We made it!:

We did it. 2021 was wild to say the least! First, I want to say thank you for being a patron and supporting me. I’m able to do what I do because of you all, and I am so very thankful. Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy and happy new year!

In true journal form, I’m going to be recapping 2021 as well as December.

Year end review:

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been going through my journal starting from December 2020 and making notes of what each month was like. And it reminded me how rough it was the first half of the year was and how much more capacity/energy I gained the second half.

Here are some lows:

Pandemic anxiety + depression that really froze me in the winter/spring
My family crisis/trauma
My partner’s own family crisis and health issues
Being alone for long periods before being vaccinated
Financial stress at the beginning of the year

And here are some highs:

Coming out of my anxiety/depression and finding new energy post vax
Getting vaccinated + boosted
Reconnecting to friends in person
Facilitating my BIPOC art workshops, Create Together, art + healing mentorships, and watercolor workshops
Deepening my relationship with my partner and healing my abandonment wounds
Moving upstairs
Finding work/life/art balance in the past few months
Financial stability

One 2021 Lesson:

I’ve learned alot this past year, but learning how to make decisions from self integrity was a big one. I will be carrying this lesson along with me into 2022 and hopefully deepen it.

What I mean is - Integrity to not allow self exploitation or exploitation of others in every aspect of life (to the best of my ability), because capitalism/white supremacy will always demand exploitation. 2021 taught me through missteps and triumphs that making decisions from the source of my values is always worth it. I’ve worked for myself and others for way less than what my labor deserved, and when it happened - I wasn’t in integrity or consent with myself. I felt sick to my stomach when that happened. While there is so much understanding and self compassion to be extended, I am strengthening my core so that I can advocate for myself and others.

This applies to work, but it also applies to my creative process. When I’m clear and focused about why I’m doing art, it clears the way for me to not only do art that fulfills me - but gives me self permission to truly take care of myself. Then, when my needs are met, I can decide where I should put my energy. Whether it’s in reciprocal relationships or creative projects or collaborative work.

December:

This was a busy month! I feel like all of us were running around wrapping up the year - trying to not get or spread covid. I’m happy to say that I felt grounded and resourced despite the holidays being a hard time for me. I’ve been working alot between my own businesses and gig work that I’ve been really enjoying. The level of business was really good. The perfect amount of space to do art/rest/socialize/reflect and business that helps me not get frozen. My nervous system has served me so well this month and I’m so thankful for the resources I have to maintain my groundedness.

more Petsitting:

Over Christmas week, I watched my friends’ sweet pets! Changing my environment for a few nights was helpful in helping me not to fall into a depressive slump. On Christmas Day, I had a friend over at the house, and it was so fun to watch xmas movies with pets. Thankful.

freedom fighter herbs:

My dear friend Peregrine is an incredible herbalist/artist/healer, and they have this community offering for activists, educators, healers in the community. If you aren’t familiar with their work, check out their Patreon and support this community project. The picture above is the winter care pack I received from it.

corporate Workshop:

It’s been almost two years since I’ve taught a corporate painting workshop! I led one in December, and it reminded me it’s helpful to have these kinds of gigs - because it’s an active way to redistribute resources. I need these bigger jobs in order to sustain my life so that I can pour my heart into the BIPOC community as well as my time and labor. If you have any leads of companies that would enjoy a meditative watercolor workshop, let me know!

bipoc healing fund:

Talking about redistributing resources…As I am building and maintaining my Art + Healing Mentorship program, Create Together (BIPOC monthly gathering), and other workshops ( I have exciting plans for the new year). I continually need support to keep everything accessible for BIPOC and me paid for my labor. You - Patrons - have been crucial in keeping my work going and accessible, and I am so thankful!