Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog, page 10
April 27, 2015
IT'S FINALLY HERE! THE WEAR YOUR JOY PROJECT ECOURSE
I am so excited to finally announce this. Truthfully, it's been in my heart for a long, long time and I'm so ready to birth this baby. Keep reading for all the details, but the bottom line? I so hope you'll join us for this e-course! I've poured my heart into it, and it's going to be so good, thoughtful, packed with content, and, of course, way more about a spiritual practice, than simply clothes. But also a fun way INTO joy!
MAKING OUR HEARTS VISIBLEPlease join me for a meaningful ecourse centered around a practice I’ve been doing for a couple of years that I call The Wear Your Joy Project. It changed my life, and I feel called to gather of tribe of souls who want to make the call of their hearts visible – and wearable.
Like any good practice (a yoga practice, a gratitude practice, etc), the practice of intentionally getting dressed up in joy will open your heart and awaken new ways of seeing yourself. In so many ways, this course is about remembering who we are. Because when we turn our attention toward anything with intention, we raise its vibration, its meaningfulness, its consciousness.
It all starts, Monday, May 11th. Keep reading for all the details, including how to register.
30 DAYS OF LESSONS, PROMPTS + INSPIRATION DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
This course runs for 30 days, starting on Monday, May 11th. You’ll receive a meaningful lesson every day – delivered via email. Also, there is a private Facebook group full of the loveliest souls who are there to support, share their ahas and how the practice is changing their everyday lives. Don’t be fooled. This course is meaty, packed with lessons, thoughtful guidance, and more.
Lessons include: inspirational and true stories (personal and otherwise), journaling prompts, soul stirring guidance and ideas, informative interviews, many thoughtful activities that will increase your consciousness and intention, downloadable pdfs, suggested reading, style adventures/field trips, loving/thoughtful dares, and more.
MY WEAR YOUR JOY STORY:
A few years ago after becoming a new mama, I missed my old clothes, my old body. For well over a year, I dreaded getting dressed each morning. And over that year, I lost a real sense of who I was.
Transitions do that to us. For me it was new motherhood. But for many it’s the process of conforming to “age appropriate” fashion rules. For others it’s transitioning into a “real job” with a dress code. And for many, it’s traveling through a major life transition (grief, caregiving, moving, new job, getting older, and more). Whatever the reason, when we loose a sense of who we are, getting dressed can feel like a chore, a burden perhaps. It becomes a moment – every single day – of unconscious, tedious, perhaps even gremlin-filled decisions and self-talk. Not a joyful way to start a day.
So. One day, I started to get more intentional about what I was wearing, choosing only to wear clothes that delighted my spirit and lit me up. It was a playful experiment that soon turned into a daily practice. I started to share my discoveries on Instagram and Facebook. Others joined in, too, and a community was born. The results of this practice, I learned, was a way into Joy – not just in the mornings, but into my entire life.
Who knew getting dressed could be a conscious meditation of bringing more joy and meaning to our ordinary days? Ultimately, this project reminded me how style isn’t superficial. It’s the call of our hearts, made visible – and wearable.
IT’S NOT ABOUT PUTTING TOGETHER PERFECT OUTFITS. IT’S ABOUT WEARING OUR JOY.
IT’S ALSO ABOUT:: Giving ourselves permission to embrace where we are today, despite our size, age, or cash flow.: Making the practice of getting dressed in the morning a spiritual practice, one that brings more intention and JOY into our lives.: Seeing ourselves through a new, compassionate, joyful lens.: Changing our self-talk around all the barriers that are stopping us from getting dressed in joy.: Unlearning all the rules we’ve placed on ourselves when it comes to how we dress ourselves.: Coming into alignment with our sacred style, whether that be eccentric, preppy, tailored, or bohemian.: Bringing more intention and consciousness, and making sacred the morning ritual of getting dressed each day.: It’s about seeking our truest selves while also giving ourselves permission to experiment, play, and join a tribe of other souls who are doing the same thing.
IT’S NOT ABOUT:: Spending a lot of money on a whole new wardrobe.: Trying to be anyone other than yourself.: Superficial fashion rules that don’t align with our values, who we are, and who we want to be.
COME JOIN US!
:Price: $69. For the price of a pair of shoes, you get 30 lessons (which, equals a 6 week course!), sent to you via email, one day at at time, starting Monday, May 11th. You also get access to an ultra supportive, private Facebook group.: Click the “sign up” button to pay for the ecourse with a credit card.: Once you’ve paid for it, you are automatically signed up to receive 30 lessons, 1 per day, starting Monday, May 11th. Easy, peasy.
Thank you, friends. Many of you have followed along as I made my way into this practice. I can't tell you how much it's been my way IN to more joyful living. I so hope you join me!
XO,Kelly Rae
MAKING OUR HEARTS VISIBLEPlease join me for a meaningful ecourse centered around a practice I’ve been doing for a couple of years that I call The Wear Your Joy Project. It changed my life, and I feel called to gather of tribe of souls who want to make the call of their hearts visible – and wearable.
Like any good practice (a yoga practice, a gratitude practice, etc), the practice of intentionally getting dressed up in joy will open your heart and awaken new ways of seeing yourself. In so many ways, this course is about remembering who we are. Because when we turn our attention toward anything with intention, we raise its vibration, its meaningfulness, its consciousness.
It all starts, Monday, May 11th. Keep reading for all the details, including how to register.
30 DAYS OF LESSONS, PROMPTS + INSPIRATION DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
This course runs for 30 days, starting on Monday, May 11th. You’ll receive a meaningful lesson every day – delivered via email. Also, there is a private Facebook group full of the loveliest souls who are there to support, share their ahas and how the practice is changing their everyday lives. Don’t be fooled. This course is meaty, packed with lessons, thoughtful guidance, and more.
