If you have ever spent 10 hours in a car with a highly active kiddo, you know that by hour eight, your brain pretty much turns into scrambled eggs. That was me on Monday. Caedon was a trooper, but 10 hours strapped in a seat is hard on anyone.
Two years ago, we started the "state line game" where, after we cross a state line, we have to stop at the first rest stop, get out, and run all of the sidewalks... haha. Caedon decided that this year we should pretend to gallop them like a horse, too, so yeah... if you saw someone at the SC/GA/AL rest stops galloping like a horse... that was us. Sounds absolutely crazy, but this game helps "get our wiggles out" and helps make the drive more bearable.
We spent five days in Wilmington, North Carolina and the surrounding area, visiting family and celebrating my grandmother's 103rd birthday!!! She is amazing. I want to be her when I grow up. And before you ask how she has managed to live that long, her answer is always "hard work." I do believe that is true. (Pictured above: Spent the morning at Oak Island with family)
The Painting That Found Its Home
The day after we got back from NC, Caedon saw my original mama and baby deer painting. It hasn't sold yet. And this week, I found out why.
Caedon walked into the room, stopped, and stared at it. "Mommy," he said, "this is us. Can we frame it and put it in my room?"
He literally took the painting out of my hands and carried it into his room (right across from the bedroom that I now use as my office) and showed me where he wanted to hang it.
It was one of those sweet, clarifying moments that reminds me exactly why I do this. I sometimes think folks who own a business have to be slightly crazy because it's crazy hard... but it's moments like this that remind me that I've always done this for him. To adopt him, to build something for him, to provide for him, to support him however he needs.
He is one amazing kiddo, and I'm so thankful that we're a family.
Behind the Scenes + Screens
I’ve spent the last two weeks glued to my computer doing the unglamorous computer work (pic below: a quote that I read often to get me through the not-so-fun stuff). Why so much computer work (still!)? Because my team and I have been entirely changing how this business runs. We’ve redesigned everything behind the scenes to be physically and mentally healthier for all of us.
I only have one small work trip this October where I'm away from home, and two next year. That's it. More time with family, more space to breathe, and way more energy to pour into my work... it has been wonderful.
And speaking of pouring energy into art...
The Coastal Launch is Coming Tuesday!
On Tuesday at 10:00 AM, my brand-new Coastal Collection officially drops.
This collection comes from a deeply personal place—specifically, my absolute love for the ocean and scuba diving.
It features 8 popular coastal animals done in my signature floral style. Yes, you read that right: animals literally made out of flowers.
It sounds a little wild when you say it out loud, and people always look at me sideways when I tell them my style, but it is what it is and it's not changing anytime soon.
Wrapping up this launch means I get to dive into something I have never done before. Inspired by my love and joy with Caedon, I’m starting on a Nursery Series next week featuring prints and—for the first time ever—wallpaper!
But first, let's get you some coastal art: Set an alarm on your phone right now for Tuesday at 10:00 AM!
Talk soon!
Comments
What a beautiful story. There’s nothing like the connection between a mom and her son’s. Cherish every moment, as it all goes by a fast as lightning.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful, inspiring art, and snippets from your beautiful inspiring life!