No one can tell a flower how to bloom. It was born knowing.
I'm talking about you over there...
Each morning I wake up before anyone. I turn on my little mushroom fairy lights that lace my spice rack. It gives me just enough light to make coffee in winter months when the sun rises late. I make my way into the living room, light a candle, and pull a Tarot card.
Today I pulled, “The Fool.” It is a card of pure potential. It asks you to draw upon the spirit of youth, innocence, and wonder. It asks you to listen to your heart’s desire, no matter where you find yourself. There are no limitations, only in your mind. To be bold, go forward and leap, the universe will catch you. While some might call you foolish, you trust the voice inside you.
March is my birthday month. I’ve always loved how it stands all on its own. It is between holidays but hosts Spring Break. Last year, I took my husband and daughter to London. It is one of my favorite cities in the world. I chose London because I went to school there in my early 20s. I walked that city daily with my walkman - dreaming of my future. This girl who grew up in a small town in Colorado and dreamed of seeing the world. It was all possible. Even how I somehow made that semester abroad possible. I saw a poster on the wall and thought I could never afford it. I mentioned it to my dad. He said if I could save half, he would take a loan for the other half. Then a magical part-time job surfaced where an elderly artist paid me a nice hourly fee to be her assistant after school. It was a time in my life when anything felt possible, I could find a way.
Life does not always flow that easily. Sometimes when the bombs hit, we lose a little bit of faith in the possibilities. We feel it is time to be an “adult” and let go of the dreams. To settle and make the best of it. But that magic in us never dies or all those dreams of our youth. Those glimmers still exist, and have the potential to light us up daily. Just the act of acknowledging them and creating space for them in our lives - can change everything.
But how do we get to that magical place? That place where we feel peace, calm, and contentment to create - no matter what? Certain touchstones that bring me back to me. They clear the noise and allow me to dig into my creative work…
Music. I make mixes of music from different times in my life. Music is the quickest way to travel to a place. I recommend your favorite playlist, headphones, and dancing like no one is watching. I watch my teenage daughter do this daily. It is how young people dream. They are in a place where anything is possible.
Collect Notes. I have a small book of quotes I’ve found. Some are lyrics from songs, sentences from books, or poetry. Things I stumbled upon that spoke to me. They made me see through the fog and feel that place.
Sketchbook. Words will come to me. Phrases. These make their way into my artwork. Many times this happens on my walks outside. I collect them in a tiny book to inspire artwork. This is where the inspiration for new work lives. If I’m not sure where to begin, I start here.
Conversations. Having meaningful conversations with people who see the world like I do. My partner. My best friends. My PEOPLE. Just having a conversation where you feel seen and can dream a little. A community of like minds is important.
Your Voice. Do you ever just sit in silence and listen? Maybe you have a choice to make. Something is making your mind spin. You are not sure what to do next. You want to ask someone’s opinion. But have you ever just tried to be quiet, sit, and listen? Suddenly you hear it. It knows. That is you.
The camellias. They win the spot for my all-time favorite bloom. I never knew they existed until I moved into my current home. The outside courtyard is filled with camellia trees and bushes. When I was 17 someone asked me, “Can’t you draw anything but flowers?” I remember feeling a little embarrassed like I should have range. I wonder where it would have led me had I kept it up. It’s funny to me how when we look back at ourselves as kids or teens, we can see threads of things we love that never go away - just dormant at times. It is never too late to pick up where you left off. I was so honored to make this list of floral illustrators. On it are some artists I admired from afar when I first began with my little sketchbook trying to discover my art. I’m far too old to not lean into what I love. I don’t know where it will lead me. But I do know I will never grow tired of my sketchbooks.
Until Next Time ✨,
Kim
I really loved this post! The quote in the opening image immediately reminded me that all of my son's major milestones have happened in his own time—when he was ready. Not when we tried to help, not when a teacher tried to help. The other day at the park, he just started swinging all on his own, actually getting higher and higher. We were shocked, but it was a humbling reminder that things just click for him when the timing is right, like that moment.
I also really resonated with the part about being told you could only draw flowers as a teen. As a designer, I get a similar reaction—people assume I can illustrate anything or that I should be talented in all areas of art.
And I love seeing threads of things we’ve loved since childhood/teen years. I feel more like myself at almost 37 than I did throughout my 20s. It’s so wild (or maybe humbling?) to look back and realize my teen self would actually be proud of who I am today.
Beautiful!
I'd love to see your mushroom lights. They sound so fun. "Can't you draw anything but flowers?" Hahahaha! I don't see anything wrong with that. 🥰
And Happy Birthday month! My birthday is the 22nd. I love having a spring birthday. Everything's starting to wake up and it's the beginning of a new year. Let's keep believing that anything is possible!