Books Coming Out, Behind the Artwork, and Why Talking to Yourself is a Good Idea

I know it’s been so long. It’s like when you need to call someone, and then you wait because you’re not sure what to say, and then it’s been too long and it’s just awkward. That’s how I’ve felt about you. But here I am, just leaning right into the awkwardness. Hello again!

Things that have been happening here:

1) I am painting lots of portraits on Etsy. This has been quite a surprise.

2) I painted two companion portraits and entered them in the Houston VAA show. I would love to think that there will come a day when I can do something that will probably lead to rejection and not be in a state of complete panic at the same time. Does this ever happen? Here’s a little video of me talking about these pieces:

3) Speaking of videos, I’ve been making quite a few. I kind of love it! Now I know what all those years of talking to myself in the car was practice for. You can check them out at www.youtube.com/athaliahjoy

4) I have 2 new books out:

                   



5) And one more book coming out this month:




 Mended is a collection of my writing from the blog, unpublished writing from my journals, letters I’ve written to others, and my favorite quotes. It is my heart, and releasing it feels a lot like I’m stripping in the middle of the mall. But sometimes getting naked, opening your heart and telling no lies, is just the right thing to do. Because this is my story. I fear, yet I am loved. I still fight anxiety every single day, but I can live in spite of that. I can take my fear by the hand and keep walking forward.

So how are you? I’d really like to know. I hope you’re not in the dark, but if you are know that you can keep living through it. It will not always be as dark as it is today.

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