Art. Is. Magic.
Whether it’s words on a page, a beautiful photo, or the most delicious birthday coconut cake, art has the power to change our world.
And I am crushing hard on all of you who are putting yourselves out there, making your magic every single day.
I got to spend my day today with words. And people. And connection.
And I am so blessed because of that.
I started the day messaging with a new writer friend, reading an article of his that would be his first one published. What a privilege that was. He didn’t need my feedback — at all — but I offered it in case he was feeling like I did several years ago…asking my mentor and soul sister to hold my hair back as I nauseously published my first piece. And because the world needs more people like him, who are vulnerable enough to tell their stories and then brave enough to share them with the world.
All day today…and every day in my job doing my soul work, I got to spend my day ensconced in words and how they connect us with each other. Whether it’s recognizing a shared experience that connects us to each other in an emotional way…or in a way that my team and I at our company can help people find the remote jobs they want and need through our blog articles and social media shares.
Last night before I went to sleep, I started reading a book of poetry that a dear, sweet friend of mine wrote. And I have a stack of books just like his…from other talented writer souls that I am honored to call friends. I keep them all stacked together on my bookshelf, because I love to be reminded of their collective brilliance…and I’m grateful for the inspiration they unknowingly offer me in my own writing.
I love that I can go to bed reading that deep, soulful poetry and then wake up and fall into the world of Madison, Georgia, where one of my soul sisters lives and writes and holds me up from afar as she makes art out of her own life. I also watch the art that she and her long-distance writer-love create together, and with their respective children and…well, I just fucking swoon.
I have writing and book-loving friends in Nova Scotia who are the best hype girls a hot mess like me could ever have, and another lovely soul in France who tells shit like it is and creates art in her words, her readings, her candles, and her love.
I have a local friend who creates beautiful ceramic art while raising her two accomplished kiddos, and another friend who takes remarkable photos using her God-given talent, dedication, and good humor.
Even my heartbreaker of a few months ago. I have such lovely memories of how music moved him, how he wanted to create a beautiful loving home for his children, and wanted to find the exact right spot for everything when moving into his new home. I adored his love for aesthetics and cozy bistro lights and having just the right music on at the right times.
There is so much art that fills my heart…Sarah Blondin and her soul-soothing meditations or her book, “Heartminded.” Michael Singer and the artistry of his book, “The Untethered Soul.” All of the multitudes of music that friends near and far share with me every day. It fills me right up every time.
My daughter dancing on stage brings me to tears…as do all her friends when they dance. Reading her college application essays that make me go into the ugly cry because she is such a beautiful writer. My son’s passion for baseball…or even just asking if we can cook together in our new kitchen — his art. Even watching my kids create their bedrooms in our new home just exactly as they wanted them makes my heart happy.
There is art and magic everywhere.
I see the artistry in my own bedroom, such a welcoming sanctuary. A marshmallow bed and soothing tones that put me instantly at ease. And the rest of our home that is filled with lively colors and a homey, hygge, boho chic feel that I can’t wait to invite my favorite souls into.
The art that my best friend created when we had brunch together with a few dear friends. The delicious food that she made…including a luscious coconut birthday cake for me — and she doesn’t even like coconut. Her attention to detail when hosting is impeccable…it is her form of art. And she creates her magic so beautifully.
Even now, listening to the “Hamilton” soundtrack after a long week. There is nothing that fills my heart with more joy — well, expect maybe “Schitt’s Creek” or “Claire de Lune” or “Simple Gifts” or Impressionist paintings or dark chocolate or a great bottle of wine…or a really, really, really good kiss.
Art is everywhere. And I am so, so blessed to be surrounded by you artists who bring magic and love to my life — and all of our lives.
Because there is nothing our world needs more right now than the magic of art.