Lessons include: inspirational and true stories (personal and otherwise), journaling prompts, soul stirring guidance and ideas, informative interviews, many thoughtful activities that will increase your consciousness and intention, downloadable pdfs, suggested reading, style adventures/field trips, loving/thoughtful dares, and more.
MY WEAR YOUR JOY STORY:
A few years ago after becoming a new mama, I missed my old clothes, my old body. For well over a year, I dreaded getting dressed each morning. And over that year, I lost a real sense of who I was.
Transitions do that to us. For me it was new motherhood. But for many it’s the process of conforming to “age appropriate” fashion rules. For others it’s transitioning into a “real job” with a dress code. And for many, it’s traveling through a major life transition (grief, caregiving, moving, new job, getting older, and more). Whatever the reason, when we loose a sense of who we are, getting dressed can feel like a chore, a burden perhaps. It becomes a moment – every single day – of unconscious, tedious, perhaps even gremlin-filled decisions and self-talk. Not a joyful way to start a day.
So. One day, I started to get more intentional about what I was wearing, choosing only to wear clothes that delighted my spirit and lit me up. It was a playful experiment that soon turned into a daily practice. I started to share my discoveries on Instagram and Facebook. Others joined in, too, and a community was born. The results of this practice, I learned, was a way into Joy – not just in the mornings, but into my entire life.
Who knew getting dressed could be a conscious meditation of bringing more joy and meaning to our ordinary days? Ultimately, this project reminded me how style isn’t superficial. It’s the call of our hearts, made visible – and wearable.
IT’S NOT ABOUT PUTTING TOGETHER PERFECT OUTFITS. IT’S ABOUT WEARING OUR JOY.
IT’S ALSO ABOUT:: Giving ourselves permission to embrace where we are today, despite our size, age, or cash flow.: Making the practice of getting dressed in the morning a spiritual practice, one that brings more intention and JOY into our lives.: Seeing ourselves through a new, compassionate, joyful lens.: Changing our self-talk around all the barriers that are stopping us from getting dressed in joy.: Unlearning all the rules we’ve placed on ourselves when it comes to how we dress ourselves.: Coming into alignment with our sacred style, whether that be eccentric, preppy, tailored, or bohemian.: Bringing more intention and consciousness, and making sacred the morning ritual of getting dressed each day.: It’s about seeking our truest selves while also giving ourselves permission to experiment, play, and join a tribe of other souls who are doing the same thing.
IT’S NOT ABOUT:: Spending a lot of money on a whole new wardrobe.: Trying to be anyone other than yourself.: Superficial fashion rules that don’t align with our values, who we are, and who we want to be.
COME JOIN US!
:Price: $69. For the price of a pair of shoes, you get 30 lessons (which, equals a 6 week course!), sent to you via email, one day at at time, starting Monday, May 11th. You also get access to an ultra supportive, private Facebook group.: Click the “sign up” button to pay for the ecourse with a credit card.: Once you’ve paid for it, you are automatically signed up to receive 30 lessons, 1 per day, starting Monday, May 11th. Easy, peasy.
Thank you, friends. Many of you have followed along as I made my way into this practice. I can't tell you how much it's been my way IN to more joyful living. I so hope you join me!
XO,Kelly Rae
April 24, 2015
My Instagram Weekly Round-Up: Prepping for Mama's Day, PDX Love, and Blooms Blooms Blooms
I'm obsessed with Instagram – it's my favorite online home! Here's a recap from the last two weeks, and for those of you who aren't on Instagram, come and join me! And you can click here to see all the Instagram updates right here on my blog!
Friday, April 17
Print Available – Joyful Girl
“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” ― Rumi
Our souls are awakening, seeking, discovering, blooming. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to simply let joy in and flow. I'm working on this shift, always.
No filter! Gorgeous day in Portland today. If you need me, you can find me in this little slice of my backyard today. In between being still/quiet, I'm gardening and decorating and organizing today. Heart is happy.
Cheers to a day full of yard and house work. Now it's time to rest the bum and the feet and enjoy some hard cider. Yes. And did I mention it's in the 70's and the screen doors are up and I'm fully blissed out.
Saturday, April 18
Today is a really big day around here. I have unpacked the LAST box from when we moved in about 13 months ago. What a journey this has been. The best part? The Spirit Room is just about complete. You can see a glimpse of the altar we're in the process of creating (our first!). I put a childhood photo of myself and John on the altar as a reminder to nurture those sweet spirits as our own (because they are). Also loving the beautiful artisan dream catchers ( one for me, John, and True) that I commissioned from Rachael Rice over a year ago. They finally have a home here in this sacred space. Friends, I feel peaceful and a major sense of home and spirit. It's all coming together
Hummingbirds hold a special place in my and John's heart. On several occasions they have stopped directly in John's path and hovered over him. They are a reminder to us that we're on the right path, that cultivating Joy is worth it, and that we are held and guided. So. When these artisan curtains came to our attention, we had to have them. This is a favorite nook in our home because of the meaning.
Monday, April 20
Print Available – Never Alone
Your heart will never be alone. We're celebrating mamas all week this week to get ready for Mother's Day (and who says mothers only get one day?)! All kinds of mamas – mentors, aunties, grandmamas too! To start, I wanted to share my favorite mama print, available in my shop!
