LATELY : 01
Most times when I blog, I schedule 2-3 hours to fully execute the post. And lately, with all of the exciting projects I've been working on, the painting I've been pouring myself into, workshops I've been teaching and gatherings I've been hosting, blogging has sunk to the bottom of my list.
This is not what I want but sometimes that's just the way it goes. So I've given a lot of thought to how I can continue to share what I've been up to without it taking such a large chunk of my time each week.
I came across these two blog features here and here. They're both simple, easy and an update on their latest happenings. I started to think about how I could do something of the same. Create a blog series that essentially shares what I've been up to lately that's easy and efficient.
So here we are, with my new series Lately. Inspired by the other blog features, I'll list off 3 things I've been up to lately.
ONE Almost every week I've stuck with my #FridayPaintday project. Through this self-initiated challenge I've rediscovered my deep love for painting, my strong desire to exhibit again, the need to express myself through art. I've missed painting. About 5 years ago I used to paint almost daily, prepping for my latest exhibits and shows. I stopped painting when I discovered avenues of income in calligraphy and custom work, allowing me to finally quit my day job and pursue creative endeavors full-time. Fast forward several years to just a few months ago when I found myself writing about how much I missed creating for myself, especially painting. I was at a breaking point and had to stop dreaming about it and make it happen. I had to start painting again. That's when #FridayPaintday was born. I share a lot of my discoveries, artwork and reflections about this project on instagram.
TWO When we moved to Nashville I had no idea what to expect when it came to the community of creatives, but what I did know was that when we moved here I was very interested and motivated to connect and build a community of creatives and like-minded individuals. A few months back my friend and in-house photographer Allison invited me to an Instagram meetup. I was a meet-up virgin eager to connect and make new friends. Inspired by all of the connections I made and my desire to build community, I hosted a Harvest Moon Bonfire at my home a month later. I invited a bunch of ladies I knew from workshops, from the meet-up and other ladies I knew through instagram. It was a magical night of 20+ woman meeting, connecting, laughing and letting go. Since then I've hosted another gathering and this weekend I have my first ever all-ladies retreat. I never thought about the results of what building a community would be. After just a few evenings of opening my heart and doors to new and old friends, I'm grateful for all of the friends, connections and community that's building. It's changing me in the most beautiful way. I feel so loved, connected and supported. The next all ladies gathering is in a few weeks, but this time we're hosting it at a friends. If you're a lady creative in Nashville and want to attend, send me a Facebook message.
THREE Something my husband and I love is to carve out time on the weekends to spend time with each other. Sometimes we watch movies and eat pizza, other times we go for a hike, a walk, a movie and/or dinner. We're both self-made artists and entrepreneurs, so conversations about dreams, goals and our latest big idea are always on the tip of our tongue. Recently we discovered the beautiful Shelby Bottoms Hiking Trails in East Nashville and we're smitten with the beauty and nature that we get to indulge in so close to music city.