Remember how I went back to school for mental health counseling?! I am loving it, and right now, I’m taking a Lifespan Development course. One thing that’s really stood out to me is how essential PLAY is for our growth and development, especially in the first seven years of life.
As kids, you could say our job is to play.
But somewhere along the way, many of us lose touch with this key part of our growth.
If every child starts out creative (and we all do), what happens when we grow up and stop playing — and stop creating?
What if the reason we stop creating is because we stop playing?
Maybe our inner child and our inner creative both need play just as much now as they did when we were little.
This summer, I’ve been thriving creatively and it felt amazing. Then, I traveled, life picked up its pace, and slowly fell out of my studio rhythm.
I also made a few pieces I really loved, which brought on a whole new kind of pressure. Suddenly, I felt like I had to create that way every time.
And honestly, that’s the quickest path to a creative block: putting limits and expectations on yourself before you even start.
So, I gave myself permission to do something totally random. It was fummer (false fall in the midst of summer) day, and all I wanted to do was make some pumpkins. My inner critic told me it was cheesy and not “artistic” enough, but I did it anyway. It was playful, and it reminded me of the joy of just creating for fun. Plus, I got to experiment with some new techniques without pressure. And it sparked that creative fire again.
(Also, I’ll be slinging pumpkins and all kinds of fun pots at the Union Market Block Party on October 18 -- See you there!😘)
3 Ways I’m Inviting Play Back In
Here’s how I’m leaning into play in my creative practice right now:
One “Bad Art Date” a Week – A no-rules session where I can make whatever mess my mind dreams up.
Dance Party in the Studio – Playing music that makes me want to daaaannnnceee while I create.
New Methods & Materials – Exploring one new material or technique each week. (nothing crazy or pressure inducing, subtle changes go a long way)
And because I have a fall full of travel ahead, I’m bringing my travel watercolors with me. My goal: create one thing each day I’m away. I’m kicking things off next week on my trips to Mexico City and NYC!
PODCAST Q’s for U's!
Kelly and I have been soaking up summer — traveling, creating, and just being our silly, sweet selves — and now we’re gearing up for an exciting fall of creating Season 2 of the podcast!
We want you to be part of the process:
What should we rename the podcast?
What topics do you want us to dive into?
What questions do you have about creativity?
What’s one weird or fun thing you’d love to hear us try?
Listen to some of our latest episodes for inspiration, then send us a DM on IG or reply to this email. We’re creating this next season with you, and we can’t wait to hear your ideas!
This Creative Wellness Retreat is a longtime dream come true, it’s truly the culmination of so much of my life’s work, all bundled into six magical days, Nov 9-14 in Santa Teresa, Costa RIca.
Preston and I created this experience to help you nourish, connect, and enliven your inner creative. Creativity is a vital force we all have, and it’s something that grows with practice.
On this retreat, we’ll explore creativity and wellness practices that ground you deeply and help you bring these tools back into your daily life. Our intention is for you to leave feeling inspired and equipped to keep creating long after you return home.
We only have 3 spots left, and selling out would be a dream come true. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it!
Kourtenay Plummer and I are hosting this mini-retreat to explore creative ways of moving through grief on Oct 25.
Autumn is a season associated with grief in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and this gathering happens right before Samhain and Día de los Muertos — a time when many cultures believe the veil between worlds is thinnest.
Grief can feel overwhelming, especially heading into the holidays. This retreat is a container for the wholeness of grief — there will be moments of joy, tenderness, and healing.
What to expect:
Gentle movement, meditation, and journaling
Creating your own ceramic altar
Nourishing lunch and optional creative coping stations (like papel picado, playdough, and mandala coloring)
A special horsehair firing
Early bird pricing and scholarship applications close on 9/25.
This is a beautiful offering for anyone navigating loss in any form, or for someone you love who might need extra support, especially as we gear up for the holiday season.
You can also play and practice with me every Thursday morning at 7am, I’m at The Yoga Dojo for Sunrise Vinyasa!
Thanks for being here and for letting me share this wild, creative ride with you. I hope this inspires you to play a little more this month, and to see where that play takes you!🌀
"Dance like a child" In a dream, on the night she had an emergency surgery, my grandmother told me that February was going to be one of the hardest months, and the way through was to “dance like a child.” She was right, and I took her advice very literally. This playlist has been my go-to: give it a listen & bust a move! Reply back with any bangers I should add to the playlist! This winter has been a season full of so much joy, so much grief, so much growth — the loss of my grandmother, the...
How do you fill your cup? I just turned 33-- and the words that keep coming to mind: "I like who and how I am becoming". I entered a creative cocoon this past weekend at an artist retreat with inspiring women. We spent our days diving into our creative pursuits, embracing the magic of nature, sharing our talents, and nourishing each other through cooking, laughter, and dance. Going into this portal, I felt depleted. Life and the world continue to require more and more of all of us. Despite...
Remember in high school when you had a CD of all your favorite songs playing in the car 24/7? I deeply remember the songs from that time in my life, the ones that got me through. So I decided to make a 2025 playlist of the songs that carried me through the highs and lows of this year. It has been a wild ride, and I truly believe music heals. So… enjoy this playlist as you read along.😘 Break or Bloom? It's up to you. Feeling empowered after guiding an ATV waterfall hike during Waves of...