We moved here from FL on a whim of instinct in 1999 and we've been here ever since minus a couple years in CA for John's grad school and a year in Seattle. As we've grown up here the last 16 years, we've watched this city grow up too and become a cultural phenomenon. We may groan from time to time about the rainy winters, the lack of diversity, the growing traffic issues, but I feel crazy fortunate to live here. Progressive, European-ish, beautiful, green, creative vibe, eco conscious, healthy, and non-sprawling. Very different from growing up in the grit and grace of the South where I'm from, which I do miss from time to time. But the PNW is in my bones now. And I'm never leaving. Tuesday, April 21
I adore how he wears his picked flowers.
Print Available – Traveling Journeys
May we always be connected in our traveling journeys... One of my favorites from my latest collection! Inspired by my journey as a mama – the lessons, the discoveries, and of course, the journey...
Wednesday, April 22
Print Available – Loved and Grateful
For all the daughters and mamas out there, this one is for you. Loved + grateful. XO!
Love always wins. Always.
More love.
️
Still getting frequent angel numbers. Man, I love how life gives us these little glimpses of confirmations and messages.
Thursday, April 23
Three years old. Only 1.5 years ago but what feels like a big big throwback. This kid. Sigh. Today he asked me to ask Nichole to send him some "love energy" because he had sent her some.
Current view. I've been in admin role all week cranking out some long standing projects/goals that are finally happening (hello, happy dance). Just moved my tired booty from my desk to this couch. Ahhh, much better.
That's it for this week! Check back here next week for another update, or join us over on Instagram for daily photos and thoughts!
XO,
Kelly Rae
April 23, 2015
Products We're Loving: Getting Ready for Mother's Day!
Friends, each week we try and highlight some of our gorgeous products that we want to share with you! Some new new new and some old favorites. Check 'em out below!
PS: All of the products featured below (and more) are sold online via the online retailer Garden Gallery Iron Works (a local shop here in the Portland area), but if you're looking for signed/matted prints, you can get these in my print shop.
PPS: International customers, Garden Gallery is HAPPY to ship worldwide. Please email them at gardengalleryorders@gmail.com to get started.
Friends, the new new new hanging angels are so sweet! This mother and daughter one reads "Dear Mom. You, me, hearts connected, spirits intertwined, side by side, now, forever, always. Always, always, always."
Mother's Day approaches! Get yours at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
This garden pick reads "Mother, you make my heart grow with love." !!! Perfect for accompanying a gift plant for Mother's Day. Just saying.
Find it at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
This everyday ornament reads, "Grandma – you are a gift to this world." Perfect for honoring grandmas on Mother's Day, no?
You can find this ornament at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
Friends, I am very proud of this year's angel figures, and this one is close to my heart. She reads, "Dear Mom. I heart your heart. With you, I've learned to dream big, trust, and love wide. I count my lucky stars for you daily." These high-quality resin figures make great gifts.
Find this angel at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
I have this manifesto in my son's room. A favorite, for sure…..
I promise to come alive with joy when you enter the room.
I want you to feel loved and celebrated.
I promise to encourage you to dream big and reach toward possibilities.
I promise to create, play, dance, and sing with you. Joyful creative abandon will be valued.
I promise to show up, be present and truly engaged, when we''re together.
I want you to feel seen and heard.
I promise to practice gratitude with you so that we can feel joy and abundance in all things.
I promise to provide a safe, nurturing home where you have full permission to be who you are.
May our spirits be connected always.
May you always know how deeply you are loved, how your life shines brightly and how your heart is never alone.
Find it at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
PS: All of the products featured below (and more) are sold online via the online retailer Garden Gallery Iron Works (a local shop here in the Portland area), but if you're looking for signed/matted prints, you can get these in my print shop.
PPS: International customers, Garden Gallery is HAPPY to ship worldwide. Please email them at gardengalleryorders@gmail.com to get started.
Friends, the new new new hanging angels are so sweet! This mother and daughter one reads "Dear Mom. You, me, hearts connected, spirits intertwined, side by side, now, forever, always. Always, always, always."
Mother's Day approaches! Get yours at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
This garden pick reads "Mother, you make my heart grow with love." !!! Perfect for accompanying a gift plant for Mother's Day. Just saying.
Find it at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
This everyday ornament reads, "Grandma – you are a gift to this world." Perfect for honoring grandmas on Mother's Day, no?
You can find this ornament at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
Friends, I am very proud of this year's angel figures, and this one is close to my heart. She reads, "Dear Mom. I heart your heart. With you, I've learned to dream big, trust, and love wide. I count my lucky stars for you daily." These high-quality resin figures make great gifts.
Find this angel at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
I have this manifesto in my son's room. A favorite, for sure…..
I promise to come alive with joy when you enter the room.
I want you to feel loved and celebrated.
I promise to encourage you to dream big and reach toward possibilities.
I promise to create, play, dance, and sing with you. Joyful creative abandon will be valued.
I promise to show up, be present and truly engaged, when we''re together.
I want you to feel seen and heard.
I promise to practice gratitude with you so that we can feel joy and abundance in all things.
I promise to provide a safe, nurturing home where you have full permission to be who you are.
May our spirits be connected always.
May you always know how deeply you are loved, how your life shines brightly and how your heart is never alone.
Find it at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
April 17, 2015
My Instagram Weekly Round-Up: Won't You Be my Neighbor?
I'm obsessed with Instagram – it's my favorite online home! Here's a recap from the last two weeks, and for those of you who aren't on Instagram, come and join me! And you can click here to see all the Instagram updates right here on my blog!
Friday April 10
Print Available – Permission Granted
PS: Didn't get all you wanted done this week? Putting pressure on yourself with deadlines (I prefer "alivelines")? Were there things that you didn't do perfectly? I don't believe in perfection. Let's all let it go. And be gentle with ourselves. Permission granted.
