When I think about what I really want to do with my life--how I want to be remembered--what mark I want to leave on the world, here is the one thing I know for sure:

I want to leave the world a kinder place.

{I feel like if this was a vlog or podcast we would break into "You may say I'm a dreamer.  You're not the only one."}

It sounds so lofty, but really it is about being intentional and mindful and compassionate.  Those are really very simple concepts.  It is the ongoing practice of them in life that is difficult and therefore dismissed as lofty.

We must be taught these amazing aspects of human existence.  We must practice and meet them like a stranger every day.

And so how do we teach children to choose kindness?  I have lots of fun ideas, but I'm going to start with the most difficult one.  We teach children kindness by treating them with kindness and respect and responding rather than reacting to them.  {This is really difficult, people, but it's so worthy of us!}

The first step to responding rather than reacting is taking a moment to ask ourselves what is going on here before we say or do anything.  Sometimes I have to walk away from the situation to do this!  Just practice this step.  The more I practice the easier it becomes and the clearer the needed response becomes.

It's also lovely to have our kids see us practice this with ourselves and other people.

The first step to teaching kids to choose kindness is to model with them responding instead of reacting!

People are inquiring more about Brave Art.  Where can it be seen and purchased are the two most commonly asked questions.  {Love these sort of questions!!}

At this very moment there are two place to view and/or purchase Brave Art:

1.  My Studio and the Gallery at ACoT

I LOVE my studio space.  I have about a dozen of the 4 x 4 Cutie Cubes that go for $20.  Here are a few pics of the most recent:

Love Wins (SOLD)

Secret Garden

Take Flight






I also have some of my favorite larger paintings here, too. . .

Hollyhocks 2
24 x 12 inches
$145


Some of my other faves are in the gallery here, too!  You can see/purchase them HERE.





The other place to see and purchase Brave Art is at Miss Mercedes in Lakeside, Ohio



I love the way I see my art scattered around the shop with so many other yummy bits!


I hope your will be able to enjoy some Brave Art this summer.  It makes a great gift for weddings, graduation, or just because.



P.S.  Can you keep a secret?  Soon Brave Art will be available online at Brave Teachers!!  More will be revealed soon!