The Art of the Reset: Embracing Year Two

There’s a specific kind of energy in the air right now. Everyone is talking about "back-to-school" season, but for me, the excitement isn’t about fresh notebooks or backpack shopping—it’s about the schedule.

If I’m being completely honest, July was a total whirlwind. Between summer chaos and the general pace of life, my studio space has felt a bit too quiet, and I’ve barely created anything over the last few weeks. I have several pieces sitting there, waiting for me to pull up a stool and dive back in. My hands are itching to pick up a paintbrush again, and I truly cannot wait.

Getting back into our rhythm is the breathing room I’ve been waiting for.

Dreaming Up a New Rhythm

We are officially stepping into Year Two of homeschooling, with Hunter entering the 4th grade.

Last year, when we were suddenly thrown into the homeschool game, it was a massive shift. At the time, I was running a business I had built since 2019, trying to paint part-time whenever I could steal a spare hour, and suddenly managing a full curriculum. I realized very quickly that I couldn’t do it all—something had to give.

I had to sit down and figure out what actually mattered to me. And the truth was? I was ready to finally, genuinely, paint.

Looking back now, taking that leap was the best decision I could have made. Over the past year, I’ve painted more than I ever have in my entire life. It is the most incredible feeling to spend years wishing you had the time to pursue a lifelong dream, and then suddenly realize: this is my time to do it.

The Vision Across the Table

Is homeschooling hard? Absolutely. But going into our second year feels different. The panic of navigating the unknown is gone, and we’re stepping in with a lot more confidence.

My goal—and maybe a slight dream—for this 4th-grade year is a little more independence for Hunter. I’ll be right there beside him, guiding him whenever he needs it, but I’m holding onto a very specific vision for us this season:

Hunter across the table working through his lessons, while I sit right across from him, painting.

That’s the dream we’re turning into reality this year. A quiet morning rhythm, paint on my hands, progress on his desk, and both of us growing together.

July was fun, wild, and chaotic—but August? August brings the reset. I’m ready to get back to my brushes, back to our routine, and back to the easel.

Here’s to season two. Let’s get to work!