Holiday Hurt

The holidays are filled with messages of peace, hope and happiness. Magical moments with family and friends.

But it’s also a really difficult time for those who are hurting.

Perhaps this is the first holiday season without a loved one who has passed. Or divorce brings separation during the holidays. Or health issues isolate.

In these things, I see a contrast.

The joy of the holiday season & messages, and the real life painful circumstance we can experience.

It was at this crossroads that I created this series of art.

If you’re hurting this season, I hope my art gives voice to your feelings. And makes you feel seen and heard.

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This Christmas is the first that someone will be without someone else.

A loved one died.
A divorce or separation.
A damaged relationship causing a void.

If you’re fortunate to be gathered around loved ones, perhaps business as usual, consider extending an invitation to someone who will be having a difficult Christmas this year.

It may not ease the longing they feel inside, but love paves the way toward healing.

In the midst of the merriment, someone around you is hurting. They just might not be broadcasting it.

The contrast of their current realities & the messages of the holiday season magnifies their disconnect.

A timely word, a kind gesture, a simple acknowledgment could go a long way.

Be on the lookout. Then practice love.

You might be the agent that ushers in some peace.

Practice empathy.

The times that made all the difference while in the midst of difficulties have been the ones where people have been willing to sit in the dirt with me.

Feeling seen & heard. Being understood. Knowing that although in the midst of hard times and feeling like the situation is unique to you, those people remind you that you’re not alone in it. There are those who have gone before you, come through the fire and are still here today.

This series has been interesting for me. It’s given me a place to express my own feelings and experiences, but more over, given voice to many who suffer silently.

I have had so many people tell me this art has expressed what they have felt unable to express. And for that, I am grateful.

No one is exempt from pain. We all have seasons we’d rather hide and delete from our stories. But I’ve found that redemption comes when I can share those things anyway, and use it to help someone else.

The mess becomes the message.

2 Reasons Why Pet Portraits Make the Ultimate Holiday Gift

Let’s face it. Holiday shopping can be extremely stressful. Especially when you have that person in your life who seems to have everything. You search high and low for something that's unique, but ideas seem to be void. You desperately want to get them something meaningful but usually come up short, usually grabbing something off the shelf.

What if there was a way to get someone a truly unique, one-of-a-kind gift that moves them instantly?

If that person happens to be a pet lover, a pet portrait can be just thing that brings a big smile for the holidays and beyond. It’s something they will treasure way past January, and you’ll be the gift hero you long to be. (Watch out Santa!)

Here’s two reasons why a pet portrait makes the ultimate holiday gift:

1. Pet portraits are personal.

There’s nothing like a gift that is customized for the recipient. It speaks volumes of how much thought and attention you gave to finding the perfect gift for the person you love. And even if you aren’t the pet lover, chances are you love that pet owner. What better way to acknowledge someone than to recognize what’s important to them. And when it comes to a person’s relationship with their pet, it’s a personal relationship like few others.

2. Pet portraits celebrate special relationships.

Pet portrait’s helps us celebrate important relationships in our lives. The portrait becomes a way to help us celebrate that pet and the special moments we shared with them over the years. It’s an especially moving gift when the pet has passed on. We remember what we celebrate. Pet portraits help us celebrate often.

If you’re interested in having a one-of-a-kind, custom pet portrait created for that special person in your life, visit my page detailing the process and info.

Act fast though, as time is short and spots are few. You don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to have this unique gift created for your loved one this holiday.

Christmas cats in the mail

Way back in the day, long before email and the internet, people wrote letters. By hand. I had a few "pen pals" back in high school / college and used to draw all over the envelopes for people. It was a fun little surprise for them.

Serving people with art can take many forms. Today, I'm mailing out a card with a little Christmas cat drawing. I hope it brings smiles 😸!

What is one simple way you can use your gifts to bring someone a smile this holiday season?

If it's just "something you do" - it might be closer at hand than you think!