Today was a blog-worthy day. And to this, I must add a disclaimer for peace of mind*** Today was a day of enjoying simple pleasures. This morning I woke early to lift weights with friends, which is always a good way to start the day. I walked into the house to both children embracing me. I enjoyed a nice cup of coffee on the back patio with my husband before we both started our days. I spent the morning digging up juicy worms and watching my kids feed them to the chickens. I planted California native plants and can’t wait to see how they grow. We harvested huge (i mean huge) beets growing in our garden. Then inside we went for playing with toys while it rained. My heart felt such contentment in the mundane.
Not all mornings are like this, but I don’t blog all days. Just when I’m inspired!
I quickly wanted to write about being an artist while having young kids at home. For those of you who need to hear this: IT IS POSSIBLE TO STILL BE CREATIVE WHILE HAVING YOUNG KIDS. Just check out my friend @JessiDollArt for more inspo. She homeschools three kids, travels the world, and is still a successful artist. Also check out @Charlie in New Zealand and @Alysse, two other amazing artists and multitasking mamas.
Anyways, this balance of motherhood and parenting young children who need everything from you, all the time, is truly a balance but one which I think is important. Any parent knows that parenthood is NUTS and absolute carnage. It’s too easy to have our kids rule our schedule 100% and to neglect our own interests.
While I do activities for their age development, I also just include my kids into doing things that I want to do. They often love just being with me!
Becoming a mom has reignited my love for art. At University I majored in Social Studies and minored in Art, with the goal to become a children's book illustrator. I taught high school history, and then fundraised for a large homeless shelter for years. When I became a mom, I quit my job and started to paint again.
It’s important to note that I am able to be a painter because my husband has a career he loves and provides for the family. It frees me up to paint and to be selective about which commission pieces I take on. To this, I am so grateful. Another disclaimer is that we also have both sides of our family nearby who help with the kids. This is HUGE and I realize not a lot of people have this luxury.
So here's what I want to say to you: It’s important to keep doing the things that bring you LIFE.
Even after having kids, your individuality matters.
My husband and I recently implemented this new deal where we each get 3 hours a week ALL TO OURSELVES. For me, it’s paint night. For him, it’s surfing with the guys. I am a part of a weekly paint group every Monday night where we work on personal projects or our teacher will teach a lesson (shout out to @ChapmanHamborg for being an amazing teacher and host.)
Lastly, I want to say, embrace the mess. Don’t strive for perfection, because it will never come. Embrace that chaos that encompasses motherhood. And don’t lose sight of your own artistic expressions.
You got this!
***Disclaimer: I often feel guilt with the life that I have. I feel like I can’t fully express my joy or allow myself to feel endlessly happy because there’s so much suffering in the world. A phrase for me is that “if it’s not true for them, then it’s not true for me.” I used to have this vague thought that good things would always come to good people. But I don’t think like this anymore. Because horrible, tragic things happen to really good people, and specifically what keeps me up at night, to innocent children all over the world. These are big thoughts, but I felt I must at least say that while YES I have an amazing life, I do not forget about those who are suffering due to no fault of their own. My heart is to help where I can, and when it’s in my power. Is this necessary to say? No. but I felt compelled.