oh my. this has been, hands down, the strangest and most labor intensive (heart + body) week of the entire year.
in the wee hours of the morning, as i finally breathe myself to sleep, i’m having heavy realizations that my heart has been released to the world – all packaged inside a book where i spill my guts, my experiences, my journey, and my thoughts for the readers as they make their way, too. it makes me feel vulnerable, exposed, nervous, happy, thrilled, alive, scared, and downright out of sorts. during the day i seem to be ok as i try to stay on track with a giant to-do list. it’s at night when i want to fall apart, when all the emotions release at once. i sent my mom an email (i’m without a phone today) this morning requesting prayers – a rare gesture of asking for help and something i need to do more of. with all of this book talk, my world feels a bit small, huge, and selfish all at once – tough waters for me to navigate this week inside celebrations and nerves.
what’s been holding me up in exuberance mode, rather than nerves mode, are my family (my sister has been calling with happy tears), my friends (who have endlessly listened to me as i process + celebrate), and the many emails starting to roll in with “my book arrived, my book arrived!” – all so important and meaningful to me this week (thank you).
for those of you who receive your books, i would love it if you would please consider heading over to amazon and writing a quick review. amazon reviews are so powerful in how these book do in the long run – i would so appreciate it.
ps- i sent an original painting to one lucky pre-orderer. i can hardly wait for her to get it. i feel a bit like a secret santa claus 🙂
ok, back to regular blogging soon…
xo
I got my (my sisters book) and had to totally devour it from cover to cover before I could relinquish it to her. I had bought it for my sister for her birthday and now MUST get my own copy. This book is truly inspirational and so chock full of great details that I feel giddy with inspired thoughts for my own work to begin!
Thank you Kelly Rae for a wonderful glimpse into your life, your inspirations and your art.
Debra Bunker, Concord NC
Kelly
OH MY GOSH I won your beautiful original painting!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I have been reading your blog for at least a year and have wanted to visit Oregon because of you and John.
My daughter is 23 and I hope her life is like yours. I just love you
and feel a kinship even never meeting you in person.
My painting is going to be hung near my tiffany lamp. It is truly beautiful and such a surprise to receive it today.
BIG BIG Hugs from TEXAS! Nance
PS I am acounselor and worked with children with Autism spectrum disorders. I am a frustrated artist myself.
Congratulations! I so can’t wait for this book release!
Hi Kelly Rae,
Wow ……
I recieved my book yesterday, the postman caught me on my way back home from taking my dog for his walk.He said i’ve left an international packet for you !!!
I thought this can’t be Kelly Rae’s book too soon
I rushed home and carefully …lol ripped the envelope open and found your book.
Big congratulations for creating such a superb book, it’s wonderful everything that i hoped and more.What an amazing person you are , as with all your artwork the book couldn’t of got any better.
I have told some friends about it and they have placed orders already.I haven’t had achance to sit and read but i have looked at the pictures and how to parts , so informative the best .Well done!!!!
All the best
Hugs Lorraine xxx
Your book arrived this morning and already I have rea half of it and skimmed the rest. Your words really spoke to me, it is a truly beautiful book.
yay! ‘Taking Flight’ arrives in Australia! thank you, thank you, thank you! i can’t wait to sit in a uiet spot and read it all. 🙂
congratulations, dearest lady! i have been so busy with my new job that i’m nearly out-of-the-loop! congrats on your new book and let’s celebrate with a drink soon!
in other news, i just “tagged” you after i was just “tagged”. so visit my blog to see the rules and post if you like! no worries if you don’t. happy monday to you, dear friend. 😉
Hi Kelly,
The book arrived today- 2nd Sept!…so quick…I am keeping the U.S. Envelope it came in as it has your label and stamps /etc…and inside..a lovely print I will frame and your lovely signed Autograph and message…I am a bit teary…as its all so sweet, and I know I will really enjoy it.
I am not well today and in alot of pain (Fibro & Rhuem playing up bigtime this week)….and I just reaaaaallyy have to vacuam (hoover?) to you guys.. as I have clients for the next three days here in my home clinic…..so I will now promise I can sit and read your book with a cuppa as soon as I get the work done!!!!..What Great incentive for me…I cant wait till my working week is over and I can have all the next weekend to explore and create after reading your book…make way for an Explosion of CREATIVITY at my house!!!..Thank You so much for wanting to share yourself in this way…its wonderful…xx
every day I wake up thinking like it is christmas that maybe my book might arrive today… am still waiting but I guess it has a little way to travel.
But I have enjoyed reading everyones rave reviews about it and am so very excited…
I can imagine it must be a weird feeling for you having your soul go out there in the world for everyone to read?
I got my book and it is soooo fab. I am carving out niches in my day to read it. Slowing I am savouring each and every page {I have 2 little boys so it will take a while but I will read it cover to cover – more than once I am certain}. It’s delightful. It’s soooo delish! I for one am very grateful for the hard work and all your emotions that are so clearly a part of every paragraph. Oh Kelly it’s beautiful and I am so inspired to be a better artist, a better, truer me.
On a side note: I am sad to say there was no original painting in my box … hmmm who is that one very blessed person??
Very excited for you, seeing all these wonderful reviews and delighted and inspired readers, and just longing for my copy to make its way across the oceans …alexa
Well yippeee!! I retrieved my book from my PO box at lunch today. i can barely stand to do my work, as i have it propped open next to me. I guess i know what i will be doing tonight!
I absolutely love the layout and the art work and all of it. i only wish it were spiral bound, so that i could leave it open where i left off!
Love it, Love it, Love it!
hugs from Montana