Remembering how to breathe
If you ever find yourself empty from something you cannot know or name, find a stretch of ocean, a field, or mountainside, or even clouds or trees. Because there are 1000 simple ways to fill your tired soul so you can remember how to be, how to see, and most importantly, how to breathe ~ Victoria Erickson
I am feeling far from empty these days. I’m edging closer to darn near plum full, but I liked the message in the quote that simplicity offers so many ways to refill oneself.
In many ways, I'm living the dream I hoped for when I opened Lil Fish Studios, filling my days with making, teaching, and building something meaningful. There are moments when I'm juggling so many ideas and opportunities that I begin to feel as though I'm not making enough progress in any one direction. Of course, that feeling isn't always an accurate reflection of reality.
My brain works best when it has multiple projects going at one time - if you stop in the studio you might find a different one on each table, each in a varying state of completion. As much as that scratches my brain in the right ways, I understand I need a system in place to keep my barely controlled chaos, well…barely controlled.
To help myself see the bigger picture, I keep a daily list of the opportunities I've pursued, the ideas I've explored, and the ventures that have succeeded—as well as the ones that haven't. My google calendar is my friend, reminding me of tasks big and small. When I wake up in the middle of the night with an anxious brain, I email myself just a few words in the subject line, and my brain relaxes, knowing I’ll take care of things in the morning. It’s a lot. I expected it to be. My days are longer now than when I had a “day job”, but the type of exhaustion is different. Now I feel it in my legs and not my soul.
Though it may seem counterintuitive, when I start to feel busiest, and the list is the longest, I pause to take a little time away from the studio. To refill myself.
I’ve snuck out for a few dips in the cold water of the mine pits, which always clears my head and calms me. I’ve wandered up north with my son in search of rocks - he looking for agates, me looking for hearts. I’ve laughed until my chest hurt, fighting for air, tears rolling down my face, with my dearest friends during a studio slumber party. I’ve tried mango sticky rice for the first time, and then a second. I’ve worked in my garden, building my future tea collection, and have even made time to “make” just for myself—a luxury that too easily falls to the bottom of the list. Though these might be simple pleasures, they have felt downright extravagant.
I've found a balance, one that leaves room for purpose and play. One that probably looks a little chaotic from the outside, but fits me. One that helps me remember how to breathe.
That list has also helped me be a little more realistic about my capacity, so I’ve adjusted my calendar a bit for July.
We have some great stuff coming up though, I hope you’ll check it out.
Workshops!
More than just skill-building, workshops are a chance to relax and meet new people while working on something that feels good to your hands and your head. Here’s what’s coming up:
Sat, July 11, 1:00 - 3:30pm - Painterly paper poppies - sign up closes tomorrow! Come make a beautiful piece with us!
Wed, July 15, 6:00-8:00pm - Mini Masterpieces - paint a tiny painting, make a big memory
Mon, July 20, 10:00am to noon - Painterly paper sunflowers
Wed, July 22, 11:00am to 2:00pm - Spirit Doll with Patricia Lintner (register on her website - patlintner.com)
Find all of these offerings and more in my shop.
See a class you like, but can’t make the date/time work? Reach out! If my schedule allows I might be able to make it happen for you. Who knows, someone else might be hoping for the same arrangement and just need someone to get the ball rolling.
Events!
Tonight, July 9, 6:00-8:00pm - Art Club (formerly known as Open Studio). I’ll have erasers and tools out and we’ll be carving stamps and swapping them in tiny books. Of course, you are always welcome to bring a project of your own and hang out with other creatives in a cozy space. This is a free event held on the second Thursday of the month. Join us!
Third Space Thursdays with the Sowing Room are on hiatus for the summer months, but my space is still open from 6:00-8:00 for anyone who wants to gather. I’d love to see you next week.
Every Friday 9:00-2:00 - Main Street Market Downtown Brainerd - come visit me, peruse my wares, or put some quarters in the mini art print machine. This farmer’s market is held in the parking lot of Brainerd’s City Hall, across the street from Coco Moon. It’s a great market.
Saturday, August 1 9:00-4:00 - The Handcrafters Collective Market. Handmade treasures, creative minds, good food, and community connection. Set on the lawn at 24489 Hazelwood Dr, Nisswa, MN 56465, the Handcrafters Collective brings together talented makers, artists, bakers, and small businesses for a charming outdoor market filled with one-of-a-kind finds. Browse handcrafted goods, pottery, baked treats, artwork, gifts, and more while enjoying local food from Chick N Rice and treats from KNB Concessions and the best of a Minnesota summer day.
I sent the first official round of Letters from a Lil Fish out in the mail today and I’m so excited about them. I felt like I was dropping my kids at camp, not letters in a mailbox. This has been such a heart-filling project already.
I don’t want to ruin the surprise for the 20 beautiful people who signed up, so I’ll just give you a glimpse at the envelopes. Maybe you can guess the theme? I’ll share more pics in the next newsletter of what they received. If you’d like to sign up for August, you can do that anytime before the end of this month.
If you join, each month you’ll get a letter, a greeting card to keep or give away, and a little surprise in the mail. Wouldn’t it be nice to find a little bit of happiness in your mailbox tucked between the junk mail and bills?
In the coming weeks I’ll be working on filling up my online shop, thank you for my faraway friends for the prompt. I’m sorry you’ve felt left out, but I promise to have shopping options for you soon.
I am so grateful for your support and cheers. If you think someone else might be interested in my journey, I’d be grateful if you would share with them.
Helpful links and info:
Studio 101, Franklin Arts Center, 1001 Kingwood St, Brainerd MN
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Want to read past newsletters? Newsletter — Lil Fish Studios
Yes, I do private events in my cozy space or in yours.
I also do community art activities to complement your event.
Even corporate retreats and team-building.
Want to connect with other local artists? Need a mural? I might be able to help.
Need hand-dyed felting wool or a unique gift? I got you.
Let’s talk. Message me at lisa@lilfishstudios.com
