Hello hello. I’ve been wanting to share a bit, yet often it feels too personal, and nobody owes social media their bared heart. But, here goes a little.

I’ve taken a huge break from writing. I have two unpublished novels waiting for me to get a move on with them, and I will. Eventually. And I will write again. (And I do have four weirdo books available to purchase!**) But this break is necessary. For years now I’ve been obsessed with productivity. Having decided to dedicate my life to two (and a half) crafts, I was putting too much pressure on myself to have everything move forward, everyday, in great efficient strides, neglecting self-care and piling on family life and chores and other unavoidable demands. A fool-proof recipe for burn out.

I will tell you this: self-publishing has been a difficult path for me. More on my experiences perhaps at a later date, but truthfully, it’s been a rollercoaster of great love and great heartbreak.

Anyway. I’ve been painting. I’ve been a “professional” artist for almost twenty years, and with my homeschooled kids now practically adults, I felt the call to really zone in and Heal.

I’ve been shifting my perspective on things, on my work process, on connection. On what the fuck social media is asking of me and what I want to give to it, no matter the outcome. On Joy.

I’ve chosen to take the time to Breathe, to play guitar, to do yoga, to be outside, with nature, with my family, with myself. Because we only live once and productivity isn’t everything, for fuck’s sake*. And to step away from social media for short or longer periods of time because, drumroll, Too Much Phone Is Toxic.

So for now this is my little too-personal note. But hey, don’t burn out. Breathe. Make room. Heal. Love. And as a friend told me not too long ago, don’t be too hard on yourself.

* “making it” isn’t everything either. Society brainwashes us with its definition of success, robbing us of the power to create our own. Ultimately, Art should be a viable career path, but also Art will always be its own reward.

** i am grateful for my readers. You make my world brighter.