About a year and a half ago I bought my mom a picture frame with an I-O-U for a painting. Finally this holiday season a light bulb of inspiration went off and I decided to paint a family tree for her. I know she misses her mom so much and there has been a lot of growing pains in my family the past few years, so I figured what better way to remind her of her roots and who matters most in her life than painting a family tree. This piece took a while to create. I would say a solid 20-25 hours of sketching and painting, which is why I stopped with the cousins. That, and it was hard to fit everyone on the page!! Hopefully later I can expand the tree a bit more to include the littlest kiddies!

I made prints of the piece and gave it to my family for a little Christmas surprise. I also documented the moment with this little video above!

The painting above was originally a tattoo design for a little yogi friend of mine, Joanna. Last summer when I was back home visiting I took one of her classes (which kicked my ass in the best way) and then after we spent the afternoon in the North End catching up on life, talking about my illustrations, her yoga, and what it was like for her moving out of NYC and back to Boston. She has really built a beautiful life for herself in back home. She teaches yoga and lives in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Boston. I think she was the first person to help me see that you don't HAVE to stay in NY to find this "career fulfillment." I know that seems a little obvious but when you're in it you feel it's the only option. She definitely opened my eyes a bit.

If you are in the Boston area and want to take a class from my friend Joanna, she teaches at North End Yoga + South Boston Yoga. Her classes are fantastic. I sweat so much she needed to bring me a towel in the middle of teaching. I really loved her class. When I go to visit I'll have to make a pit stop in the city. Her website is joannabenevides.com

So I think the wild flowers above are a nice little symbol of freedom for this practice. I really love this watercolor.. especially with the piles of snow outside, it's a reminder of spring. As always, Adriene leads a relaxing and empowering practice in day 23. I don't want it to end! I have a feeling this yoga challenge will quickly become my new "series on Netflix that I just watch on repeat." BUT she does have other videos that I am very excited to dive into.

Take care, be well, and happy Sunday!

The Christmas Surprise

day 23: freedom + forgiveness