(my hands. photo by andrea scher.)

Remember, embracing your vulnerability is simply being honest. Say what it is you really want in your life and also where you stand today. Say it. Express it. That's all you have to do to honor the truth that lies inside your heart. After that, the universe will gently take it, dreams and hopes, burdens and pains, and bring to you all you could ever need.

(this is a small passage from the chapter titled Speaking Our Truth from Taking Flight...really needed to read my own reminder today and wanted to share with you)

thoughts on true love

true love. it's why we wake up in the morning with a smile. it's what inspires us to live with passion. it's the stabilizer within our everyday chaos. it's everything. 

it's the powerful, almost indescribable bond shared between two souls. it's the unending source and circle that exists between mother and child, father and son. it's the flow that breathes in our creative lives. it's the faith we hold in our hearts for the unseen, the unknown, the mysteries believed, the possibilities waiting. 

if you have it (and we all do if we choose to see) then you have a gift of choice: perspective.

many years ago, just after john and i were married, he was diagnosed with melanoma. there were tremendous amounts of panic and despair in the weeks before we learned the cancer cells had not traveled through  his lymphatic system, before we knew he would he would be okay. at the time, we were in our twenties, madly in love and unable to comprehend life without one another. i have harsh memories of being in a dreadful haze inside those first moments when i heard the news. i couldn't remember my full name, where i was, how the telephone worked, or even how to speak words. it was devastatingly bizarre - my brain seemed to pause while my heart declared its brokenness.  minutes later, i was deeply struck by how little everything else mattered in my life. the world news became inconsequential. how much money we made (and whether or not we could afford the house we desperately wanted to buy) seemed pointless. the family drama, my ambition, our two, three, five year plans for our marriage - all of it seemed downright forgettable. all that mattered to me was john's health, and knowing that he was going to be okay. 

it was in those weeks of processing that experience that we both came out of it with a crystal clear perspective that nothing, and i mean nothing, mattered without the element of love in our lives. even with the heartbreak, it was a tremendous lesson and gift to us as a young couple. all of these years later we don't take one another for granted. we know that when we say goodbye in the morning with kisses and iloveyous that it matters, that it could be our last. we tell each other often (with small moments of actions or words) how meaningful we are to one another, how joyous and joyful we are with/for the other. we make our time together count. of course we have our moments. every couple does. but the backdrop of our connection remains solid, centered, and gifted with perspective - i'm not sure we'd be here without that hard experience of a what could have been a devastating cancer diagnosis. 

but lately, especially after what i call a power punch conversation with brene (she sucker punches you with truth, that woman), i've been thinking more about how true love plays into our success. i've noticed that i seem to be in a space not far from where i was in the weeks after john's melanoma diagnosis. i love all that's happening in my life. i'm in awe, grateful to be doing what i do full time. i'm over the moon with possibilities. but still, always still, i am reminded that none of it really matters without true love in my life every.single.day. it's a perspective that can be hard to explain when my friends and family worry that my affect is flat, when they wonder why i'm not freaking out with joyful celebrations. i am freaking out with joyful celebrations, but i'm celebrating true love more. because without its aliveness, none of this would be happening. i wouldn't be creating, writing, making things happen. and when success hits, i wouldn't be able to handle the force of it without love stabilizing the chaos. it truly is the cause and the effect. 

all of this makes me remember something that happened when i attended artfest in 2006. i had just discovered the world of art, and i knew i wanted to be a part of it. totally enamored by my new love and obsession, i wanted to bring home a memento to signify the event and all that was transformed inside of me. on vendor nite (where artist sell their goods) i decided to buy a magnet with a lovely quote on it about living the creative life. the quote spoke to me and i thought it would be a good reminder to myself to keep going, to make the dream happen. when i got home, i told john all about the magic of artfest and then i pulled the magnet from my bag to show him. to my surprise, the seller mistakenly gave me a different magnet with a completely different quote. as i read the new quote about love and how is sustains us, i dropped my head in disappointment. this wasn't the quote that wrapped up my artfest experience - the one that held such meaning and significance. instead i got a quote about love? about ten moments later, i had an aha - of course, i thought. i needed this reminder about love. about how without it, i wouldn't be able to do what i was about to do: become an artist. 

