One of the hardest things for me to grasp when it comes to my art is referring to myself as an artist. Maybe because I came into it by way of hobby, or maybe it’s just from fear of pressure or expectation, or because the things I make are often pretty lighthearted, but for whatever reason the “a” word has been really difficult for me. I’ve been good with crafter, maker, and even painter, but ARTIST. That seemed pretty real. Well folks, it just got real(er). At the end of 2015 I made the difficult, but very important and also exciting decision to leave my job and stay at home with Mister Ren. The first month of that was really spent in the swell of the holidays, but now that we’ve sort of surfaced from those things, I’m finally realizing what I look like as a person without a normal day-job. So far it has included a lot more dancing, “whee-os” (cars), “Let it Go,” and library story times. I’ve spent a fair amount of time cuddling, reading, chasing, rocking, diapering, and making snacks. In addition to that, I’ve stayed up a little later, slept a little longer, happily nursed cup-after-cup-after-cup of coffee by the window, and actually filled the bird feeder. My dude is a serious napper (like a wake-him-up-at-4:30-or-he’ll-never-sleep-tonight napper), which brings me to the artist part. That also just got real(er).

Painting has been a weekend/evening thing for a while now, and suddenly it’s much more than that. Now I’m spending nap-time after nap-time making new art, acting on ideas, and expanding my business plans. Each afternoon brings a little window of quiet when I can get my adult on, and during evenings and weekends I am more willing to step away and let Ren have ‘just daddy’ time because I’m not starving for him like I was or filled with guilt if I walk away. This feels pretty good. Even more, coloring and painting together has become a special time for me, and I love seeing him exploring paints and crayons (on paper and arms) right next to me.

So I’m a full-time MOM now and a full-time ARTIST. Bring on the Cheerios, scribbled-on bathroom doors, hugs, and robot-walking. And also bring on the coffee, slippers, and lots and lots of art. Every. Day.

Sorry about the blur. Tiny fingers always reach for buttons.

P.S. The old blog lives on, but new posts will all take place over here.

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Being an Artist… officially.