Show Up Beautifully-May Newsletter

🦋 Our First Butterfly

Our first butterfly arrived this past month—a cabbage white. It looked just like a white petal floating down from the tree on a clear blue day.

I love butterflies. I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned that before. They show up in spring just as they are—having changed, coming out of that transformation into their own being, beautifully. Fluttery and full of life. Yes, I love butterflies.

One summer, I even volunteered at a butterfly house just to be near them. They’re magical. That’s probably why they show up in my work so often.

In another life, I would have been a lepidopterist. I’m fascinated by all things butterfly.

On Being Overwhelmed

Despite being nearly 50—my birthday is this summer—I can honestly say the world still overwhelms me.

Community can be too much sometimes. Even individual people can be too much. But just when you’re ready to give up, they show up, supporting your every move.

The challenge, for people like me, is learning balance—with the world and with your own mind. Some days I find it. Some days I don’t.

How do you know how much world you can take that day—or how much of yourself you can manage? And do we even get a choice?

I don’t think there’s a solid answer. Our limits shift like weather.

But what I do know is that the people you let into your circle matter. They help hold you up—and you hold them, too.

So here’s my reminder, for both of us:

Show up like that butterfly. Show up beautifully. However you arrive.Share your passions, your quirks, your true self.And be mindful of supporting others in your circle.

You’ll begin to see the change in yourself. And maybe—just maybe—the balance between your head and the world won’t feel so impossible to figure out.

Life Update: April Was a Lot

Nope, you’re not reading this newsletter late. April was just... a lot. A hard month.

So, bring on May.

Our family lost its only source of income when my husband’s job was cut. When the local school district eliminated “middle man” positions, he was let go—along with a dad on paternity leave and the sole employee of the Center for Black Students..

But sure, go ahead and ask voters for a billion dollars and raise senior staff salaries.

Said my peace. Now I digress.

We’re now trying to cobble together a way to survive in this expensive economy. We know we can’t stay in this costly West Coast town in Oregon and still afford rent, so we’re heading off into the great unknown.

Where? That’s anyone’s guess.

Faith and Forward Motion

We’ve done this before—though by choice.

Nearly 10 years ago, we sold our house and moved to Hawaii. Since then, we’ve moved nine times. Education jobs tend to follow a cycle, but with funding so uncertain, this time it feels more like a walk of faith.

And if you know me, you know I’m all about the faith. I trust God’s got this too.

I’ve even told my husband that someday I’ll write a book about our journey and call it Wandering in the West. Who knows—before I pitch it, we might pass through a few more states out here.

🎨 The Art Stand

This moment has pushed me to dive full-time into my art career.

✅ My portfolio is ready✅ My website just got a fresh update✅ And next month, I’m opening a pop-up shop before we pack up and hit the road.

So that brings me to something new:

The Art Stand

People have been asking about prints now that I’ve started printing in-house.

✨ My next newsletter will feature a preview of what will be available.✨ For early access, please sign up on my website.

Thank you for being part of my circle.Here’s to butterflies, bold steps, and showing up—just as you are.

With love,– Marissa