Today, for the first time in a long while, I felt the unmistakable spark of creativity begin to glow within me. It was the perfect day to immerse myself in the process of making art, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I drifted into that magical state of flow. It was absolutely wonderful.

And where did this spark find its brightest expression? Collage, of course. It’s always been my go-to medium when I’m reconnecting with my creative side after a long hiatus. Collage feels so natural, so deeply ingrained in who I am. I’ve loved it since I was a kid. Anything that could be collaged, I would collage—boxes, posters, greeting cards—you name it.

Today, I decided to give new life to some of my “reject” aura paintings. These pieces weren’t quite what I intended them to be, but they became perfect fodder for layering and transforming into something entirely new. By the end of the day, I had completed five individual pieces, each one bringing a sense of satisfaction and joy.

However, I must issue a PSA for anyone planning a collage project: always check that you have glue before you begin. Halfway through my cutting and placement process, I realized that I didn’t have a single stick of glue in my entire apartment. Since I’m currently without a dedicated studio space, my supplies are scattered between what I could fit in my closet and what’s in storage. This meant an impromptu trip to the grocery store to pick up glue. As inconvenient as it was, the errand turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

The day outside was beautiful—one of those quintessential Florida autumn days with cooler temperatures and clear, sunny skies. As I walked to the store, I was struck by how fortunate I am to call this place home. This time of year has a way of reminding me to pause and soak in the beauty of my surroundings.

Back at home, glue in hand, I returned to my project with renewed energy. Time seemed to evaporate as I worked—a hallmark of being in creative flow. Before I knew it, the day had flown by, leaving me both exhilarated and deeply content. With the holiday season approaching and the days growing shorter, I’m reminded how fleeting this year has been. So much of it still feels like a dream, a whirlwind of change and growth.

Another realization hit me recently: in just a few months, I’ll be turning 35. It’s a milestone that’s brought its share of reflection. I can’t help but think of the iconic “Sex & the City” episode where Carrie turns 35.

I vividly remember watching it as a teenager—her birthday dinner derailed, her friends nowhere to be found, and then Big showing up in the end in true classic Hollywood romance style. Perhaps I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer, a believer in true love and serendipity.

Today, I felt a version of that true love—not in a romantic gesture, but in my connection to art. The act of creating brought me home to myself, and I’m excited to see where this rekindled spark leads next.

xoxo