Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog, page 46

closet clean out + other tales of unraveling

(a view into my closet post-clean out)
I can feel now how all this work to stay open and tender brings on a sense of fierce grace + fearlessness. I can feel now the power coming back to me, my sense of center being redefined. I can feel how the unraveling is guiding me back to my center.  The last two years of transition, change, and being cracked/broken open have lead me to the pealing back of one layer, then another, and then more and more.  The layers have been piled high on my heart. They have names like fear, pain, shame, resistance. I can see now that the deeper I go into peeling back the layers with gentle healing, the closer I get to what's hidden beneath the layers: my center, my soul. The center feels peaceFull.  It feels vulnerable yet undeniably strong. Tender but light. Unburdened and free.

It happens often in our lives, I think. Transistions mark our lives, and they mark the unraveling journeys back to our centers. For many it's loss, divorce, illness that can trigger the unraveling down into the layers. For me, it was the trigger of my birth trauma followed by the remarkable journey into motherhood. This specific change/transition has inspired me to confront all the ways that I was living a half life, and  to do the work needed so that I'm living a whole life. This has been the gift of motherhood, of a little boy named True who has given me the meaningful gift of sight, of really seeing who I want to be. I want to be whole.

I can see, for the first time in my adult life, how significant change can be the portals we need to go down under for a bit only to dig through the ashes of what is left behind, and then make our way up from a redefined center, an unburdened place where we get to reemerge a more whole, fuller version of ourselves.  What a remarkable journey, should we choose to embrace it and not continue to live with half our hearts. 
With all of this in mind, I recently decided to let go of all my favorite clothes that I've been holding onto since I was quite pregnant with True. Considering True just turned two, it's been about 2 and half years since I've been holding onto bins full of skirts, jeans, dresses. They simply don't fit anymore. I thought they would by the time he turned one, and then again when he turned two. I'm letting go. 
Of course, it's not about the clothes. It's about the weight of holding onto the clothes. About the holding on to an older version of me that simply doesn't exist anymore. About all the space they're taking up in my spiritual closet, not leaving much room for new breath, new space, new life. It's about gently letting go and creating who I want to be. It's about creating another clearing so that my new dreams can be of service. 
I spent a couple of hours one rainy morning going through each piece of clothing. I asked myself one question about each piece: Is it holding me back or pushing me forward? If the answer was holding me back, I let it go. It felt like a ritual. Like I was thanking each piece of clothing for all the ways it served my spirit in my pre-mamahood days, then I gently packed it up in a box with a wish that it would do the same for the next soul and spirit that it would serve. Sounds woo woo, but I can't help it. There were a few tears shed. A realization that I'm all grown up now and that this new version of me now gets to be reflected in new clothes that fit this new body.

I made piles for donation, piles for gifting, and piles for consignment. Feels wonderful. As my soul becomes less and less burdened, so does my closet. Metaphors everywhere. 




(print available here)
A couple of days later, I created this painting. It all gets expressed. Life is a magical journey, no?

What rituals, and cleanings are you creating? What lessons are you putting to rest? What lessons are you inviting in? I'd love to know. 
XO,
Kelly Rae

Art In Motion: Dear Soul

With Art in Motion, I share the visual journey through the life of one of my paintings — from the blank canvas, to the first splash of inspiration, all the way to the finished piece. Enjoy to the fullest!
Click here to see all the posts in this ongoing project series.
First step: Collage!
Next: sketching and playing with collage elements for her hair
Next up: More paint and definitionAnd then the final touches.....

A little something different...feels good to stretch, creatively.
I believe our souls are indeed on remarkable journeys here in this life, with these breaths, with these lessons. They go through so much here, learn so much, love so much.  I think we should take a pause and let them know they're doing a great job. It's not always easy here. But definitely remarkable. Life is beautiful and I often think about how lucky I am (how lucky my soul is) to be here. 

