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part six of this series on choice! maybe, like me, you’re looking around lately and seeing that as well-intended as most of it is -- there seems to be choices being made “for our good” at school, in our activities, at work, in our neighborhoods, communities, in our families, and even at church. while i’m truly grateful that so many have our best in mind, i do believe that there is a very fine line between supporting, inviting, encouraging, & guiding...AND the other side, which can be choosing, dictating, controlling, demanding and manipulating. let’s consider some of the places and ways that these are happening and find the best way to navigate it all for us individually and within our families.

several years ago, marissa & heather combined forces to support mother artists & create a much-needed community on instagram. artists themselves, they were learning how to set aside tradition or opinions of others, and go after their own creative pursuits while being working mothers. soo many conversations and uplifting love shared between creative caregivers, artist takeovers, interviews, and hashtag challenges. (they even created a global directory on their website: carveouttimeforart.com) last year, their book, the motherhood of art hit bookshelves, continuing the support and conversation. most recently, they have started a patreon podcast called the creative instigators! enjoy this extra sweet conversation full of all the raw realness of mother artists, art journeys, boundaries, knowing yourself, an important litmus question, prioritizing, furthering your art through education, goals, passions, going for it...thunderstorms...and so much more. enjoy, enjoy! (make sure to enter the giveaway)

have you read blackmoore or edenbrooke?! whether you have, or will want to very soon, this episode is sure to bring back wanderlust as award-winning author julianne donaldson takes you through her process writing the novels & traveling for her research. she has a brand new book, “come, sweet day”, out that is so different from her romance novels and ever so timely -- julianne used her gift over the last few years in new ways to help she and her kids get through some incredibly hard times together. the result from this labor is a beyond-beautiful collection of short stories and poems that effortlessly flow together, gently offering hope and comfort at a time when many of us need just that. sections include: my wilderness, grace, light, home, & mercy. julianne reads a couple pieces during our interview...oh they are wonderful! one that i absolutely love is on pages 80 & 81: all about the journey to our own promised land. on pages 42 & 43 is another i adore about winter, birds, and hope...it’s lovely. keep an eye out for julianne’s 6 week creative writing course coming in the fall, as well as her regency retreat in september that will be a weekend to never forget as you step back in time and join the pages of julianne’s romance novels...it’s going to be unforgettable!

how often do we look at others and think that they only have to put their time and energy into one thing to be successful? what is really happening behind the scenes and how do you get there? just some simple ideas to consider in your very personal art journey or creative business career. you've got this!

do you ever stress about your time usage and just plain feeling overwhelmed? maybe you’ve even considered giving up on your passion because life is just so heavy?! but then you realize that you won’t find happiness if you quit. you know deep inside that you have a superpower --- something that you can give to others...a very simple or specific way to bring light or beauty or love, support and kindness. well we need you! Here are some ideas that have helped me and i hope that your heart will tell you even more ideas as you listen.

my mother’s day collection at la petite maison antiques in draper utah is available! 8 pieces, some hummingbirds and fairy wren to represent mothering our small flocks, also some florals that will never wilt and local mapstacts to mark special spots. named after favorite french songs and singers...a couple from enzo enzo’s album about a mother’s songs. (“chansons d’une maman”)

this is the 5th episode in a series about giving and choice (aka agency). if you missed julia's first interview, listen to that one first (link below). she gives some background on herself, family and her initial impressions/experiences with agency. this episode is a beautiful deeper exploration into favorite thoughts, experiences and quotes about agency. taking time, educating, natural consequences and so much more. enjoy!

episode #143 part i in the series
episode #144 part ii in the series
episode #147 part iii in the series (1st interview with julia)
episode #149 part iv in the series

the first words that come to mind when i’m describing chalene are: joy, optimism, & laughter. chalene is turning 40 next week and we have so many reasons to celebrate this amazing creative and friend. a boy mom full of spunk and fun...she her husband and their 4 boys are always working on an amazing project together. diy projects around the house, entrepreneur ventures, and helping their family & friends. happiest birthday my dear sweet friend. thanks for being you! 

***chalene’s hair salon is in salem utah, email me if you’d like her contact info ;) (k@katrinaberg.com)