"Life's A Garden. Dig it"
The inspiration behind my upcoming March 2024 collection release is very personal, near and dear to me.
After all, let’s face it. Art IS in fact very personal by its very nature—it comes from within you.
So…. let’s get personal.
2023 was a year full of ups and downs. A lot of doors opened, some were closed and some doors I just could not unlock—no matter how hard I tried.
I created and sold more beautiful pieces of art than I ever dreamed possible thanks to wonderful, supportive women and clients like you. I balanced three jobs, a young family and a grueling fertility journey.
I left my life-long career of ten years in pharmaceutical sales and took a big risk to do what I love---to be a full-time mom and artist. A risk I don’t think I would have the courage to take if it weren’t for the challenges I faced last year.
Adversity shaped me for the better and much like growing a garden—through hard work, determination and weathering the storm I found a sunny spot where I could shine.
The purpose of sharing this is to inspire you to persevere in the face of difficulty. I want you to find your sunny spot too. You deserve that, we all do.
You may be new here or you may have followed along for a long time…but every year I post about National Infertility Awareness. I do this because I am one of the many women who have struggled on the path to motherhood.
I have done IVF not once or twice…but FOUR times. Yes, you read that correctly…I said four.
Three of the rounds were last year (2023) in our hope to give our son a sibling and although it was a very difficult year that ultimately did not end as we hoped, I do believe with all my heart that God gave me this rocky path to walk for a reason. Maybe it’s to help you, the very person reading these words right now. Maybe it’s to talk about overcoming loss and how you can find happiness and joy even in times you don’t understand the “why”
It is a choice you have to make.
There is an expression I love “Don’t Water Weeds” ---
Apply this helpful saying to anything you want to keep out of your life---don’t give oxygen to the thoughts that don’t serve you well. Go outside, get in the sunshine, paint something beautiful, serve others, be kind, eat the chocolate, take the trip, go for your dreams. But don't waste time watering weeds.
I don’t know what life has in store for us, but I know I have one beautiful boy who lights up my world, a loving husband, my faith and a passion to do what I love. I could not be more grateful for the life God has so graciously given me and I won’t waste it.
After all…..
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”
-Audrey Hepburn
I hope when you see this collection, you see this is not a sad story---it’s actually a collection of grit, gratitude and hope.
If you need a piece of art that has deep meaning and will bring light and love to your space---you’ve come to the right place. Every single piece has a story.
Which one will you make yours?
XOXO
Caroline
Thank you, Caroline, for sharing your very personal story, which adds beautiful depth to your art!