Signed print available here. Original will be available in the next few weeks. Sign up for the newsletter if you want to know when)
I get so many questions about which art supplies I use and love. You can check out my favorite supplies for making art (like the one above) over here. 

soul renovation

This is a season of transformation, both outside, and inside - inside our home and inside our souls. Big, beauty-full transformations all around. As I rearrange furniture, move rooms around in our home, and finish some big remodeling projects (basement), I'm aware that I'm doing similar rearrangement in my soul. Soul work. Good work. Feels good to move things around, get new perspectives, and see things differently. I haven't done this level of work on our home since we renovated the old bones of this bungalow two years ago and I've not done this level of eye-opening soul work (soul renovation) in years. Not the kind of work that leaves you sad, but the kind of work that awakens and inspires and transforms.

I can feel the shifting. The rearranging. The falling of the leaves as I also learn to let go. The transformation outside, the glow outside. The glow inside. True's intense delight, my lightness, John's amazingness. They are so right when they say the truth sets you free. I am in the center of a gorgeous season, with truth and courage leading the way.

(really, a message to my own heart:)

Nourish Your Soul: Products with meaning + purpose

I like to think that it's not just a piece of wall art, or mug, or necklace, but rather an invitation to see and celebrate the real story behind our lives. My mission, always, is to create products that tell the truth and allow for moments of healing, celebration, empowerment, and belonging. Most of my products are inspired by the rich conversations I have both in my inner life, and my outer life. My goal, with any product, is to communicate the soul of those conversations into the products so that we're all talking about (and celebrating) the wholeness of our lives in togetherness and community.

This weekly blog series is a place where I celebrate and honor specific products that have made their way out into the world with genuine purpose. May you be inspired (and perhaps find a little something to nourish your soul)!



One of my favorites (and a best seller), this perfectly sized pillow greets me in my office chair each day - a cozy (literally) reminder to radiate possibility and dream big. Available here. 
Also greeting me on my desk each day is one of the mugs. The above is my personal favorite, though lately I've been choosing this one (hello, possibility!). Friends, I love these mugs - they feel sturdy and solid in your hands. Lots of different designs to choose from, available here. 



And I can't forget the teacups. DELIGHTFUL and inspired by my love of drinking tea from teacups in the afternoons. Hello, Love is my favorite, but really, I adore them all and I think they make a great, thoughtful gift. Available here.




Another table top/office decor favorite are these birds on a stick! Have you guys heard the famous "put a bird on it and call it art" phrase that has come out of my city (Portland, OR)? If not, you've got to watch this video (hilarious). Of course these birdies are artful, creative, and they look super cute on any surface (love!). Wish birdie available here and soar birdie available here. 


Thanks, friends. Would love to hear your suggestions about what kinds of products and messages you'd like for us to consider - we're always open to new ideas! Our mission is to continue to create products that blend creativity with meaning, beauty with function. All ideas welcome!

Warmly,
Kelly Rae

More than just a product...

I like to think that it's not just a piece of wall art, or mug, or necklace, but rather an invitation to see and celebrate the real story behind our lives. My mission, always, is to create products that tell the truth and allow for moments of healing, celebration, empowerment, and belonging. Most of my products are inspired by the rich conversations I have both in my inner life, and my outer life. My goal, with any product, is to communicate the soul of those conversations into the products so that we're all talking about (and celebrating) the wholeness of our lives in togetherness and community.

This weekly blog series is a place where I celebrate and honor specific products that have made their way out into the world with genuine purpose. May you be inspired (and perhaps find a little something to nourish your soul)!



One of my favorites (and a best seller), this perfectly sized pillow greets me in my office chair each day - a cozy (literally) reminder to radiate possibility and dream big. Available here. 
Also greeting me on my desk each day is one of the mugs. The above is my personal favorite, though lately I've been choosing this one (hello, possibility!). Friends, I love these mugs - they feel sturdy and solid in your hands. Lots of different designs to choose from, available here. 



And I can't forget the teacups. DELIGHTFUL and inspired by my love of drinking tea from teacups in the afternoons. Hello, Love is my favorite, but really, I adore them all and I think they make a great, thoughtful gift. Available here.




Another table top/office decor favorite are these birds on a stick! Have you guys heard the famous "put a bird on it and call it art" phrase that has come out of my city (Portland, OR)? If not, you've got to watch this video (hilarious). Of course these birdies are artful, creative, and they look super cute on any surface (love!). Wish birdie available here and soar birdie available here. 


