This post came from my first Kickstarter Campaign — and I’m giving it a permanent home here — enjoy!
So, my husband Kyle and I have three awesome kids — and they make our world bright! I asked their permission to share these stories, but am short on details so no one's crushed.
A couple of nights ago, we had two different meltdowns in the house. Both orbiting around sharing artwork. Not kidding. The first incident, one of our kids drew something. Another just wanted to see it. This led to a hurried "not yet — it's not good!" and the illustrator promptly rushed to hide their work. A little later, I caught wind of the situation and quietly asked if they'd show me what they made. They agreed.
I studied this recently-transformed piece of printer paper for a minute and couldn't contain myself. I quickly grabbed it to my chest and told them "I love it! What a dynamic scene — this could have been lifted from the middle of an amazing chapter book! Tell me about the characters. Ah, look at all of the energy! So much detail! Can I keep it?"
A little grin creeped out. And a freshly-encouraged heart said "Sorry mom, that's just my first draft. I need it — because I'm going to make the final version in my sketchbook." They know that making sure the "good stuff" lands in a bound sketchbook (and not loose paper) is a rule in our house — so right answer. But the bigger "win" was to see them value what they made. Even, from their perspective, in its humble beginnings.
Incident number two involved another artist excitedly wanting to share what they were working on mid-stride. This, unfortunately, was met with a snide remark. Tears started pouring out from the other room and then a frustrated "Well, I didn't say it was great. I was just excited about it. I'm not mean to you about your art!" This brings me to another rule in our house that our home is a safe place to share ideas and creativity. So, I'll spare the details, but this obviously wasn’t a great moment for snarky sibling.
The reality is that sharing stuff can be hard. An idea. A drawing. A dream. Something you're excited about. Whatever. Personally, launching this project feels a little like being pushed onto the front porch in my underwear! It's uncomfortable. And, I'd be lying if I told you that at times I don't want to knock on the door hoping someone might let me back in! But I'm trying to embrace the tension. Because I hope that Lulu's story might just be a fresh wind in the sails of a kiddo in your world who needs some encouragement that who they are and what they have to share matters. A lot.
Thanks so much for supporting this project and for sharing. I can't do this without you!
