Dear Reader,
Personally, I leap at every chance to celebrate a milestone and this past week has been full of celebrations! In addition to Valentine’s day it was both my birthday and the birthday of the blog. Three years ago I made the decision to start blogging and it seemed fitting to use both Valentine’s Day and my own birthday as a source of inspiration. For so long I debated writing a blog and toyed with many themes. When I choose to write this first blog about the time I won the prize for best dressed in the Valentine’s Day parade so many things fell into place and the writing continued.
After writing this first blog and hitting the send button, I felt this surge of confidence and a door opening for me. The following month I made a commitment to write a blog a day. The more I wrote the more I felt a rhythm forming. I continued to publish two blogs a month while writing daily. As time progressed the blog evolved and I felt myself discovering my voice and calling.
Less than a year of writing this blog is when I discovered my calling to write my children’s book series. As I have shared, I did not see myself as a writer. I was told from a young age that I was a storyteller and proudly carried this label. However, it was consistently writing this blog that opened my eyes to the possibility that I could successfully write this books series. The more I write and illustrate the world of Bella I realize how at home I am in her space.
Identifying myself as both a write and illustrator has opened the door for me to find community. For me community comes from many aspects to finding a team that specializes in the book writing and the publishing process to meeting other authors. I have a had the great pleasure of meeting many authors and learning their journeys. Last year I go to meet Katharine Holabird, the author of “Angelina Ballerina”, and recently met Megan Hess, fashion illustrator and author and illustrator of “`Claris: Chicest Mouse in Paris”. Meeting two of my idols has been simply magical! I got to spend quality time with each of them and share how they have both inspired me and shaped my journey. I believe publishing that first blog post led to this opportunity.
At the same time, I give a lot of credit to my eight years old self who dressed to the nines for the Valentine’s day parade. She was herself and showcased her creativity to the fullest with no apologies. As an adult, I remind myself to tap into this energy. A big part of the creation process is allowing the world to see your art and have the courage to try new things while also asking for help from others. My Mom’s creativity contributed to that special Valentine’s outfit. She made me the skirt that I wore that day and braided my hair that morning. Now all these years later you are helping me. I am grateful for your reading this blog and giving me a space to share my creativity and message.
Love Always,
Kristina Lucia xoxo