I’m back at it… playing with my supplies!

You know—the good stuff. The supplies you love so much that you save them for something “special.” LOL.

Well, I’ve decided to stop saving the things and start using them!

So I pulled out my Neocolor II crayons, Inktense Blocks, and my ArtGraf square. Oh, the joy! And, of course, I had to use them on my new love… medical exam paper.

Right now, I’m in one of those seasons where ideas seem to come a little more slowly. Sometimes I have an idea, but I’m not quite sure I trust it.

And I’ve realized that when I’m feeling that way, I have a choice. I can get frustrated, overthink everything, and stop creating altogether… or I can simply play.

So that’s what I’m doing.

No agenda. No pressure to make something amazing. I’m just starting with one simple thought:

What can I do with this that will make me happy?

When I start there, something shifts. My overthinking brain quiets down, the pressure disappears, and one thing leads to another… and then another. Before I know it, I’m creating again.

And I really need that right now.

I’ve been thinking about Molly a lot. This is her birthday month, and I’ve been carrying that familiar heavy weight in my belly—the kind that grief brings with it.

So as I was experimenting and playing today, I found myself doing what I’ve learned to do at my art table.

I let go.

I stopped thinking so much and just followed where the page wanted to take me. And slowly, this journal page came together. I even found myself reaching for some of Molly’s carved designs that we turned into stencils, which made this page feel even more meaningful.

That’s one of the things I love most about my journal.

It’s a place where I can show up exactly as I am.

I don’t have to have the answers. I don’t have to make perfect art. I don’t even have to know where I’m going.

I can play. I can experiment. I can feel what I need to feel. And for a little while, I can simply let it all go.

Maybe you need a little of that this week, too.

Pull out something you’ve been saving. Use the good supplies. Make a mess. Try something just because you’re curious. Don’t worry about where it’s going.

Start with one simple question:

What can I do today that will make me happy?

And then see where it takes you.

Enjoy the experiments… and always know that you are loved.

Stencils used: These will be on sale this week

• Simple background 7 9×12
• Rambling branches 2 8×10
• Lava Lamp 8×10
• Geometric flower 7 9×12
• Petals 1 9×12
• Budding tree 8×10
• Molly’s flower 2 5×8
• Molly’s flower 1 5×8
• Molly’s flower 3 5×8
• PLEASE NOTE: THE MOLLY’S CREATIONS WILL NOT BE ON SALE, BECAUSE WE DONATE A PORTION TO SUICIDE PREVENTION