I love that three poppies bloomed on our porch this week. One poppy for each of us.
Today is red cowgirl boots. All day long. I wore them to help me kick bootie as I do a full days work of admin stuff.
Hello weekend. So glad you are here!
Saturday April 11
You guys. We put up a poetry post in our front yard. I'm in love. In our last house we had a Little Free Library, but when we moved to his street last year they already had three libraries on the street (hello Portland!) so we opted for a Poetry Post. The plan? Weekly poetry or love notes or art or or or or. I am loving how folks are stopping to read. Great way to build neighborhood community. Love.
Another view of our new Poetry Post. Big thanks to my dad for building it for us! Ps: you can see that our fairy garden is growing in the background!!
Sunday April 12
Sunday's are for Pip's donuts that have heart-shaped donut holes.
Sweet, full weekend with my boys. Now I'm in bed, heading to sleep with lots of gratitude in my heart. Looking forward to the week ahead: hanging with my online students, creative play on the canvas, writing The Wear Your Joy Project ecourse, a birthday party, a fundraiser, a dinner party, and even gonna try to finish the last room in the house (the spirit room), which at this moment looks like a storage unit. Taking it all one day at a time and giving myself lots of permission to take it slooow. ps: on "full" vs "busy": full life feels like I own it it all, and at my own pace. Busy life feels like a constant nagging to-do list on someone else's (usually my own gremlin in my head) terms. I prefer full. Know what I mean? Full=full of love. Busy=a race. Words matter. Lots of intention behind how we speak about our lives. This I believe! Monday April 6
Seeker of All Things Brave print available here!
Seeker of all things brave. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ― Nelson Mandela Let's seek bravery this week. Let's acknowledge the fear , sit with it, and see what happens when we move beyond it. I deeply believe in practicing courage everyday. In those hard conversations. In self care. In setting boundaries. In creating new ways of being and living in the world. Yes yes yes.
Current view. This is the very last room in our home that needs some love. It's been a storage room for a year (it's been sllloooww going, this moving in and making it our own, which has been a beautiful and sometimes hard journey of lessening the grip and hold on control. All good.) We have just cleared out all the boxes and made piles for donation, trash, etc. Now begins the fun: transform this room into a Spirit Room using stuff we already have. Intention for this room: a quiet calm place to meditate, stretch, think, read, relax, and cultivate awakening. A true bonus room for our little family.
Current view. I've had an urge to splash some paint around. Gonna start with this current background and see where it goes. Staying late at the studio.....
Current view. Long way to go with this one but I'm so glad to have made some time for playing, experimenting, unleashing, and having zero idea where this one is headed.
Goodnight studio. Tuesday, April 14 
Enough print available from my shop!
You can rest inside the truth that you are enough (as is). Live this truth, love this truth.
Pink leaves everywhere this morning. Love.
Also, woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. Dragging, a little grumpy, and little bleh. Forced myself to unhook from stories in my head and decided to wear something I haven't worn in a loonng time. It worked and I got dressed up in joy in an old ruffly skirt and ruffly cardigan. Result: still a hard morning, but this project helped lift my spirits.
Current view. He's on one side of the easel, I'm on the other. He will spend long stretches of time painting and marking up the canvas and I love watching him. Today he said, "mama, painting is worth it." When I asked him what he meant he said "because markers take FOREVER and it wears me out."
Stormy sky. But do you spy a heart?
Wednesday April 15
Be Present print available here!
Her favorite moments were those when she let go Of all expectations and worries And just simply celebrated the very moment she was living. A daily reminder for me….wanted to share it with you, too.
Lunchtime walk. After a few days of cold rain, I am savoring this. This. This. This.
Another found heart. This time over chips and drinks with John this afternoon.
Thursday April 16
Total bliss for me to hang with preschoolers this morning. They are the most loving, sweet, fun, imaginative bunch. My love well is FULL.
I Heart Your Heart manifesto available here!
Always a favorite manifesto: I heart your heart Because you inspire me to reach and grow and become who I was meant to be. Because you've taught me so much above love, trust, friendship and hope. Because you have been a witness to my life in progress, always showing grace in times when you could have shown judgment. Because when I think of those who have deeply, profoundly affected my life, I think of you. Because you always know what to say and how to kindly nurture my tender pieces. Because you've laughed with me, cried with me, celebrated with me. You see me clearly, and I see you. May we always be connected in our traveling journeys, and may you always know how deeply you are loved, how your life shines brightly, and how your heart is never alone. I count my lucky stars for you, every single day.
Today was a day of being mama all day long in the middle of the workweek. Bliss! There was a hike with 15 preschoolers who hugged me, kissed me, and put flowers in my hair. There was an after school play date at the park where I got to hold a precious 5 mo baby for a bit. And later there was even a magical birthday party for a sweet 4 yr old girl where good, connected conversation was had with other mamas. I managed to squeeze in a trip between dates to the Spirit bookstore where I bought some soul fuel in the form of an angel card deck (my first) and a poetry book by David Whyte (a fave). Verdict? A really good day. Tomorrow I'm back to work work for real and I'm feeling mighty inspired.
That's it for this week! Check back here next week for another update, or join us over on Instagram for daily photos and thoughts!
XO,
Kelly Rae
April 16, 2015
Products We're Loving: New Collections for your Home!
Friends, each week we try and highlight some of our gorgeous products that we want to share with you! Some new new new and some old favorites. Check 'em out below!
PS: All of the products featured below (and more) are sold online via the online retailer Garden Gallery Iron Works (a local shop here in the Portland area), but if you're looking for signed/matted prints, you can get these in my print shop.
