Art Before Breakfast
(Note: The title of this newsletter was borrowed from Danny Gregory, whose teachings at Sketchbook Skool have inspired my creative practice for years!)
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Research shows that the most stressful time of day for families is just before the school run. (Bet you didn't need science to tell you that!)
In 2017, with two little kids at home, thanks to my husband's German efficiency, we decided not to go down that route of chaos. With only one bathroom in our home, he assigned each family member a 15-minute morning time slot. (Guess who got to go last?)
Working from my home studio, I had nowhere immediate to be, so our order of priority followed logic: John was up first to prep breakfast and school snacks; next was Karsten, who had to be in school a few minutes before his sister.
This routine anchored us before the day unfolded. It was this little detail of time management that made all the difference!
But do you know which lesson was hardest to learn?
To LET my husband manage the morning routine.
Let him mind the children.
Let him clean the kitchen.
Let him cook me breakfast.
Let him serve me breakfast in bed!
That year, I practiced being still while sketching a series of those beautiful breakfasts.
Yes, it was harder than I thought to be still while the home routine revolved--perfectly fine without me!
Now, eight years later, our circumstances have shifted. Life has gifted us room for change and growth.
Our son is off on a scholarship in boarding school; this week, John's work contract has taken him out of the country. Our 12-year-old daughter can manage independently.
And I have grown my art + audio production biz, in those 8 years, producing hundreds of podcasts and audio for leading wellness brands. It's been an amazing journey!
It's my sketchbooks that now anchor me in those memories, in these moments that truly mattered. When I crave connection with my family, little art rituals remind me of all the quality time we shared.
And how we sometimes managed to create calm through the chaos of daily life.
As I set out to begin another Friday now, I pause among those sketchbooks—like old friends, who remind me to always choose:
Connection over more Content
Sacred Space over Scrolling
Creating over Consuming
...and deep exhales over cortisol spikes!
Exciting News!
Today, I launch this new Fine Art + Audio website: Calmer Journeys!
I'm painting in oils, acrylics, pastels—and even wine! 🎨 Art Prints Now Available!
I hope this space helps you access a little more calm through the anchor of art.
Art, as a focal point to gaze at as you begin your day. This can set the tone for your day's palette. Pick your favorite print, then visit the Listening Hub to access guided meditations, sleep stories, and calming sounds for your own soothing space.
What you can do:
- Browse calmerjourneys.com to explore my online gallery - you'll get art delivered to your door, hand-crafted in gentle oak frames and ready to hang!
- Browse my fine art print collection and find a piece that speaks to you.
- Share this article with someone who loves art for anchoring with calm amidst chaos
- Listen to Your Morning Glow, my 6-min Calmer Journeys meditation on Spotify
Thank you for reading, have a wonder-filled Friday!
With gratitude,
Nikki
P.S. What anchors you when life feels chaotic? I'd love to hear what rituals or creative practices help you find calm. Send me a message or connect with me here - I'd love to hear from you!