about all the things in real life

about all the things in real life

Welcome! Here words, art, photography, and faith collide. Join me as we talk about all the things in real life - marriage, friendships, parenting, faith, art, and more.

It’s in her eyes. Written in her laugh lines and the smile that tugs at the corners of her mouth. It’s in the baby she’s rocking, the stretch marks on her belly, and the notes she tucks into college care packages. It’s in the garden she tends, the bread she bakes, and the art she creates. It’s in how she greets a client, strums a guitar, or makes space for others.

She’s got a story.

I am fascinated by women’s journeys and the strength it takes to balance dreams, work, goals, family, self-care, and faith. Over the last decade, from conferences to churches to around our dining room table to gatherings under shady trees in West Africa, I have been privileged to hear the heart stories of women who change the world.

living the creative life

Whether it’s watercolors, Procreate, acrylics, photography, or words, I always have a project (or seven) going. Now you can support my writing and projects in Kenya through my art shop.

All the Insta things

Mushroom cards today. Drew a few realistic ones, now a few fairy houses. Love sitting by the window with the soft light and drawing.
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks of rapid fire career decisions, family transitions, out of town guests, and school projects with real world implications. Today I purposed to begin cleaning/organizing the studio to make room for retail items and
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks of rapid fire career decisions, family transitions, out of town guests, and school projects with real world implications. Today I purposed to begin cleaning/organizing the studio to make room for retail items and get a handle on projects. Then these photos slid out of a stack of work and I sat down. How has it been five years since I sat with these women? Five years since I knew that I knew that I knew what I wanted to do with my ability to take photos and tell a story. Five years. My five year plan did not include Covid or trauma therapy, church hurts or friends abandoning us, or kids going to major universities across the country, or going back to school or launching an art business. My five year plan centered on getting back…raising more money…on helping women feel seen, valued, and loved. It’s a beautiful reminder as I press into a new season, that I know what my purpose is and I am excited to see how God will use new ventures to help me live it.
Guys!!! Look, look! All these weeks of watering, weeding, and tending led to my first harvest! Don’t worry I cut it into little bitty pieces to share with everyone.
Guys!!! Look, look! All these weeks of watering, weeding, and tending led to my first harvest! Don’t worry I cut it into little bitty pieces to share with everyone.
Guess who just signed up to be a vendor at the amazing @lilyroseculpeperva?!?! Mmmmeeeeeee!! Coming in July my art and photography will be for sale downtown.
Guess who just signed up to be a vendor at the amazing @lilyroseculpeperva?!?! Mmmmeeeeeee!! Coming in July my art and photography will be for sale downtown.
Yesterday I shared a couple of these cards on my story. That story lead to a local business owner to order 10 plant themed greeting cards. A great reminder that sharing your work (even work in progress) can open doors and lead to opportunities!
Yesterday I shared a couple of these cards on my story. That story lead to a local business owner to order 10 plant themed greeting cards. A great reminder that sharing your work (even work in progress) can open doors and lead to opportunities!
Coming in July to the blog - She’s Got a Story. So far more than a dozen women have signed up to share their stories. I’m honored to be entrusted with women’s heart stories, and I can’t wait to get behind the camera to capture
Coming in July to the blog - She’s Got a Story. So far more than a dozen women have signed up to share their stories. I’m honored to be entrusted with women’s heart stories, and I can’t wait to get behind the camera to capture their beauty as they share. (PS - still accepting women to be part of this series, but scheduling interviews for the early fall now.)
My favorite thing about summer…our garden and all the yummy goodness it provides! What’s your favorite thing about summer?
My favorite thing about summer…our garden and all the yummy goodness it provides! What’s your favorite thing about summer?
Exciting opportunities opening up. I’ve stepped out to take some risks…putting my art out there to be seen and to sell. (Yikes!) stay tune for updates on all of that! In the meantime, it’s been hotter than the surface of the sun th
Exciting opportunities opening up. I’ve stepped out to take some risks…putting my art out there to be seen and to sell. (Yikes!) stay tune for updates on all of that! In the meantime, it’s been hotter than the surface of the sun this week, so I’ve decided to work on Christmas cards! 🎄
This guy. 💕 He picked a gallon of blueberries today so I could make syrup.
This guy. 💕 He picked a gallon of blueberries today so I could make syrup.
The bloom of summer evenings…
The bloom of summer evenings…
Mushroom cards today. Drew a few realistic ones, now a few fairy houses. Love sitting by the window with the soft light and drawing.
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks of rapid fire career decisions, family transitions, out of town guests, and school projects with real world implications. Today I purposed to begin cleaning/organizing the studio to make room for retail items and Guys!!! Look, look! All these weeks of watering, weeding, and tending led to my first harvest! Don’t worry I cut it into little bitty pieces to share with everyone. Guess who just signed up to be a vendor at the amazing @lilyroseculpeperva?!?! Mmmmeeeeeee!! Coming in July my art and photography will be for sale downtown. Yesterday I shared a couple of these cards on my story. That story lead to a local business owner to order 10 plant themed greeting cards. A great reminder that sharing your work (even work in progress) can open doors and lead to opportunities! Coming in July to the blog - She’s Got a Story. So far more than a dozen women have signed up to share their stories. I’m honored to be entrusted with women’s heart stories, and I can’t wait to get behind the camera to capture My favorite thing about summer…our garden and all the yummy goodness it provides! What’s your favorite thing about summer? Exciting opportunities opening up. I’ve stepped out to take some risks…putting my art out there to be seen and to sell. (Yikes!) stay tune for updates on all of that! In the meantime, it’s been hotter than the surface of the sun th This guy. 💕 He picked a gallon of blueberries today so I could make syrup. The bloom of summer evenings…