PPS: International customers, Garden Gallery is HAPPY to ship worldwide. Please email them at gardengalleryorders@gmail.com to get started.
You guys,
Find the set at the online retailer
These wooden boat sculptures are some of my favorite releases of last year! This one reads: Faith - Embrace the changing tides and trust your heart sails. Love the thick wooden sides, the shape, and the handcrafted quality of these!
Find this sculpture from the online retailer Garden Gallery here!
You guys, these are the new canvas wall pieces that we recently released. As always, love their affordability, how they look paired together, and how well they're made. See the whole new collection at the online retailer Garden Gallery!
Totally adore this little garden decor piece that reads, "Love Blooms Here." I love garden decor in unexpected places, and these look so great hanging off the tree all year round! Find the whole collection at the online retailer Garden Gallery!
SO loving the new block manifestos! I find them perfect for displaying at my desk in my studio, or on shelves, endtables, and other corners of my home. The handmade quality of these wood blocks is gorgeous! Check out the entire collection at the online retailer Garden Gallery!
PS: All of the products featured below (and more) are sold online via the online retailer Garden Gallery Iron Works (a local shop here in the Portland area), but if you're looking for signed/matted prints, you can get these in my print shop.
PPS: International customers, Garden Gallery is HAPPY to ship worldwide. Please email them at gardengalleryorders@gmail.com to get started.
You guys,
Find the set at the online retailer
These wooden boat sculptures are some of my favorite releases of last year! This one reads: Faith - Embrace the changing tides and trust your heart sails. Love the thick wooden sides, the shape, and the handcrafted quality of these!
Find this sculpture from the online retailer Garden Gallery here!
You guys, these are the new canvas wall pieces that we recently released. As always, love their affordability, how they look paired together, and how well they're made. See the whole new collection at the online retailer Garden Gallery!
Totally adore this little garden decor piece that reads, "Love Blooms Here." I love garden decor in unexpected places, and these look so great hanging off the tree all year round! Find the whole collection at the online retailer Garden Gallery!
SO loving the new block manifestos! I find them perfect for displaying at my desk in my studio, or on shelves, endtables, and other corners of my home. The handmade quality of these wood blocks is gorgeous! Check out the entire collection at the online retailer Garden Gallery!
April 15, 2015
I really, really want to reach out to her and squeeze her. Hard.
NEW ART – Available Here!
Earlier today I was chatting with Betsy, my brand/biz manager (a HUGE blessing in my life), about how next year, 2016, will be the 10 year anniversary of my art business. While we were chatting on the phone we looked at some really old blog posts from ten years ago that show the extremely humble beginnings of my learning how to paint, how to dream despite the fears, how to fall in love, how to manifest and create the life that was waiting.
As I reading some of these old post from Feb 2006 and onward, I just wanted to reach into the screen and genuinely hug that girl, that sweet younger version of myself that knew, somehow, without much guidance except the whispers in her own heart, to listen to the nudges that called to her, to make some really bad art until she found HER voice, to then, audaciously, sell that art in an attempt to see what would unfold. Who knew that almost 10 years later, a whole boatload of things, beautiful and hard and amazing, would unfold.
Today, I am feeling humble, and downright proud of that younger version of myself, and proud of 10 years of navigating the highs, the lows, the mistakes, the triumphs, and most of all, staying true. It hasn't been easy. But it's been a blessed journey. And I'm just so, so grateful.
Thank you for supporting me, all of these years. I feel like we've grown up together.
XO,Kelly Rae
PS: Reading my archives has inspired me to get back to this blog more than I have in a long time. I believe we go through seasons, and I've been in a season of cultivating and tending to other non-blog things for a long time. I'm ready to get back here and just spill, spill, spill.
PPS: For those of you who are interested in reading my archives from way back when (2006-2008 are the early years of my learning to paint, and eventually selling my work and the aftermath of a life that changed dramatically in a short amount of time [licensing! book deal! magazines! etc!]), you can head to the right sidebar of my blog and you'll see a drop down menu for the archives. Enjoy!
April 13, 2015
House Tour: Our Living Room
We've been in our home a year. A full year. We love, love, love it here. I pinch myself, daily, and hold so much gratitude for this space that holds us, nurtures us, inspires us.
Also, I can't tell you how meaningful of a journey it has been to take our time settling in. I'm such a doer, and a fast one at that. So, to still be settling in after a year, well, it's been both humbling and good for my soul. I've learned the value of really creating a home one memory after the next, and to do it intentionally, consciously, and at a reasonable pace that allows the rest of life (work! family! downtime!) to continue.
I wanted to share where our living room is today! I'll pretend you're right next to me, which means I'll babble. Enjoy!
BEFORE:
So. This was the "staged" living room when we were toured the house when it was for sale.......AFTER:
And this is what it looks like now. Big difference, yes?
In the winter, this is the darkest room in the house, so we painted it a nice bright yellow (Hawthorne Yellow by Benjamin Moore) and it instantly felt, I don't know, happier.
Originally the couch was a sectional but we didn't love having the couch oriented toward the TV. So, we simply took out the middle piece of the sectional and now the couch is super long (about 14') and fits the long nature of this room perfectly. It's made in the US and we bought it a local boutique called Sofa, Table, Chair.
The matching chairs are faux leather, and we love the two-toned colors of them. They're armless and sort of squatty. Love! They also came from Sofa, Table, Chair (great store).
The table was a junk store find that we painted orange. You can't really see them that well, but the lamps on either side of the couch are vintage Italian lamps that have sculpted rusty leaves. They are something.
