Love, love, loooooove!!!! You've given me such a light bulb moment... I've felt ashamed for never taking myself on an artist date despite listening to The Artists Way several months ago and... hello!!! I HAVE taken myself on toooons of artist's dates: on my terms, in my own way. 🥹 Whether I'm at a coffee shop or driving alone in the car listening to music or audio book or my own meditative flow or at home relaxing or watching my fav show or etc., THEY ARE ALL ARTIST DATES. If that spark is there, it's there. 🥹 Thank you so much for the BEAUTIFUL lightbulb reminder moment. 💕
OMG YAS YESSSSS Yee times 3!!! It was a lightbulb moment for me too!! We can do this OUR OWN WAY?! Our own way is still within the realm of The *Artists* Way?! Alright, alright, alriiiiight 😎
I thought of you while writing this. I can only imagine how packed your schedule is with work and mini- no breaks, no time off. We have to find those pockets and bend them to fit OUR needs! No more people-pleasing- even for a book that is trying to help us 🤣
Kaylen, thank you for every word you write on people pleasing recovery, and TAW - - I FEEL all of this, and am delighted that you're carving out time for yourself! I'm now 60, but was once the mother of young children, and know the value of precious alone time. P.S. - you are also simultaneously modeling self-care for August. :)
Hi Amy!! I’m waking up to your words this morning and you are setting my day up for such success. Thank you for taking the time to read here and for sharing such encouragement to keep going. I appreciate you. 🤍 sending a hug by carrier pigeon - keep your eyes peeled!
Hey Alex, love your post! Rachelle enjoys a cookbook called Date Night In by Ashley Rodriguez. I think it fits your post about staying in AND that you like cookbooks. Keep doing what you're doing!
Priya!! Hi!! I'm dreaming up a line of blankets that have itty-bitty string lights sewn into the seems so that we have light built into our forts. ALSO- I will be taking myself to a PROPER flee market in the near future and that is all thanks to you secret society sister! ⛺️
I don’t know what I did to deserve your kind attention to this publication, but I can tell you that your encouragement does not fall on blind eyes. Thank you so much for being here and for your support Ibrahim. 🤎🤎
K. Alexandra, your post is such a delightful mix of wit, honesty, and cozy inspiration. I love the concept of *The International Pillow Fort Alliance*—it resonates deeply with those of us who find restoration at home. That said, I couldn’t help but bristle a bit at the part about art with faces. While I appreciate the care and respect you show for your husband’s beliefs, the rigidity of imposing those rules on shared spaces made me shudder a little. It’s fascinating how personal faith intersects with creative freedom, but there’s something about the patriarchal tone of it that gives me pause. Still, your ability to adapt and find joy in creating within those boundaries is a testament to your resilience and love. Thank you for always bringing us along for the ride—your words create a warm, safe space for reflection and connection. ❤️
Wild Jay- thank you so much for your attention to detail of my life experience. I really appreciate your honest opinion about the Gallery wall and art in our home. It is difficult for me too. Perhaps some of my people-pleasing ways are seeping in...I appreciate you shining a light on where I have room to grow. 🪷
Yes, K. that is most certainly a trauma response, intertwined with how we’re socialized within a deeply unequal system. The normativity you describe is so one-sided—it enforces a power imbalance where he believes it’s his birthright to command, preside, and wield authority over you. At the same time, you are conditioned, and reconditioned by trauma, to not rebel because it doesn’t feel safe.
It’s a textbook example of how patriarchy operates, carrying the echoes of feudal structures that have left women bending and bowing to keep the peace. These dynamics are reinforced, over and over, not just externally but internally—until we begin to question them. Your awareness and reflection are powerful steps, and shining a light on these moments creates space for growth and reclamation. It’s not easy work, but it matters deeply. 🌿
K., your leaning in says so much—it’s a powerful act of listening and willingness to hold space for yourself. I see that, and I honor it. 🤍 This isn’t easy terrain to navigate, but your reflection and courage are already rewriting the script.
