little update*

kelly_andrea_umbrella.jpg
Kelly Rae Roberts and me, Canon Digital Rebel XSi

Thank you for all of your wishes and support! You guys are amazing. We are still exploring ideas and possibilities around Ben’s health and grateful that he hasn’t had a seizure in weeks. I’ve heard it said before: The breakdown is the breakthrough… and I am already getting little inklings of how these seizures can be a breakthrough for Ben’s overall health. We’ll keep you posted!

In the meantime, I have been feeling like my life has been in a huge reorientiation process. Months ago, I knew I needed to create space in my life and I made a Mondo Beyondo style clearing. In that space, I felt like the universe picked me up by the scruff of the neck and pointed me in a different direction, away from my work and towards nourishing my family. This feels good and right and I am still adjusting and calibrating myself. Sadly, it often takes a good crisis to wake us up and jump a track, otherwise our well worn paths seem to do just fine.

In other news, I had the pleasure of spending the day with Kelly Rae and Mati Rose over the weekend when I crashed their class at Artful Journey. It was a treat to meet everyone and to play a bit with paint and collage. I had to smile at my piece when I noticed it looked alarmingly similar to some of the creations Ben brings home from preschool. Purple glitter, covered in feathers, random bits of paint. I am inspired in so many ways by Ben!

Anyway, thank you again for all of your notes and warm wishes. I am blown away by how valuable our intuition can be when it comes to health issues and how much knowledge can come from unexpected places.

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Hi, I’m Andrea

On this blog you’ll be learning with me how to use our voices, share our creative superpowers and live life in full color.

As an artist, photographer, life coach + mentor, I’m redefining what it means to be a SUPERHERO — ‘cause in my world, it’s got nothing to do with capes, spandex or sidekicks and everything to do with tenderness, intuition & baby steps of bravery.

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22 Comments

  1. Tinniegirl

    It was such a delight to meet, and spend time with you on Sunday. Thanks so much for the lovely chat.
    Cathy

  2. Kristy

    Thank goodness. I have been thinking about you guys all week believe it or not. I’m so glad to hear you sound so good and things are moving in a good way. I love how we don’t know each other but can offer support and love nonetheless. XO
    Kristy

  3. Puanani

    Xxoxoxo.

  4. Catherine

    I’m right with you.
    it’s interesting when our doctor told us over and over that kids with down syndrome look cross eyed and I felt that something was just not right with his statement. I went with my intuition and now a new dr tells us he needs surgery and should have had it 6 months ago. anyhow – I’m on the breakdown train. I hear you and feel what you are going through as I am going through it too.
    Hopefully Max and Ben will be better at dealing with all of these things that I am!
    Thinking of you often and sending you and your family lots of love.
    xo
    *c

  5. sara

    thanks you for such good news, I’ve been checking in all week! so happy for you and your family.
    peace,
    s

  6. Jessica

    All the best to you and your Ben!

  7. Anna-Marie Still

    loved, loved, loved being with you on Sunday. Your quiet strength and gentle spirit…can’t even put it into words…

  8. Susan Tuttle

    Hi Andrea:)
    Sending warmth and good thoughts your way. I can completely relate to what you must be going through. My son had a grand mal seizure one year ago — it was the most terrifying thing I have ever experienced. He was diagnosed with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy. I know how it can feel like the ground has been taken from beneath your feet. It will be okay, I promise. You are a strong, warrior mommy — i can feel it. Feeling much empathy for you today and sending strength and peace.

  9. Chana

    xoxoxo & grow on!

  10. molly

    Andrea, I read here regularly but don’t comment often. Just want to say today that I prefer waiting two weeks — or however long — for the wisdom and insight in one of your posts to so much of the daily drivel so readily avaiable elsewhere. Wishing you all good things.

  11. Jennifer

    As weird as this might sound, crises make you realize that no one’s life is perfect and idyllic, and anyone who tries to convince you that theirs is, is only kidding themselves. I take comfort in knowing that everyone has struggles, no matter who they are. Yes, maybe some people do live charmed lives, but if that’s the case, I think they’re making the best of whatever’s thrown at them…

  12. kolleen

    i so love this picture and your gor-juss smiling faces!!!
    hold that sweet ben close…all will be okay!!
    xoxoxox
    k

  13. Jessica

    Hey, there is no better reason, in my opinion, to regroup and reorient one’s life than nourinshing one’s family! Way to go ; )

  14. chrissy

    dearest andrea…
    when kelly rae mentioned that you were going to come up and spend the day with us, i literally leaped for joy.
    you are a HUGE inspiration to me and i have been reveling in the wake of your spirit since manzanita.
    i knew you were there to soak in the friendships of kelly rae and mati, so i didn.t get to talk to you as much as i would have liked, but just hugging you and seeing those sincere, present eyes of yours warmed my soul.
    you and ben are in my prayers.
    so happy to have seen you and happy that you took some time for yourself.
    much love,
    chrissy

  15. kaitlin

    andrea, your soul is such beautiful, vibrant colors. i keep up with all of your posts, it’s like seeing the warmestblissglowsongsmile.
    sincerely kaitlin

  16. mamie

    funny, i was just going to email you and ask about ben and his place right now. it sounds like he has a system that works in its own way, but when i see his bright and vibrant eyes and smile captured in your photos, i know he will be just fine.
    and wanted to say i am still living in the waves created by my mondo class and loving it…and now a friend has signed on for spring as she felt called after seeing some of it through my eyes. i love the waves of mondo, they are just so so good. 🙂

  17. Jennifer

    Listening, hoping, caring deeply. Faith that answers will be found and that Ben (and you) will be fine. Looking into his eyes in your amazing photographs, I believe with all my heart that his is a beautiful soul that’s meant to be here for a long, long, long time.

  18. nina bagley

    aw, honey. when i saw you last week in los gatos(this week? i swear i don’t know anymore which way is up or down, back or front) i had no clue what you’d been going through with yourself, with ben. you looked GREAT…as you always do….and your radiance was beaming. please know that i am holding you all in my heart….xx nina

  19. Eileen Weigand

    I am glad you are weathering this storm in your lives and nourishing each other in the wake of it. Your broad smiles (you and Kelly Rae) under that umbrella bring warmth to so many. You and your family are held in a bubble of love as you wade through the medical system. ((hugs))

  20. elizabeth

    Oh, I am so glad to hear an update. I think about you guys often. Lots of love to you!!!

  21. Marly

    I am new to your blog so not aware of your son’s condition. I do wish you the very best with that. I was moved by your comment on how inspired you are by him and how your art looked like his. I can relate with that too. My daughter inspires me so much – not just in her life, but to be the best person I can be for her too. Thanks for your post!

  22. Lexis Graap

    Great yellow coat!

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