and now that i am an artist. now that i'm living this dream. now that i'm succeeding, i know what got me here. i know what sustains this journey. i know what holds me with all of my chaos and crazyness and ups and downs and joy and celebrations. it is love.

without it, nothing else matters. 

a little bit o' random

just like that they arrive. the grumps. they're sneaky like that. 

the truth is is that the last couple of days have made this week feel very very long. i'm a tad on the grumpy side, and a whole lot of restless. i start painting, i stop painting. i start reading, i stop reading. i start writing, i stop. and on and on. like one big giant unsatisfying circle of blah. you know how it goes. sometimes, it is what it is. even when we have nothing to complain about. even when life is going very well. even when a bad mood is just simply a bad mood without any complications attached. i'm trying to let. it. go. 

the other truth is is that i'm learning a little bit about my boundaries this week when it comes to what i can (and want to) handle and what i cannot when it comes to the nitty gritty details of the business end of what i do. it's very easy for me to get pulled in, when perhaps i need to let the reigns go. there it is again: let it go. 

mixed in with all of that, i've been thinking so much about true love - how it fuels us, inspires us, motivates us, and how it plays into our success. i have a lot to say about it, but i'm saving it right now, writing about it, and will share soon. 

in other news, i'm all about the twilight books at the moment. my bff sent the entire series to me for my birthday and now my head is undeniably engrossed in all things bella and edward. the drama! 

more soon (without the grumps). 

ps-we've had a couple of new sponsors join us...please take a peek to the right and check out the goodness of their offerings! 

introducing the gift line!

totally excited to introduce a few more goodies from my partnership with demdaco. these totes, omg! there are a total of eight in the collection, each with colorful art on the front. made from 100% cotton canvas and classically designed, they're perfect for trips to the farmer's market, grocery store, school, the beach and on and on. totally love these.

this one is my fave. i've been using it for quick trips to the post office and i'm planning on using it as my carry on for supplies for an upcoming trip. speaking of art supplies, i am deep into painting and it feels so good to be immersed in glue, paint, and papers. more on that soon.

i'm digging these sweet keepsake boxes as well. we've got six in the collection and i'm thinking they are perfect little gifts, especially if they're filled with notes, candy, or other treasures. love, love, love.

and then the necklaces. i shared these with you already but just want to say again that they are the star of the new collection. double-sided glass pendants. i've been wearing mine paired together...sometimes three at a time. they're a bit chunky which i just adore.

****all of the above goodies are now available in my etsy shop. i only have what's available in my shop today. i do expect to have a few more necklaces soon, but the rest (totes and boxes) are already on backorder until august/september. so, peeps, get em while you can. they all make sweet gifts, both to ourselves and those we love.

*******************COMING SOON********************

i love this image that demdaco sent over...they used it as the cover for their most recent catalog and when i received in the mail, i did a little dance in our living room. the cover? wow. it shows the mugs (which i hope to have soon), boxes, and necklaces along with the canvases. speaking of canvases, i have just a few left in my shop but i do expect to have more soon. my friends are starting to see them in shops and they're calling me with the funniest, most enthusiastic voicemails. totally cracks me up (and makes me smile very wide) every time.

and last, but not least....magnetic bookmarks. super excited about these (there are several in the collection). i'm eagerly waiting for my order to arrive so i can get them in the shop. but i wanted to give you a peek. i think these are my next favorite after the necklaces and totes. really, really.

i can't tell you how fun it's been around here in the mail department. it's like christmas over and over with each UPS delivery of samples, product, even 2010 datebooks and calendars coming soon (can't wait to share those). i would have never guessed this would be my life, but man i am enjoying every square inch of it these days.

