personal. Resistance is rebellion, is action, is even joy. 

It may be cliche, but General Organa has inspired me (on screen and off), to continue the fight. Resistance is hope.  

A year that questions.

2016 has been a hard one, full of questions, and a variety of emotions. Very much looking forward to seeing if 2017 has any answers.