A moment can be washed away in an instant.

I took this series of photos last month during a staycation with my husband. And I drew a heart with my finger in the soft sand. Then I watched the frothy waves hug the shoreline as the heart faded away. What I didn’t know at the time is how the tides would turn from tranquil to tumultuous.

I’m grateful for peace in my home, thankful for my family and friends. Yet worried about our world, especially Ukraine, and the torment, the devastation, the future.

A powerful, poignant reminder to be present. To appreciate life and love. A moment can be washed away in an instant.

I reshared the below image/message on Instagram; fellow authors and other artists connected with it deeply. After reading their insightful comments, my mindset shifted (slightly). I’d deliberated and hesitated about sharing an article written about me that was published last week. It felt wrong or insensitive. Then I sat with Amie’s words @inspiredtowrite, spoke to a few encouraging friends, and decided to post it. 

On a macro level, it got me thinking about all art forms. Whether writing, painting, dancing, singing, or even drawing hearts in the sand, we need a creative space for connection. Of course I’m particularly partial to books because they entertain, engage, and provide a welcome escape from reality.

“Huge amounts of nuance is needed in this conversation. So much so, that I am very unsure whether to post this because this ain’t the app of nuance. Obviously, we need to be sensitive. There will be situations, and conversations where sharing your art would not be appropriate. But what I want to say is this — art is needed in times of war, distress, disease, disaster, pain. Art, your art, plays its part in healing, mothering and caressing this broken world. Don’t forget that.” – @inspiredtowrite

So let’s keep sharing the good. Isn’t artistic expression healing? And it transports us to beautiful places, soothes worries and wounds. Speaking of which, please email me or reach out on social media (links at the bottom) and share your joy. Let’s find the silver linings–together.