“Building & Balancing: One Button, One Breath”
Today was… a lot.
I started the morning with the softest intentions: to paint, to create, to lose myself in color for just a little while. But pain had other plans. There’s a pain medication shortage, so I’m adjusting to using something new temporality — and it’s not exactly subtle. I’ve been drowning in nausea, My face hurts, my body hurts, my heart hurts a little too.
But then, a tiny kindness: my dad stopped by with broccoli and cheese soup — one of my favorites. Something about that warm bowl on a hard day felt like a little reminder that I’m loved, even when I feel fragile. He was just back from visiting my sister in New Hampshire, but he made time to sit, chat, and check in. It mattered more than he probably knows.
And my sweet girl, Nicky. Honestly, she’s been the MVP today. Playful, happy, full of wiggles and tail wags, like she could sense I needed distraction and comfort all wrapped in her fur. She’s better than any pain relief sometimes.
I didn’t paint today. That stings a little to admit. But I built something else: I worked on the website. Set up social links, added the Pinterest save button (because who doesn’t want to pin a little glittery pain-turned-art?), allowed blog comments (please come chat with me!), and tried to fit all the messy beauty of my art into that tiny “Brand Identity” box.
It wasn’t what I planned. But it was still forward motion.
Some days are paint days. Some days are website-button-creating days. Some days are just soup-and-survival days. All of them count.
If you’re here reading this — whether you’re in creation mode or just getting through the day — I see you. We can do this, one small step, one gentle breath, one bowl of soup at a time.
Evening Update:
I had to share this little moment of magic before closing out the day — Nicky and I went to the dog park this evening, and my girl thrived. She played with eight or nine other dogs, running, chasing, and doing that happy wiggle that melts my heart. She has grown so much more confident, from barking and hiding to running around in excitement! Watching her so carefree and joyful made everything else fade away for a moment.
I didn’t paint today like I’d planned, and I’ve been fighting through pain and medication changes, but this…this was medicine for the soul. It’s the reminder that sometimes, letting yourself breathe and soak in simple joy is the art for the day. Tomorrow, we try again.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re officially part of my little corner of the world. Come back soon — there’s always more to share (and probably more dog park adventures to gush about). Subscribe below and join me on this wild, messy, beautiful ride.
With love (and the best snuggles from Nicky),
Dana 🕊️