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in other news, i had a great birthday week. i went to whidbey island to meet mary anne (remember when i told you about her?) and spend some time with her publisher (possibilities, possibilities!). i also went shopping with john and bought a new pair of jeans and some spanx to go with them. and then i had brownies and pizza and coke. later, my sister-in-law took me out to a very interesting + fun evening of entertainment (keeping the details of that one close but it's not what you think). and on and on. it was a good few days and i loved getting birthday wishes thru all lines of communication: texts, emails, phone calls, cards, tweets, facebook, etc - we live in such a fun techno age, i think.

thanks, everyone. i hope you like all the new goodies as much as i do. i really do. again, most of what i shared today is available in my etsy shop. have a peek!

this week, i am

* finally busting through on some projects that had me endlessly on the computer 

* catching up on the phone with several friends. loving that we can pick up where we left off even if weeks have passed since our last chat.

* feeling a tad guilty for those times when i've rudely been on my cell. thanks, brene. i will never do that again. 

* celebrating turning 34 years old. more than any other birthday, this one has me feeling like i am totally growing up. 34 seems years and years ahead of 33 when i say it out loud. but i wouldn't change a thing.  i am reminded of the recent post i wrote on aging. all of it still feels true...i want the years. all of them.

* settling into a pretty steady routine of exercise, doable work hours everyday, and lots of mini meals all day long (the best). i've noticed that getting myself to the gym just about everyday seems to anchor my entire day's structure - something i very much needed. 

* taking walks and remembering why i love northwest yards so much. no matter where you go, what neighborhood you're in, you're going to see front yards that look like this.

* thankful for john. we're cooking together, exercising together, supporting one another and cracking each other up. we're dreaming about family, what our kids will be like, what their names will be. fun stuff like that. it's hard to believe 10 years have passed. having this love in my life still feels like a surprise of the best kind. i don't take it for granted and i very much know that it is what sustains me and gives me the energy to do what i do with passion. 

* watching favorite tv (bachelorette + so you think you can dance) shows while snuggled up with john and bella on the green couch (and loving every minute of it)

* feeling aware that there is deep sadness, struggle, and triumph out there. that there are people, in this moment, fighting for their lives, their future, their families, their everything. today i received a letter from someone who gifted a couple of my prints to her heart transplant donor family. heart. transplant. donor. family. i am in awe of the stories and strength of those around me (online and otherwise) who give me touchable reasons to hope, to celebrate the tiny and big moments of the circle of life. the connections are through energy, art, words, and all the teeny spaces in between. we never know the impact of our stories, how they transcend and encourage and validate and affirm and connect. we just never know. 

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giveaway winners are:

moe made wins the necklace.

barbara lewis wins a print by pixie.

michelle also wins a print by pixie. 

lulusparkles wins the necklace by beth quinn. 

that was fun! winners, please get in touch with me so we can get your goodies out to you.

giveaway and a super duper sneak peek!

(brand spankin' new charm necklaces!)

hi friends,

i'm trying to do a giveaway about every two weeks. i hope you guys are enjoying them...i am loving the generosity of our sponsors and other special giver awayers :)

today's giveaway is super fun because we've got two great items from two sponsors, plus i'm also giving you a sneak peek into some brand new necklaces that are debuting this week. let's get started!

totally thrilled to give you guys a sneak peek of these charm necklaces! they are brand new to the kelly rae roberts collection with demdaco, and once again, the folks at demdaco did an awesome job. i LOVE that they're a bit chunky (about 1.5 inches) and double sided with sweet messages/images on the back. i'm giving one necklace away today to one lucky commenter! for those of you who would like to buy one, they'll be on sale next monday in my shop (along with brand new tote bags, keepsake boxes, and more).

two other lucky commenters are going to win this stunning print by sponsor, pixie campbell, of pink coyote. i had the privilege of meeting pixie last fall and was quickly smitten with her and her adorable family. this print is titled possibility and comes with the following words written on the back of a little mini print that is included in the package:

Rabbit has the amazing ability of expansive growth and fertility, accomplishing the seemingly impossible in a short amount of time. She never paints herself into a corner, she's the one with a plan and she always leaves herself an out. She nourishes herself first, then is able to take care of those around her. She is economical, taking careful measures to balance rest with work and play. She is earthy and grounded, yet focused. Rabbit can shift into high gear quickly and move with great speed, seizing opportunity or retreat when it is presented. This little cottontail is ready to take you on an adventure into her sparkling and cozy warren of possibility...

another lucky reader is going to win this drop dead gorgeous necklace by sponsor beth quinn. i met beth earlier this year when i taught at the artnest. she is delightful, talented, and her necklaces are full of beauty + meaning (i wear mine often). i love the hand dyed silk ribbon and the tiny vintage rhinestones - so sweet and delicate yet powerful in its message of she can fly.

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recap (FOUR winners today):
*one reader will win one of brand new charm necklaces
*two readers will win the awesome print by pixie campbell

*one reader will win the gorgeous she can fly necklace by beth quinn.

giveaway rules:
* to enter the giveaway, leave a comment in this post - but there's a twist. please just leave a one word comment. using just one word, tell us what you'd most like to see or feel or do today.
* just one comment per person, please.
* i'll announce the winner in just a couple of days.
* go!

looking ahead, creatively

(found somewhere near the north shore in oahu.)

lately, i've been asking myself this: creatively, what are your wildest dreams? the answers are vast and mixed: part of me desperately wants more time to paint (sometimes tricky to do when juggling deadlines and a commitment to a healthier schedule). my other wildest dream would be a solo show here in seattle - that would be mondo beyondo for sure. another part of me wants to write book #2, one that's more like a memoir or inspiration. i have visions in my head of this book, but it's all jumble right now. another part of me wants to keep expanding my creative biz, branching out into other areas. the entrepreneur in me gets really excited about this part. 

but in the same breathe, i find that i'm actually - right in this very moment - in the center of my life's wildest creative dreams. it feels so good. sometimes, i don't even know what to do with all of the excitement about what's happening today. but i also know that i want to keep reaching and growing. my head is dizzy these days with possibilities and with the knowing that there is plenty of space and time for all of it....and for all of us. 

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in other news, Taking Flight is reaching more and more people. i find that i still have so much energy and love for this book, how it came to be, and most importantly, how i wrote it while in the midst of living its meaning. the reviews keep coming via lovely emails to my inbox (thank you, thank you!) or over on amazon (secretly hoping to reach 100 reviews by its one year anniversary in september - that would be thrilling!). i wasn't able to have a proper release party for it last fall as we were in the midst of lots of travel and a big move back to the northwest, but i'm thinking about having a 1 year anniversary party for Taking Flight in september. something here in seattle where we can invite peeps out for an evening of celebrations, perhaps some original art, and a reading or two from the book. i think it deserves a proper party, so we'll see!

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ps -  i meant to do this earlier this week, but please check our our newest sponsors over to the right. always good stuff over there :)

around here lately

there is something about summertime in the northwest...it gets me every time. we opened all the windows of our two story house weeks ago and we haven't had to close them yet. the birds are chirping all day long and the sounds of the neighborhood have come alive with lawnmowers, kids playing outside, dogs, and on an on. i have missed this ease of living and i'm so glad it's here for a bit.

in the mornings, i've been bringing my laptop down from the studio and into our dining room. the light is so much better in here with the windows and i'm trying to soak it up. i've also been spoiling myself with my favorite candle (volcano from anthropologie) while i work and fresh peonies inside my favorite glass vase. it's the little things that make all the difference, right? also, dear sweet bella has been sleeping at my feet underneath the table. she is such a snuggle....loving her so much lately. 

we've got a new addition to the living room....a gorgeous original painting by my dear friend mati. i scooped it up a couple of weeks ago when she had an online sale and i felt like the luckiest girl in seattle when it arrived. i bought this painting not knowing the meaning behind it. i just felt called to it, but when mati shared the story of how + why she painted it, well, i knew it was a piece meant for both of us. i have missed her so much since moving to seattle. some friends leave big giant imprints in our lives and she is one of them. 