Thanks, friends. Would love to hear your suggestions about what kinds of products and messages you'd like for us to consider - we're always open to new ideas! Our mission is to continue to create products that blend creativity with meaning, beauty with function. All ideas welcome!

Warmly,
Kelly Rae

Where Women Create feature (holy cow!)

(a sneak peek at my article in the latest issue of Where Women Create, all photos by Tiffany Kirchner Dixon)
I am crazy honored to be included in the latest issue of Where Women Create. I'm a HUGE fan of this publication - so much inspiration inside the creative studios and spaces they feature.  So much. I like to curl up with a hot cup of tea and read the stories and pour over the photos. And Jo Packham, the publication's brilliant creator + editor-n-chief, writes the best letters from the editor of any magazine. I always feel like she talking right to me, welcoming me to her kitchen table for a nice long chat.
I can't tell you what a dream it is to open up the latest issue and see several pages of my new studio featured. Remember when I moved in? It's come a long way since then and the lovely Tiffany Kirchner Dixon (aka Fancy Farm Girl) took some amazing photos of the space that tell the story of what it's all about. 
Huge thanks to Jo + Tiffany for making me and my studio shine, shine, shine. I adore these ladies and I just feel so lucky! 
You can find this issue on stands now or you can scoop it up right here. 

PS: The 10 day couch sale event is still happening and ends 11/14.
PPS: From now until Christmas, we are shipping out orders from the shop very frequently. Loving all of you early shoppers (thank you for thinking of us for your gift giving!)

A growing True!

He was the most adorable baby. And he cracked my heart and life open. Wide open. Nothing has been the same since he blessed us with his life....we are incredibly fortunate.







Sometimes. Sometimes I can't believe I get to be his mom. That I get the privilege. The honor. My heart nearly bursts with tenderness and sweetness at any given moment.

We celebrated True's second birthday recently and I just can't believe how quickly this is all happening. It seems like yesterday when we were celebrating his birth, his first year milestones, his second year milestones.







And now he is two. A full blown toddler. A happy, sweet natured little boy who loves to talk and sing and explore and say things like "pretty mama." He is all about loving on us with his hugs and kisses and we're all about loving on him with snuggles and fun and games and everyday adventures. He's mellow like John. And into everything. Runs full speed down the sidewalk, scooters full speed down the sidewalk, talks on the phone with his friends, makes art, plays his guitar and on and and on. His joy is contagious.

He is ours. And that seems impossibly too good to be true.

It's the ten day couch sale event!

(the couch, in my studio)
Hi friends,
So many of you have asked where to buy the couch that is a part of my home decor line. Although they're sold in many boutiques nationwide, we know it can be a struggle finding the couch in a store near you.

I've got great news.

Starting today, and for the next ten days only, my pals at Garden Gallery (a local store here in the Portland area that carries all of my products) have agreed to offer FREE SHIPPING to anyone who purchases the couch. Free shipping! So, if you have been wanting the couch, now is your chance. It will arrive before Christmas! And friends, I have to say. This couch is by far one of my all time favorite things ever. It's cozy. And happy. And beautiful.


(Here it is in my studio where it takes center stage:)
Details:
- Offer starts on Monday, 11/5 and ends 11/14
-  It's super comfortable
- And you'll look really good on it
- And you'll have it and adore it forever
- Offer does not include shipping to AK and HI (sorry!)

How to make your purchase:
- Call 800-452-5266 and either Don, Kathy, or Carol can assist you and provide more details.
- Couch: $2000
- Shipping: free!




