I have been behind-the-scenes working on both my Silent Story and preparing for the third part of the Wild Tenderness Collection (I hope to share my fun new idea with you next week!)… I’m obsessed with progress and cataloging and creation. I’m smitten with building a story, a collection, a body of meaningful work, something that touches me AND you.
But my mind is
drifting to other mom-things… and I thought maybe you could relate?
When they were younger,
it was my boys who would
seek me out after an hour or so apart – finding me to
touch-base – needing a look, a cuddle, a confirmation of closeness.
Now, with teenagers, I find that it is I who seeks them out after a couple hours apart… touching-base for a smile, a few words, an update.
So strange the way motherhood works. It’s been a challenge
for me, going from lots of close cuddle time, to knowing they don’t ‘need me’
as often. I’m so thankful for art and business because it keeps ME out of THEIR hair,
how strange is that?! 
my, how the tables have
turned!
Remember, mamas, they WANT us, though. For more than meals. They love knowing that we are close by. And we need to love that they are gaining independence and needing us less. It’s hard, though, isn’t it?
My boys love to take zany photos of me because it makes us laugh together – never have I felt so ugly but accepted at the same time. They like sharing things, asking about things, walking together and eating together. And eating some more. I think they love knowing I’m here, just downstairs, in the studio or in the kitchen.
So… happy life now means taking what I get, and reveling in all of the amazing snuggles and reading-together and bath-time moments that made up the strong foundation of our relationship.
I won’t lie, I turn to this recent piece and her story, to help me remember that everything WILL be okay…
Our Love Runs Deep ~ The mother and the growing son. She still sees
all his “little” stages when she looks at him. And he just keeps getting taller
Memories of him are in her hair, at her skirt, at her side… He looks down toward her after all the years of looking up. She looks up at him. Proud, bittersweet. Her arm is still around him, now at his waist instead of his shoulders, resting easily.
His figure is so comfortable to her, and she must occasionally remind herself that he’s a young man now. His affection has grown and changed. Layered and matured. He stands strong on his own, no leaning necessary. Tentatively navigating the future – new for them both.
Their little selves are imprints on our souls, our brains, our hearts and our mind’s eye. They are held warmly, close by. Our children have left their marks at each age and stage.
She can’t look at him deeply without seeing all that he was, and all that he may become. He has blue skies ahead. But, so does she!
This original painting has sold, and I have prints available.
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This is the 17th week of Free Weekly Gifts (no surprise, I give away 100’s of dollars in gifts every year, but I love it! Art is what I CAN GIVE, so I do).
This week’s gift is an archival and signed 8×8 inch print of Close To My Heart (a TOP seller and a $22 value) ~ these gifts have been a big hit ~ don’t forget to put KMBWEEKLY in the promo code box at checkout, so that you get yours with orders of $39+.
Thank you for reading. Have a wonderful week’s end.
Stay safe, stay sane, stay healthy.
Love & Sincerely, Katie
