Doing for others.

by Kristen DeLap


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As I have more time to think this weekend than usual ("vacation" for me means a trip to the in-laws who graciously provide so much childcare), I'm trying to figure out my priorities. While I don't have time to formally volunteer or do much for organizations I value besides monetarily support them, I can make more of an effort in daily life. Buying a coffee and providing conversation to the homeless man on my commute, reaching out to new mom friends with a word of support and maybe a snack, and simply asking those around me how things are and what they might need. I don't have copious amounts of free time, but I do have chances to help others. And that provides value to all of our lives. And an small opportunity of resistance. 


Nevertheless commission.

by Kristen DeLap


Was happy to finally have a reason to get this quote of resistance on paper, and also, glass. This commission was on an old window, used as artwork in a bedroom gallery. Glass is never easy, but I've had great luck with these Zig Posterman pens.  

 

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Alium

by Kristen DeLap


Aliums are some of my favorite spring bloomers. Watching them emerge is always so fascinating. ​

And even Isaac knows not to touch. "Mama, dese are​ berry delicat."

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Who you really are.

by Kristen DeLap


Nayyirah Waheed, who is my new favorite poet, posted to Instagram a quote from Yrsa Daley Ward: "when you learn something wonderful about yourself and wonder what else you've been hiding." 

That resonated with me, as I'm at a place in my life where it is time to, and I am really able to, step up. I'm learning I can do this working yet engaged mom, equal yet adoring partner, dedicated yet balanced professional. And when you impress yourself, you have to celebrate that. 

Here's to finding and impressing myself in my 34th year.  

 

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Woman before

by Kristen DeLap


Quote from Motherly newsletter.  

Quote from Motherly newsletter.  

This is a reminder, while I try to find the body of the woman before, the energy level of the woman before, the diverse interests of the woman before, that I have to remember my life is richer now. I'm also a better person now; more empathetic, more patient, more driven.  

So to all you other mothers out there, this is a reminder too. Celebrate your now.  

 



May Day

by Kristen DeLap


Today we celebrate May Day, for the workers, and less globally, the beginning of my birthday month. 

 

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Commission - Move Mountains

by Kristen DeLap


When one of my residents from my college RA days contacted me that she wanted to commission me for a canvas, I was so excited to see what it was for. She's having a baby gal this month and wanted this powerful quote to hang above the crib.  

Sketch and full size draft.  

Sketch and full size draft.  

Finished canvas. 24"x48" 

Finished canvas. 24"x48" 

The back.  

The back.  

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The Denver, CO nursery came together beautifully, with hand painted mountains by The Color Lab. I'd be happy to have that room, and I'm sure their baby gal will be too.


Universe

by Kristen DeLap


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I understand the problems of a JD Salinger quote during Women's History Month, but I love this one. Women do hold the universe together.  


Character

by Kristen DeLap


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This quote is paraphrased Goethe. But it reminds me to be my best self, even when the clock isn't running.  


Writing resistance

by Kristen DeLap


One way that I can use my talents for the resistance - writing. Handwritten notes have been going out to all my representatives to let them know my priorities, and now im adding in thank you notes to those doing right by their fellow citizens. Inspired by an activist friend who posted she was thanking Judge Donnelly for her emergency stay against the executive order. And then she said, "The resistance WILL be thanked via snail mail", which is absolutely perfect. I'm in. 

 

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