Bringing ourselves into focus.

Photo taken by Ann Braaten in May of 1999

Today, I begin teaching a couple of courses at North Dakota State University in their fashion program this semester. I’ve been spending time going through books, supplies, and machinery with my friend and mentor, Ann Braaten as she prepares for a well-earned retirement. She pulled out some slides from the Apparel Construction and Fit class I took from her 25 years ago (the same one I am getting ready to teach!). And there I was. Wearing the dress I had just completed back in May of 1999.

We joked about feeling old, but more than anything I feel more rooted than ever in my interests, which made me feel accomplished in a really grounded way. I have jumped around over the years, going from one interest to another artform to a new career shift. But the things that have been important to me have always been important: Fashion, Art, Community, and Personal Evolution.

20-something me would be surprised that I am back in my hometown and having such a fulfilling time. 40-something me is looking at the next couple of weeks and sees: teaching at the university level, facilitating a group Human Design reading online this Wednesday, serving as the guest critic at the monthly artist critique session at the Rourke Art Gallery + Museum this Saturday, participating at a practitioner in Superwell Collective and FM Wellness Collective, and hosting the first Artist in Residence of the year at the Arthouse this weekend. Not to mention all of the events going on there this month. Yay!

I share this all with you today as just a few days ago, I was sitting in anxiety and doubt. A relatively normal thing for a person to feel, really, but never much fun. This slide shared with me brought it all into focus.

It is normal to feel like we are not measuring up when we compare, but it is magnificent to feel our brilliance when we connect and share with others.

Lotsa love and meaningful connections to you.

xoxoMs.AnnaLee