Because this room is on the long and narrow side, we opted for a long coffee table as well. The coffee table is actually our old dining room table that we chopped the legs off of. Works perfectly here.
The wooden shelving holds a few of our favorite treasures, photos, and plants.
And the patchwork rug is an unusual Ikea find!
It's hard to see in this photo but under the window is a beautiful settee with my friend Mati Rose's artwork printed on it.
I'm not totally sure how I feel about the TV on the mantel, but for now it works.
Also, we love pillows.
And we switched out the standard ceiling light for a vintage one found at Hippo Hardware here in Portland (a favorite place to find old fixtures).
One of my favorite features about this room is the electric fireplace. Who knew?
Driftwood True and I painted together and our gorgeous vintage painted tray. A treasured little nook.
An arc lamp! Always wanted one and I'm loving how it adds to the room. This one came from Pottery Barn.
Hare to see, but the curtains in this room have gorgeous, artisan hummingbirds printed on them (hummingbirds are super meaningful to John and I).
The shelves hold some of our favorite photos, books, and treasures:
And this tiered stand. Love. Found it at a junk market, and have used it to hold plants ever since. Oh look, there's Mati's settee!
That's the living room tour, friends.
PS:
TODAY is the day, friends.
I want to thank you, truly for all the sign-up, love, and enthusiasm about my painting ecourse. Connections are already blooming in the classroom. And my heart is full. Also, one more thing that I don't think I've mentioned this last week or so while I've been spreading the word: Although the eCourse officially starts today, it's actually self-paced. Designed for busy (full) lives, you can pace through them however quickly or slowly you’d like with a full six months of access to the classroom.
Also, if you weren't able to sign up for the doors that "officially" opened today, please know you can come join us ANYTIME. The doors will remain open the rest of the year. We will be here to welcome you when the time is right.
Before I sign off, HUGE thanks to Karise Buell for this truly amazing testimonial that she sent over today. It addresses the cost, the timeline, and doing it with kids (which, I love!):
"I just finished this course last month, and as a super busy, full-time working/commuting mom of an 8 girl and 6 yr old boy, I'm so grateful that Kelly Rae designed it to be an "at your own pace" and open for six months class, which made it do-able for me. My 8 yr watched every single video with me (and had her own mantra page going before I did, lol), and both my kids joined me in creating art, and we've got quite a collection going by now.Thanks, everyone!
I purchased the supplies and started the videos about halfway through the course due to an extra busy season at the start. We squeezed the videos in one at a time (sometimes two) on the weekends, along with playing with our paint and canvases, and slowly but surely made our way through to the end. All that to say, if your life is busy but you feel this calling to you (whether you consider yourself an "artist" or not), you can absolutely do it! It's brought such joy, creativity, and fun to our home, and was worth every penny. I cannot recommend it enough! You're in for a treat!"
XO,
Kelly Rae
April 10, 2015
My Instagram Weekly Round-Up – Easter Surprises, Being Real, and More Angel Numbers!
I'm obsessed with Instagram – it's my favorite online home! Here's a recap from the last two weeks, and for those of you who aren't on Instagram, come and join me! And you can click here to see all the Instagram updates right here on my blog!
Friday April 3
Print Available – Follow Your True NorthI'm a HUGE fan of his book, The War of Art: “Like a magnetized needle floating on a surface of oil, Resistance will unfailingly point to true North - meaning that calling or action it most wants to stop us from doing. We can use this. We can use it as a compass. We can navigate by Resistance, letting it guide us to that calling or action that we must follow before all others.” ― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles Love love love The War of Art. Here's to following your true north! This print available from my print shop right here!
Delicious lunch and heart shaped toast!
Saturday April 4
Doodling while dying eggs. Gonna try water coloring with the natural dye.
Kind of cool this watercoloring with Easter egg dye;)
Sunday April 5
Gorgeous day over here with both sets of grands, huge brunch, a visit with the neighborhood bunny, and backyard fun with the neighbors.
Parents, how does this happen? This growing up thing? This feeling like I spin around and he's huge? It's beautiful. Bittersweet. Magical and enchanting and heartbreaking all at once. How can we possibly capture the nuances, the in betweens, the mystery of children becoming and growing and being who they are? Today he spent hours with his "besties" which are twin 12 yr old boys (who are quite possibly the most adorably nice and cool pre-teen boys ever). Anyway, I swear he was their age today, doing all the things they do, talking their talk, engaging them like he was one of them, and in my head I was like NO NO, NOT YET, you're only four and you must stay this little for ever and ever and all day long. Monday April 6
This baby just bloomed over the weekend. Potted it last week. Makes me enormously happy to watch the blooming happen all over the yard and neighborhood. So much renewal, rebirth, possibility. Happy Monday!
What Makes You Come Alive print available here!
What makes you come alive? Let's feel ALIVE this week, friends. Today I am doing something that scares me and it's definitely making me feel the fullness of aliveness.
Huge day here. LinkedIn is coming to my studio today to interview me. It will broadcast to over 5 million women entrepreneurs. Holy moly. Please send good vibes! My goal? To be in my truth, my power, and to rely on any and all divine guidance so that my voice and my words communicate adequately all that I deeply believe and know to be true. This feels really big!!
Thanks for all the good vibes and encouragement. The LinkedIn filming went really well. I showed up and told my story. So good and feeling a little proud. Major thanks to the crew who were so personable, funny, relaxed, and REAL.
Tuesday, April 7
Dear Quiet available from my shop!
Dear Quiet, Thank you for your stillness, your deep breaths, your moments of gratitude. The studio has been full of activity and noise lately (all good stuff! exciting stuff! fun stuff!), and it has me mega grateful for the moments of solitude I get to experience. Thank you thank you thank you. This print available from my shop!
