When my daughter and her family came over for dinner last weekend, I delighted in showing them what I’d just ordered: A bunch of extra large, 30x40 canvases.

As I ushered out January and the 31-day STRADA challenge of showing up to paint plein air daily and post it publicly, I just felt ready for more.

To paint larger; to express myself through play; to experiment in my studio; to find the child within me that isn’t afraid to go bigger.

My granddaughter couldn’t wait to dig in with me. I delighted in watching her approach a canvas bigger than her with no fear, just fun. We centered the painting around hearts and love. We put on music and danced while we painted.

It can feel odd to have these moments of pure joy when the news of our country is anything but joyful.

But every time I let myself feel the darkness of this administration’s actions, I remind myself that if I let that darkness steal my joy, then they’ve won.

And we can’t let hatred, greed, power over, fear, or falsehoods win.

We can choose kindness. We can choose compassion. We can set our fear aside, dance, let our light shine, relentlessly use our voice, take care of the people we love, take care of our neighbors, and take care of ourselves.

These are the acts of resistance that will make the good outweigh the bad, even if it feels like that might be impossible sometimes.

But I believe, with all my heart, that if we continue to share love and kindness, we will… well, I don’t know exactly what the outcome will be, if I’m honest. But I do know I plan to go bigger in sharing mine this month and all the months to come, because love and kindness are the only way forward.

I hope you’ll choose them with me.

I’ve been asked to do a live demo on Art School Live with Eric Rhoads’ this month. (An opportunity beyond my wildest dreams!) If we’re not already connected on Facebook, follow me there to get the details as soon as I have them!