What do you want to be when you grow up?

I was always dreading that question when I was growing up because I knew nobody was taking my answer seriously.

I wanted to be an archeologist/historian/a doctor without borders/live in a forest with the fairies/be an artist/and a druid/ and save the Earth. All of that while wearing pretty clothes. Yes, all of it.

Needless to say there were quite a few chuckles at best. But I insisted, all the way through high school that yes that is what I was going to be doing.

I went on to study Art History at University while learning Japanese and Chinese. I also studied Anthropology, History and Archeology ( and I still keep current with findings in all these areas) while selling handmade Calligraphy cards through a boutique in my town.

During my University years my then American boyfriend ( and now husband) moved in together and decided that right now was a great time to have a baby. When my son turned 1 we moved to the US (that is another story). Several years later, after selling handmade jewelry online and through fairs (which was a lot of fun) I decided to pursue another one of my dreams: heal people and I studied several years to become an Herbalist. I had a practice for several years and while I loved making people feel better it became a heavy burden after a few years. As an outlet I was taking online classes. I had not painted since high school although I was drawing here and there and doing calligraphy still. 

I also took a keen interest in gardening, local ecosystems and planting for wildlife.

Fast forward a few more years and I am now a full time artist, my garden has been photographed many times by people wanting to know how I do it and it has inspired other people to plant for wildlife too. I still heal my family with herbs and next year will be the year for that house in the forest with the fairies.

And I wear pretty clothes every day. Even when I turn the compost pile.

So, never, ever, let anyone tell you that your dreams are foolish, that you can't make a living with them or that they are "too much". 

They don't know what they are talking about.

Much love,

Marie