Me! I want to be in the STAY IN PILLOW FORT CLUB! I love the Elephant Signs, I love that you're listening, even when the answer is "not this" and I love that we got a gift from your nudge to write! Thanks for the inspiration today, K. Truly needed it. 🙏😘✨️
OKAY I WOULD LIVE TO BUILD A PILLOW FORT WITH YOU AND FINNLEY AND AUGIE. We would never need to leave! Thank you for reading and pledging this alliance from party of 1 to party of TWO! <3
Love, love, loooooove!!!! You've given me such a light bulb moment... I've felt ashamed for never taking myself on an artist date despite listening to The Artists Way several months ago and... hello!!! I HAVE taken myself on toooons of artist's dates: on my terms, in my own way. 🥹 Whether I'm at a coffee shop or driving alone in the car listening to music or audio book or my own meditative flow or at home relaxing or watching my fav show or etc., THEY ARE ALL ARTIST DATES. If that spark is there, it's there. 🥹 Thank you so much for the BEAUTIFUL lightbulb reminder moment. 💕
OMG YAS YESSSSS Yee times 3!!! It was a lightbulb moment for me too!! We can do this OUR OWN WAY?! Our own way is still within the realm of The *Artists* Way?! Alright, alright, alriiiiight 😎
I thought of you while writing this. I can only imagine how packed your schedule is with work and mini- no breaks, no time off. We have to find those pockets and bend them to fit OUR needs! No more people-pleasing- even for a book that is trying to help us 🤣
Alright, alright, alriiiiight!!!! 🙏😂
YES TO DOING THINGS THAT BEND TO FIT OUR NEEDS, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. 💕💕
Kaylen, thank you for every word you write on people pleasing recovery, and TAW - - I FEEL all of this, and am delighted that you're carving out time for yourself! I'm now 60, but was once the mother of young children, and know the value of precious alone time. P.S. - you are also simultaneously modeling self-care for August. :)
Hi Amy!! I’m waking up to your words this morning and you are setting my day up for such success. Thank you for taking the time to read here and for sharing such encouragement to keep going. I appreciate you. 🤍 sending a hug by carrier pigeon - keep your eyes peeled!
Hey Alex, love your post! Rachelle enjoys a cookbook called Date Night In by Ashley Rodriguez. I think it fits your post about staying in AND that you like cookbooks. Keep doing what you're doing!
Hi cousin! Thank you so much for reading along and for this recommendation!! I will check it out! 💙
Inspiration is a true gift, it can come from many different place I have found out. Just be open to receiving the gift.....Love it K .....keep going!!
Thank you so much for the encouragement, TH!
The secret society we need!
Priya!! Hi!! I'm dreaming up a line of blankets that have itty-bitty string lights sewn into the seems so that we have light built into our forts. ALSO- I will be taking myself to a PROPER flee market in the near future and that is all thanks to you secret society sister! ⛺️
Wonderful read 💕
I don’t know what I did to deserve your kind attention to this publication, but I can tell you that your encouragement does not fall on blind eyes. Thank you so much for being here and for your support Ibrahim. 🤎🤎
K. Alexandra, your post is such a delightful mix of wit, honesty, and cozy inspiration. I love the concept of *The International Pillow Fort Alliance*—it resonates deeply with those of us who find restoration at home. That said, I couldn’t help but bristle a bit at the part about art with faces. While I appreciate the care and respect you show for your husband’s beliefs, the rigidity of imposing those rules on shared spaces made me shudder a little. It’s fascinating how personal faith intersects with creative freedom, but there’s something about the patriarchal tone of it that gives me pause. Still, your ability to adapt and find joy in creating within those boundaries is a testament to your resilience and love. Thank you for always bringing us along for the ride—your words create a warm, safe space for reflection and connection. ❤️
Wild Jay- thank you so much for your attention to detail of my life experience. I really appreciate your honest opinion about the Gallery wall and art in our home. It is difficult for me too. Perhaps some of my people-pleasing ways are seeping in...I appreciate you shining a light on where I have room to grow. 🪷
Yes, K. that is most certainly a trauma response, intertwined with how we’re socialized within a deeply unequal system. The normativity you describe is so one-sided—it enforces a power imbalance where he believes it’s his birthright to command, preside, and wield authority over you. At the same time, you are conditioned, and reconditioned by trauma, to not rebel because it doesn’t feel safe.
It’s a textbook example of how patriarchy operates, carrying the echoes of feudal structures that have left women bending and bowing to keep the peace. These dynamics are reinforced, over and over, not just externally but internally—until we begin to question them. Your awareness and reflection are powerful steps, and shining a light on these moments creates space for growth and reclamation. It’s not easy work, but it matters deeply. 🌿
I am leaning into the screen while reading. Thank you Jay. 🤍
K., your leaning in says so much—it’s a powerful act of listening and willingness to hold space for yourself. I see that, and I honor it. 🤍 This isn’t easy terrain to navigate, but your reflection and courage are already rewriting the script.
Me! I want to be in the STAY IN PILLOW FORT CLUB! I love the Elephant Signs, I love that you're listening, even when the answer is "not this" and I love that we got a gift from your nudge to write! Thanks for the inspiration today, K. Truly needed it. 🙏😘✨️
OKAY I WOULD LIVE TO BUILD A PILLOW FORT WITH YOU AND FINNLEY AND AUGIE. We would never need to leave! Thank you for reading and pledging this alliance from party of 1 to party of TWO! <3
That actually sounds like heaven... ⛅️
Sounds like my kind of date!
Loved the Disney movie and dint know there was a spin off series.
Pillow forts …yeah!
Rest, recharge and stay in….sign me up!