Event Signing This Week!
PS: If you happen to live in the Portland, OR area, I'll be doing a signing at Garden Gallery's new retail space housed inside their super cool warehouse. Think cozy, unique, industrial space - very chic. I'll be there Thurs, Nov 8th from 11am - 2pm. I'd love to meet you!!! There will be snacks, wine, and lots of goodies for purchase. Address: 2967 Industrial Ave, Hubbard OR 97032.[image error]

around here lately

Creating: Been pushing my creative edges a bit. Feels good to stretch and try new things. Lately, I've been craving purple tones which surprises me. Purple and I have never agreed on anything. 
Nesting. We are currently in the midst of finishing up the basement remodeling project which means new (big) egress windows, walls, wood floors. Super excited. Our bungalow is fairly small so we're stretching out every square inch we can get. When it's all done, our basement will include a spare bedroom, laundry room, playroom, and family/tv lounge room. A ton of work, but worth it. This project is giving me flashbacks to two years ago when we gutted and remodeled the main house when we were on the edge of having a baby (crazy times). 

Updating. You guys have been asking for this for a LONG time. Happy to make your shopping experience easier by being able to view FULL images on main shop pages. Can I get an amen? Check it out! Speaking of the shop, we're about 3/4 through our 2013 signed calendars. Get yours while you can :)

Loving. True and I have been watching this video over and over. I just love everything about it. I'm not going to lie, there has been a tear or two shed. It's that awesome.


Adventuring: To the coast, to the gorge, to the waterfalls, to play dates....I adore my family time.

Clearing: I've been cleaning out my closet, big time. I have so much more to say. A whole post, really. About creating clearings, making room for more growth, and how the simple act of cleaning out a closet is so much bigger than getting rid of some old clothes. More on that soon.



Decorating: Been moving things around, rearranging furniture, and putting up a few new pieces from my collections. The piece above reads "kindness changes everything" and it's a large, substantial wall piece. I just love it. (You can buy it here, if you're interested). We're moving rooms around too - creating office nooks, creative play nooks for True - that kind of thing. I love this stuff.




Relishing: Fall is in full swing over here. It's gorgeous. The rain is here too and that is just fine (because it makes everything feel like an adventure). The colors, though, are spectacular. The chill, the smell,  the beginnings of Autumn are my favorite time of year. The pace is slower. Love. 

(Sockdog + Bleu, the adorable (happy) softie via Katrina's shop)


(It rains here. A lot.)
Celebrating: True turned two at the beginning of Oct and we've been celebrating the whole month. Then there was Halloween, and visits from faraway family, and day trips to pumpkin patches, and harvest festivals, and just so much living. Life is whizzing right through. And I'm working hard on not missing a thing.



Event Signing Next Week! PS: If you happen to live in the Portland, OR area, I'll be doing a signing next week at Garden Gallery's new retail space housed inside their super cool warehouse. Think cozy, unique, industrial space - very chic. I'll be there Thurs, Nov 8th from 11am - 2pm. I'd love to meet you!!! There will be snacks, wine, and lots of goodies for purchase (they carry ALL of my products and they're fully stocked). Address: 2967 Industrial Ave, Hubbard OR 97032. 

a video! my first!

Awhile back the talented Vivienne McMaster and I spent the day together.

I have always loved Viv's photography, but lately I've been loving what she's been doing with video (you have to check out her ecourse that she offers about making soulful videos - one class starts next week). Her work is quirky yet beautiful. Artsy yet smart. I admire the way she tells stories. And so I asked if she would be up for creating a video for me, and I was DELIGHTED when she said yes.


We spent an entire afternoon in and around my studio and she took photos and videos of the studio, of me, of my cowgirl boots, of my paints, and more. There was dancing involved. And skipping. And other ridiculous silly fun.

Then she spun her magic and created a lovely video that helps tell the story of who I am, and what I'm about.  I l.o.v.e how it turned out and wanted to share it with you....


(Video is just shy of 3 mins....watch the whole thing. There's a treat at the end :)
The other huge gift from our day together was all the amazing shots she took. I have written before about what it feels like to have your photo taken (a little bit scary). In fact, I just re-read this post about getting my pregnant belly photographed and everything I wrote then about the gift of seeing ourselves through the lens of someone else is still so true. This is such a gift that photographers give us. I am crazy grateful.




Huge thanks to Viv. I'm feeling so lucky about the new video (and photos!)! I'm thinking the video is going to look lovely on my newly updated website...Thank you, Viv! And big thanks to Kerry Loeschen who created the music. If you're looking for a musician, he's your guy :)