I’ve thought a lot lately about being a writer and being a mom, and how to balance the attention I dedicate to my book when I have two amazing kiddos in my life. I recently read Like a Mom by Raquel Drosos (check out my review!) and it drove the point home that we don’t have to pick, just learn to balance.

Case and point: the other day, after working all day, in the middle of cooking dinner and wrangling up kids’ homework, my wonderful daughter handed me this:

“Its for your book, Mom,” she told me.

I stood there dumbfounded. Weeks ago she had watched me make some graphics to promote The Mark of the Artist, and on several occasions I’ve used the hashtag #arthaspower, and even here on my blog I’ve talked about how I feel that there is power in art.

She noticed (she’s very observant) and took a little canvas she’d painted and added stickers.

The balance isn’t just for me to figure out, but it comes from the others in my life. It isn’t one or the other. The kiddos want to help their mama with her book, so why not let them in their own way be involved? If there can be “take your kid to work days,” then this is like “show your kid your dreams.” Maybe someday they’ll feel empowered to go after their dreams, too! 🩷💙

Update: I also was given a delightful painting by my adorable son. I don’t know if a mushroom with a fairy door is related to my book, but it is inspiration nonetheless! 💙