May 2023 | Balance

Playlist : Ends & Begins - Labrinth | Caroline - Arlo Parks | Meteora 20th Anniversary Edition

Favorites : Yellow Daffodils | Patagonia Running Vest | Waking up to birdies | Yellowjackets

My hope for May is to draw as much as I can, and not be worried if it’ll be liked by others. I’ve had to create a balance between what my heart is drawn to (pun intended) and what will be profitable, and it can be challenging to know what the best decision is. For my cardinal pins, I originally started with the female. They’ve been my favorite bird for a long time; I love the sandy-colored feathers with maroon accents and that they remind me of home. But as soon as I decided to make the male version, she got overshadowed a bit. I knew it was going to happen and I love the male too, but the female is where my heart is.

I gravitate to the word “balance” partially because I’m a libra, but also how we are all constantly searching for the “perfect” equation to equal out different aspects of our lives. Recently I’ve been faced with a few life changes—some familiar, some challenging—and I’ve spent an immense amount of energy looking to decipher the code on how to hold the weight of it all, while simultaneously taking care of myself. Everyday I remind myself that I can only control my actions, and I actually don’t have to find the secret code. I think balance encompasses letting myself feel, taking my time, messing up occasionally lol, and telling myself it’s ok that I don’t have everything together right now.

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This month’s pin drop is a color variation of a popular pin that actually was suppose to be released two years ago, and I’ve been putting it off until now. Warm colors are difficult to translate into enamel—yellows, oranges, and reds can vary slightly. I think I’ve finally found an orange color that works!

And speaking of drawing what I love and female birds, last week I dabbled in creating another waterfowl pin so my loon wouldn’t be so lonely lol. There’s something about female mallard ducks that I just find stunning. The gold and lavender together makes me happy. Another bird that reminds me of home. :)

-Shannon