What I want when I’m 80 years old.

This is my favorite photo of me and the kids. My son, with his sweet little baby face and my daughter with her two bottom teeth.

I can remember that moment like it happened yesterday, and it was almost 4 years ago. We were in the guest room of our home having a pillow fight and making a “fort” under the down comforter. It was cold outside but we were cozy.

As a full time stay at home mommy artist, I have had many opportunities to play with my kids. Many moments of making a complete fool of myself on purpose just to make them laugh (everyone know that those are the best kinds of giggles to hear).

When I was younger, I never really gave much thought about what was important to me as a life mission. I did my best to be kind, successful and passionate, but I never asked myself the question, “where do I want to be when I’m 80?”

Now that I am in my late thirties, and away from the corporate world, the allure of money and things have started to die down and I am realizing now, more than ever, the importance of relationships. Every day I have the opportunity to love on my little family. Every day with my art, I have the opportunity to help other people love on theirs. That really is an honor.

I think that that realization is what has truly started to form my vision for my own personal and business goals over the last few years. Because, as we all know, not much matters more than the relationships we have and get to enjoy in our life, however long or short it may be.

When I am 80, I want to be known as a faithful loving wife and mom, a good friend, and someone full of forgiveness and grace. I want to exude joy, and help others to do the same. I want to give the people around me a reason to laugh and smile and love life.

In business, I want to do many of the same things. I want to help people to celebrate their relationships, and to give them a moment of joy every day by reminding them of the beautiful world around them- a way to remember where they were when their special memories happened.

It’s been a true joy, the last few years, to work on so many custom art projects that honor anniversaries, marriages, homes, friendships, moments of transition and growth… for that, I am abundantly thankful.

best friend going away gift

7 state Coast Gard retirement gift

co-worker going away gift

lake piece for her husband

3 states celebrating where they’ve lived

1st year anniversary

This is my big picture. What is yours?

Have a beautiful day,

Rachel

 

 

 

 

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Alabama, Arkansaw I do love my ma and pa.

…not the way I do love you.

Those are the song lyrics that played as I was almost ready to walk down the aisle to be married to my sweetheart.

It was a VERY windy day:

There had been a tropical storm warning in effect. It’s ok, because we are the type of people that love a good adventure. In fact, that’s one of the things that hooked me about Frank. He was/is always willing to get in the car and just drive until we find something new.

My new series of paintings is a bit of an homage to that wanderlust lifestyle we love. We live in a beautiful world, and I want to celebrate that.