From the Archives

Finding Joy didn't start as a shop. Long before hand-painted originals and prayer cards, this was a place where I wrote – about motherhood, faith, creativity, and the messy process of figuring out who I was becoming.

This is a small, closed collection of posts from that earlier chapter. I'm not adding to it – it's simply here because these pieces still sound like me, and I didn't want to lose them. Some are about the writing life, some about faith, some about the harder parts of being a parent.

If you're here for a glimpse into my current (but still weird) creative process, you'll find those over in Notes from the Studio. But if you'd like to see where Finding Joy began, you're welcome to stay a while.
Love Persevering

Love Persevering

Sometimes creating is wonderfully therapeutic and cathartic, sometimes I’m walking backwards on a travelator, paintbrush or notebook in hand, but going nowhere. After loss, it can feel impossible. Content warning:...
Am I still a writer if I'm constantly struggling to write?

Am I still a writer if I'm constantly struggling to write?

I have a confession to make. Writing is not an easy or pleasant experience for me. It is like fighting a battle with myself, and the writer in me rarely wins.
Career Lessons I Wish I'd Learned Earlier

Career Lessons I Wish I'd Learned Earlier

In the absence of a mentor, I was doing a lot of guesswork. Here are some of the things I wish I'd known when I was younger. 
The postpartum conversation that should have happened

The postpartum conversation that should have happened

Last week I went to visit a female GP for my 6 week postpartum check-up. It was weird. Even though she wasn’t my regular GP (ours is a dude and...
Preparing the heart for a second baby

Preparing the heart for a second baby

No one really tells mums or dads how to prepare to share yourself. When, for so long, your parenting energies have been focused on one little person, what it will be...
11 things I wish I’d known before I got pregnant

11 things I wish I’d known before I got pregnant

While there’s no doubt in my mind that I’d go through it all again for a sibling (or more!) for my baby, there are definitely some things I wish I’d...