So where the heck have I been?

Last week I went to Boston to visit my sister and her husband…and their new baby boy!! His name is Benton and he’s just about the cutest thing ever. I really think being an aunt is the greatest thing in the world. I now have two sweet little nephews to spoil (remember this sweet little guy?) and I couldn’t be more grateful.

It had been a while since I’d been to Boston but it was so fun to be back. My sister and brother-in-law have such a cute and cozy house and his nursery is just plain adorable.

Benton is such a sweet baby and he’s already grown out of the newborn phase and entering the “chunky” phase…which is just precious.  It was so fun to spend days holding him and helping out any way I could, including having fun in the kitchen! I was definitely spoiled between holding the baby and hanging out with their sweet black lab, Milo. I just love him.

Of course I took a million photos every day as I was just in love. It was hard to leave but luckily we have some trips planned for the rest of this year to make sure we see them lots!

Here are a few photos for now! :)

This one is my absolute favorite… Such a sweetie pie!!

And here’s a little preview of his nursery…my sister did such an amazing job! (Love the Sharon Montrose print and DIY ombre Ikea dresser!)

And let’s not forget, his big brother, Milo. He’s so sweet with Benton. :)

I’ll be back soon with a DIY and recipe this week!

xoxo

Sometimes I feel like creativity can be the enemy. My problem is never a shortage of ideas, but feeling swallowed by them. It’s a juggling act, isn’t it?

Do you ever feel overwhelmed and scared at the blank page in front of you? Have you wondered what separates the productive, successful artists from the ones that seem to be in a constant state of chaos?

I recently discovered a new book by Blaine Hogan called UNTITLED: Thoughts on the Creative Process and found it to be such an insightful read, full of truth and practical realizations. I especially loved his thoughts on “getting unstuck”, setting constraints, practicing self-awareness, letting go of fear, and making mistakes.

As an actor, artist, author, and creative director, Blaine understands and describes the creative process as a journey, explaining both the challenges and rewards. UNTITLED is an honest look at the creative life, pointing us in a direction to create our greatest work.

I found Blaine’s book so helpful that I had to share. It’s a quick, practical read that is helpful for anyone on a creative path.

Below are a few more of my favorite quotes…

“Vision is easy. Ideas are even easier. It’s execution that separates the amateurs from the pros.” -Blaine Hogan, Untitled

“Full creative freedom is not really what we need. To create meaningful work, the artist must have constraints. Whether it’s budgets, deadlines, or resource limitations, if not for these boundaries your work will never see the light of day.” -Blaine Hogan, Untitled

“Have a bias toward action. Measure the effectiveness of your ideas by their action steps. Ideas don’t make themselves.” -Blaine Hogan, Untitled

I’m also obsessed with this collaboration between Blaine and lettering artist Sean Wes. Check out this awesome letterpress print with a quote from the book!

I hope you’re inspired. Be sure to check out the book, Blaine’s blog, and follow him on Twitter if you’d like. Have a great weekend, friends!

xo

I’ve been thinking a lot about growth and the feeling of in between lately. Have you ever felt “in between” who you are and who you want to be? Strangely, I’ve felt in this place for many months. It’s weird living in a space of fear and unknown, and in many ways I’ve been paralyzed as a result. I’m finally starting to get it through my head that change and growth within doesn’t just happen, it’s filled with purpose and intention. The capacity for change and transformation takes courage. I’ve realized how this tension of in between can wreak havoc in both the mind and body. It’s a constant, draining anxiety that I haven’t wanted to fully acknowledge.

Have you ever had this realization? That if you really wanted to make a change in your life it was time to take that scary, purposeful step? For me, a lot of it has to do with the redesign of my new site. That project I talked about months ago? Yeah, it’s completely ridiculous that it’s not finished (but it will be). In all honesty I’ve been afraid to take the next step. More on that another day.

I’m not yet sure of who I want to be…but are we ever? I think there will always be evolving, but my hope is that it is out of boldness and not fear. I want to be less afraid and more confident to show the world who I am, both personally and professionally. I’m sure there will always be some of this tension in life. Perhaps it requires both the audacity to change as well as the realization that allowing ourselves grace is equally important. Sometimes change just takes time. Any step, however small, is progress.

I’d love to hear, have you ever felt this sense of “in between” before? Do you think growth and change in adulthood is intentional? As we grow and evolve, does it happen naturally or is it more of a conscious decision?

xoxo