Who Rescued Who

There have been two recent, moving art experiences at different churches that I feel compelled to write/share about, and spread the love and light I was blessed to receive by attending these events.  On Palm Sunday, artist and pastor Paul Oman did a live painting during worship at Hope Luthern Church. The most fascinating part about watching this painting come to life (while loving all the colors, but wondering what he was trying to depict) was when he actually flipped the canvas over halfway through, only to reveal he'd been painting upside down! The image he was painting then became clearer— it just took a different perspective to see it.  Every brush stroke flowed as Paul’s talent took shape onto the canvas and into a visual we could all understand— Jesus Christ, our savior. Today, at Unity Church, mental health coach Dawn Bower hosted a “Release Challenges with Neurographic Art Workshop;” where we learned how the creative process of Neurographic Art can help transfor...

Today, I found peace while praying and pondering in a beautiful butterfly garden. Butterfly metamorphosis is a fascinating process, which became extremely symbolic to me when I first got sober in February 2023, as it instinctively mirrors sobriety and transformation.  Sobriety feels like my own metamorphosis journey—slow and uncomfortable, but necessary to become/grow into the best version of myself. Even though I’ve experienced relapsing, deep inside lies the desire to become who I am meant to be— who God created me to be. Refusing to give up on myself and knowing hard changes can lead to something beautiful (butterfly metamorphosis)— through prayer and surrender, God continues to transform me. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” ~ Philippians 1:6 Lines from a poem I wrote about a butterfly’s journey during my first sobriety stretch in 2023: “Comforting to know storms come to an end;  Our Father is our sour...

Today— April 10, 2026— I am 8 months sober.   God gave me the Gift Of Desperation on August 10, 2025, and I am forever grateful. I celebrated my sobriety today at a local church garden with my dogs, where I prayed and reflected on the past 8 months— the struggles, growth, and quiet victories that brought me to this moment. Reminiscing on where I started, how far I’ve come, and the life I’m continuing to rebuild— I am trusting that each step forward from here will be purposeful and guided by God.  Thy will be done. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” ~ Romans 8:28

Sobriety is hard. Triggers, trials and temptations happen— life gets lifey. My antidotes: God/prayer, animals, and nature. Sitting and/or walking outside with my pets (yes, Belle our cat goes on walks too, she has a stroller) leads to more positive, calming feelings and a sense of peace. Being surrounded by God’s creations, creatures and nature, soothes the soul. I am grateful for the experiences in nature with my pets.  These moments heal my heart and help me stay sober.  One day at a time. “O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.” ~ Psalms 104:24 “The temptations in your life are no different than what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13 Nature stroll with Buddy Sandy Paws with Penny Stroller & Patio Moments with Bel...

Creativity is a beautiful quality we all carry— revealed through the different ways we express ourselves. I’ve always found it fascinating to see where people’s interests lie and how their individuality shines in unique ways— through God-given talents/gifts. As a creative person in general, one of the many artistic outlets I enjoy is painting— which I hadn’t done in a while because the willingness comes and goes in waves. However, since getting a house, decorating an animal/pet room, and then going to Paris— let’s say I was feeling inspired. I found an organic/textured, neutral art series at a local Homegoods (love cute decor & good deals!) that fit the aesthetic of the animal room perfectly.  This space was designed to bring comfort and healing, with a calming palette and soft, layered textiles. Shortly after adopting Buddy and returning home from a Paris trip, I was surrounded by so much love and felt inspired to create. I took the Homegoods series off the wall and pai...

The beginning of November 2025, I committed to buying a new home. Excited to have more space, I was ready to fill it with more love… (dogs). Seeing that the holidays and house closing were around the corner in December 2025, I decided to get a dog for my boyfriend for Christmas (in addition to my rescue cat, Belle, I’ve now had for about 7 years). I went to Patty Baker Humane Society in Naples, Florida to “look” at the end of November with a dear friend/co-worker. After doing a lap and seeing all the dogs in the shelter, my heart went out to each and every one of them, but it was love at first sight when I made eye contact with Penny (who was named Jimena at the time). Her soft stare and timid body language stole my heart.  I knew we could love her like she needed to be loved, and give her a beautiful new home and life. By the end of the day November 21, 2025… Penny was coming home with me… And Christmas came a little early for us. Fast forward to a couple months late...

Directly after college— where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Maryland— I up and moved to Naples, Florida to start working. At my first job as an ocularist intern in 2014, I was taught how to fabricate prosthetic eyes. Every case/patient was special and impactful, but there is one I will always vividly remember— the young girl who was mauled by two pit bulls.  This child endured many injuries from the attack, one being the loss of an eye. Grateful for the ability to help her, but heartsick by the outcome of this unfortunate event: I became terrified of this dog breed— the pit bull. Fast forward to February 2026, I couldn’t say no to a dog in need, and we ended up fostering a pit bull (let’s call him Rex) for a week. Rex stole my heart and I still find myself thinking about him with a smile on my face; just like I think about that day the young girl got a prosthetic eye and smiled at herself in the mirror. I pray for and think about...