One of the things I'm most grateful for are our daughters - Aleah (32), Laurel (17) and Ella (14). 12 years ago they came bubbling into the room I was in with a ring and asked, Would you be our Momma? Rob walked in right after with his own proposal. It was one of the happiest days of my life! Last month marked 11 years of marriage and I'm thankful that as time passes our love for each other deepens. Our oldest has married and moved away, so this photo is with just our youngest daughters. 

When I read about pregnancy traditions and how they honor a woman as she rises in status to mother, I felt empowered to acknowledge my rise into Motherhood with body art. Each year on Mother's Day I adorn myself with henna and think about my intentions to grow as a mother this year. My design started with my index finger and a little lotus - a reminder to surrender to the flow, the life in service to family. A bonding symbol reminds me of my deep connection with my husband Rob, and how we are stronger together. From there, the design flows out as a flowery doodle, a type of zentangle meditation. For those of you who enjoy(ed) doodling, check out the Zentangle Movement online. I found their ideas to be inspiring and love blending them into my henna work as well as my own doodles. 

  My art has lead me on a journey of a lifetime, and I'm so happy about the magazine that Rob and I have created - Artfull Mother. It's a place to share art, poems, and stories of motherhood. A resource for local mamas! Read or download for free at ArtfullMother.com Buy print copies here. 

Read or download for free at ArtfullMother.com Buy print copies here.