I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past four years. While it isn't a profession, I do spend quite a bit of my day home schooling my two older children. Some might say that I am also a professional baby-wearer, middle of the night crafter, and world-class procrastinator. I am pouring my heart into becoming a full-fledged, freelance writer. Check back in a year and perhaps I can add this to my credentials.

 My greatest unfulfilled ambition is to write and publish an anthology of essays....and then tour the world as I host conferences for women of all ages and backgrounds to get together in big, inspiring group-hugs and affirm how beautiful and capable each of us truly are. 

resilient. passionate. grateful.

Most people are surprised when they learn that I had cancer as a teenager. Thankfully, after a few surgeries I returned to a healthy, happy life. When my peers in school asked why I had such a large scar running from my cheek to neck, I humored myself by making up stories ranging from knife-wielding gang fight to tiger attack.

The moment after I had my daughter, I sat in the quiet of our hospital room listening to the bustle of the nurses outside of the door and gazing deeply into my baby girl's eyes. She was so alert, engaged, alive. It felt as though she was looking deep into my soul. Though I had been a mother for six years to her two older brothers, this moment I shared with her was profound. Right then, I knew that I had to be more. I was ignited with urgency. I had to do all of the things I had been to scared to do for years. If I was ever going to teach her what it meant to seize the world, I was going to have to dig deep and seize all of the longings within my heart. And all I have ever longed to do is write. Ever since I was a girl scribbling poetry in my room at night, I have longed to tell my stories. So, when my daughter was just four weeks old, and I was thoroughly exhausted, I created my blog and jumped in head first. No plans. No goals. No real idea of what I was doing. Just following the calling to fulfill my dreams, and hoping that my words might inspire others to chase their joy. 

Fall! Though I live in down in Texas where our fall isn't crisp air and changing leaves, I do appreciate the slight drop in temperature as an opportunity to pull out my beloved cardigans and layer pieces. Also, pumpkin bread. Although, that has nothing to do with fashion.

The last book I read in its entirety was Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. (I am notorious for starting books and not finishing them for months. There are bookmarked, dog-eared books stacked in little piles all about my home. I could say the same for my many projects, crafts, and essays...) Anyhow, yes, I would absolutely recommend this book! If you are feeling stagnated in your creative endeavors, or if you are seeking affirmation that the art you produce adds value to the world, this is the read for you. 

Shaunacey again - now that you're all captivated by Aimee's writing here are two posts by Aimee that I KNOW you'll love:

Chasing Your Joy

Enjoy and thank you Aimee because truthfully, I forgot I had a Feature Friday coming up and Aimee was generous enough to do this VERY last minute! I owe you!!!