I've been noticing lately that I see the same numbers or a sequence of numbers over and over again. One of my dearest friends said it was a sign, guidance from spirt world. There's all kinds of resources and information out there regarding these "angel numbers." A quick google search will turn up all sorts of explanations for hundreds of number sequences. Like finding a random heart in the world, I consider these number sitings to be a sweet kiss/message from the universe. Once I started noticing, they just kept appearing. These particular numbers showed up over a span of about 9 days. When I looked up the meaning of "222" which showed up the most I got this: "When Angel Number 222 repeats in your life you are asked to take a balanced, harmonious and peaceful stance in all areas of your life. The message is to keep the faith and stand strong in your personal truths. The message of repeating Angel Number 222 is that everything will turn out for the best in the long-term. Do not put your energies into negativity – be aware that all is being working out by spirit for the highest good of all involved. Angel Number 222 is also reminding you to keep up the good work you are doing, as the evidence of your manifestations are coming to fruition." I love this! I'll take all the love, confirmation, and guidance I can get. Whether it's from the repeating appearance of number sequences, found hearts, coincidences, a telling dream, an aha-moment, or a good, validating conversation about faith, and trust. I believe it all matters, and it all comes from where we came from: our ultimate home.
Having one of those days where I feel like a fully alive human being. A heartfelt conversation, a little bit of creative expression, connection with those around me, taking care of business at work, and generally allowing allowing allowing. The minute I let go is the minute I start enjoying just about every single thing including these sweet little flowers.
My word, for like, ever.
Wednesday April 8
This is my official joy jacket. Found on the clearance rack years ago, it's a lifetime keeper. Feels good to wear it today on what is a very dreary day here in Oregon. What's your go to joy wear?
I fully recommend painting the words we most need to hear on our bodies.
We went on our first date 16 years ago today. I asked him (though his memory would dispute this fact - he says he asked me) to a concert. He said yes. I was soooooo nervous. I was 24 and he 25. From that first date on it was quick, fast, hot, and real and crazy and amazing. Turns out we had been crushing on one another for about a year before we finally had that first date. The rest is history, and we have grown up in many ways together, and we have done a lot of hard work together too, celebrating, forgiving, and inspiring one another to just be good. And as much as I love all the deep layers of life that we've created and cherished and healed together, I still have bright memories of our beginnings when we were quite literally living on love. Besides becoming mama to True, choosing John and staying all in through the highs and lows has been the best choice I ever made
Thursday April 9
I can't even.
You + Me print available here "The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
And I really, truly believe with willingness and trust in ourselves. The more we cultivate the love for ourselves, the more we have to give to others. The glory of friendship starts within. This print available in my shop!
Do you have clothes that you've held onto for years and years? I bought this jacket years and years ago (10 maybe?) at a jcrew clearance rack. It was too big at the time and it lived in my car's trunk until one day I would take it to the seamstress. It never made it to the seamstress (I'm the worst procrastinator!) and eventually so much time went by that it wasn't too big anymore. And nowadays it's almost too small! Ahhh, the life and journeys of our changing bodies and clothes.
You guys! This space has been vacant since we created this little area in our front yard last fall. Finally got around to getting some Adirondack chairs (made by a guy in our hood) and I'm LOVING this. Paired with some sunshine and some tea? Well, sounds like heaven. Come sit with me and watch the world go by.
I adore them. There were some older skater men at the park this particular day cheering True on. I love watching him push through his fear and come out the other side so incredibly PROUD. Makes me beam for him.
That's it for this week! Check back here next week for another update, or join us over on Instagram for daily photos and thoughts!
XO,
Kelly Rae
April 9, 2015
Products We're Loving: Blooming, Charming, Healing!
Friends, each week we try and highlight some of our gorgeous products that we want to share with you! Some new new new and some old favorites. Check 'em out below!
PS: All of the products featured below (and more) are sold online via the online retailer Garden Gallery Iron Works (a local shop here in the Portland area), but if you're looking for signed/matted prints, you can get these in my print shop.
PPS: International customers, Garden Gallery is HAPPY to ship worldwide. Please email them at gardengalleryorders@gmail.com to get started.
Dear Child.
I promise to come alive with joy when you enter the room (I want you to feel loved and celebrated).
I promise to encourage you to dream big and reach toward possibility with faith and courage along the way.
I promise to create, play, dance, and sing with you (joyful creative abandon will be valued).
I promise to teach you about how to be brave in sadness and brave in love.
There will be pain, fear, joy and love.
I will be with you, side by side, to guide you through all of it.
May you always know how deeply you are loved, how your life shines brightly and how your heart is never alone.
This is my promise to you dear child.
LOVING this new Dear Child wood block manifesto. Perfect perfect for a child's room – hang it on a wall or display it on a bookshelf! Find it at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
Spring mornings call for tea!! This one is one of my favorites (and when you are done drinking your favorite coffee, tea or cocoa there is a surprise message at the bottom!!) The outside has says: Hello faith, Hello Courage. This mug also comes in a matching gift box and makes a great gift!
WOW these new bracelets are something! The starter bracelets come in brown, turquoise, and pink, and the customizable charms are DELIGHTFUL. You can see the collection and start to build your own at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
I love this little plaque to welcome guests into the garden! I love spending time among the flowers, the bees, the fresh cut grass and blooming trees. Inspiration indeed lives here. Find this plaque at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here.