a little adventure to vancouver bc

it seems so strange to have just arrived home from hawaii only to pack our bags and head off for another adventure, but that's how john's vacation schedule worked out and so we went with it! this time we headed up the road to vancouver bc. what an awesome city.....check it out:

john surprised me with a horseback riding tour - something i've been wanting to do for years and years. my horse's name was 'flash' and he took me for a bit of a stroll, and then a trot, and then a full-on gallop. it was awesome. we were on horseback for about 3 hours, just the two of us (me + john) and our guide. we rode thru old growth forests, by the river, along the railroad tracks, and more. i loved it. so relaxing and majestic, those horses. wow. 

we kayaked in deep cove. this is the view from the front of our kayak (gorgeous) and the photo above is the view when i turned around (nice view, eh?). whenever we go kayaking, we get a two seater - and john doesn't mind at all that he does most of the work. i'm there for moral support and to get the singing started. we sang 'row row row your boat' in rounds and it was the funniest thing i've done in a long time. but seriously, vancouver bc, i love you. you have amazing views. speaking of rowboats, i love this photo i captured of a man and his dog in their little red boat. so cute! 

we also took a trip to see the suspension bridges in the tree tops. very, very cool. we lucked out with the weather - super sunny and warm. we toured granville, yaletown, stayed in a b+b in downtown, took water taxis, and ate very well. 

we rented bikes one day and did the bike tour that goes all around the water's edge. vancouver reminded me a lot of seattle - lots of green lush, doggies everywhere, water everywhere, outdoorsy peeps, and super scenic (check out this view from our car). loved it. everyone seemed so nice and friendly, too - i found several hope notes on bathroom walls including these two. 

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so there you have it. i'm feeling so fortunate to have traveled a bit this last month. but more than that, i've loved the time with john. we were discussing just this morning how great it feels to be re-entering this new phase of our marriage where neither of us are in school or planning big transitions or under big amounts of stress. we've had so much movement in our lives these last three years, that it feels so refreshing to be in place (emotionally and physically) where we feel settled in big areas of our lives (job, financially, home, and on and on). life feels rich and simply good in ways that have my spirit and heart bursting with energy. i know it's not always this way, so i'm savoring, savoring, savoring. 

guest blogging

(hope - available in my shop)

just a quick note to let you guys know that i'm guest blogging today over on andrea's blog. sometimes we have to write about not having the answers as a way to get to the answers (it works). and i love andrea, so i'm so happy to be over there today :)

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ps-winners of yesterday giveaway are (congratulations!): 

*sandi keene wins the set of paints

*cathy walters wins the create canvas

** please get in touch with me so i can get your goodies out to you! 

pps-can you get over all the awesome adjectives we used to describe our best friends? wow, we are lucky peeps to have such great pals. i mean seriously.

xxo

giveaway (it's a good one!)

(one lucky reader will win this wall canvas from the kelly rae collection with demdaco)

remember when i went on and on about using claudine hellmuth's paints for the first time when mati and i did the collaborative paintings together?? the truth is is that i've been completely addicted to these paints ever since. the colors, the consistency, the variety - i've barely used my trusty golden paints since discovering them. and. that. is. the. truth.

i am so thrilled to give away an ENTIRE set (!) of these paints to one lucky reader today. we're throwing in a package of claudine's paint brushes (love those, too) and some of her sticky-back canvas to boot. now that is one awesome package - everything you need to get started playing and soaring into creative bliss. claudine has really good info + tutorials on her website specifically for these products.

another lucky reader will win one of my favorite wall canvas reproductions that i made for demdaco (photo aboove + below in previous post).

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recap (two winners today):

*one reader will win the entire set of claudine's paints, as well as a set of her paintbrushes and some sticky-back canvas. special thanks to ranger and claudine for making it possible. wooohooo!

*another reader will win the create wall canvas (one of my faves)

giveaway rules:
* to enter the giveaway, leave a comment in this post - but there's a twist. please just leave a one word comment. let make this fun. what word would you use to describe your favorite friend?
* just one comment per person, please.
* i'll announce the winner in just a couple of days.
* go!