The hanging angels have been a precious and blessed part of the KRR collection, and this year's collection is so, so sweet. I love this Hope and Healing angel. She reads: Hope & healing. May you discover all the ways hope rises up to meet our brokenness and cracks open our hearts to the light within ourselves, waiting to be seen, waiting to be born.
Find this angel at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
PS:
Four days left till it all begins, ya'll!!! We're gonna put our inner 6-7-8 year old selves into the driver's seat - that part of ourselves that is brilliant at accessing deep curiosity and creativity - and let her/him UNLEASH their JOY on our canvases. It's going to be pure magic and so much fun. Come play with us, friends!
For those of you with kids - any age from 2yrs old to teenagers - I can't tell you how much your kids will love this style of painting. It's all about embracing the mess, imperfect mark-making, and having fun with art supplies inside a process where there are truly no mistakes. I would absolutely encourage you to do this course with them. My son has been painting with me since he was about 20mos old and not only does he love it, but it's become something that we can do together. For those of you with older kids, this process can be a great way into deeper conversations with them about the bigger metaphors and life lessons that emerge when we are painting (trusting the process, embracing the uncertainties, discovering our voices, etc etc - all things we'll dive into in class).
Class starts Monday, April 13th! Come join us for the adventure!
PS: All of the products featured below (and more) are sold online via the online retailer Garden Gallery Iron Works (a local shop here in the Portland area), but if you're looking for signed/matted prints, you can get these in my print shop.
PPS: International customers, Garden Gallery is HAPPY to ship worldwide. Please email them at gardengalleryorders@gmail.com to get started.
Dear Child.
I promise to come alive with joy when you enter the room (I want you to feel loved and celebrated).
I promise to encourage you to dream big and reach toward possibility with faith and courage along the way.
I promise to create, play, dance, and sing with you (joyful creative abandon will be valued).
I promise to teach you about how to be brave in sadness and brave in love.
There will be pain, fear, joy and love.
I will be with you, side by side, to guide you through all of it.
May you always know how deeply you are loved, how your life shines brightly and how your heart is never alone.
This is my promise to you dear child.
LOVING this new Dear Child wood block manifesto. Perfect perfect for a child's room – hang it on a wall or display it on a bookshelf! Find it at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
Spring mornings call for tea!! This one is one of my favorites (and when you are done drinking your favorite coffee, tea or cocoa there is a surprise message at the bottom!!) The outside has says: Hello faith, Hello Courage. This mug also comes in a matching gift box and makes a great gift!
WOW these new bracelets are something! The starter bracelets come in brown, turquoise, and pink, and the customizable charms are DELIGHTFUL. You can see the collection and start to build your own at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
I love this little plaque to welcome guests into the garden! I love spending time among the flowers, the bees, the fresh cut grass and blooming trees. Inspiration indeed lives here. Find this plaque at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here.
The hanging angels have been a precious and blessed part of the KRR collection, and this year's collection is so, so sweet. I love this Hope and Healing angel. She reads: Hope & healing. May you discover all the ways hope rises up to meet our brokenness and cracks open our hearts to the light within ourselves, waiting to be seen, waiting to be born.
Find this angel at the online retailer Garden Gallery right here!
PS:
Four days left till it all begins, ya'll!!! We're gonna put our inner 6-7-8 year old selves into the driver's seat - that part of ourselves that is brilliant at accessing deep curiosity and creativity - and let her/him UNLEASH their JOY on our canvases. It's going to be pure magic and so much fun. Come play with us, friends!
For those of you with kids - any age from 2yrs old to teenagers - I can't tell you how much your kids will love this style of painting. It's all about embracing the mess, imperfect mark-making, and having fun with art supplies inside a process where there are truly no mistakes. I would absolutely encourage you to do this course with them. My son has been painting with me since he was about 20mos old and not only does he love it, but it's become something that we can do together. For those of you with older kids, this process can be a great way into deeper conversations with them about the bigger metaphors and life lessons that emerge when we are painting (trusting the process, embracing the uncertainties, discovering our voices, etc etc - all things we'll dive into in class).
Class starts Monday, April 13th! Come join us for the adventure!
April 8, 2015
The first in a new series, plus a painting time lapse
New Art: All Day Long
I'm working on a new series of artwork that is all about the togetherness, tenderness, and the love that we share and cultivate with our families. Inspired by my 4 yr old son, True, this series is raw, honest, and different from what I'm known for. The piece above is a collaboration, really, between me and him, and I love, love, love it. I want these pieces to make their way into kid rooms, but also into family living spaces where we gather and build memories.
Stay tuned for more pieces in this series, but if you're interested in the piece above, you can get it right here.
Recently I made a painting and shared snippets of the time-lapse over on Instagram, but I wanted to share the full video with you guys here on the blog. Pardon the orientation as I couldn't figure out how to flip the video once it was recorded! And can I just say how much I love having time-lapse on my iphone? LOVE!
Also, you guys. My painting ecourse starts in just a few short days. This will be the only time it launches with a group of students this year and I'm super excited. Please come join us!
I love teaching. I love connecting with my students. The best part, for me, is the community that forms, a beautiful constellation of people. They are seekers, creative beings, joyful spirits who want to invite a bit more creative play and joyful intention into their lives. They are welcoming, kind-hearted, sweet souls who uplift and support one another along the way. Some share the lessons and take the class with their children and family members. Some cozily take their time, relishing the self paced nature of this course. Some are beginners, some masters. Either way, they are ALL IN, allowing the unfolding.
I’m an artist, but I’m also (as one friend cleverly put it) a Connectress. When I bring people together (online or otherwise), big things happen. I can’t explain it – it’s just the power of creative synchronicity. And community.
Come join us. Class starts Monday!
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