Issue No. 3 | Making Room
September has been a month of celebrating, stretching, creating, and finding my way through a season of transition.
I traveled to Utah to celebrate 10 years of Monica Packer’s About Progress podcast and the launch of her new book, Sticky Habits. I celebrated my 50th birthday with Young and Zoe Kate (including a very special reenactment of my favorite SNL Sally O’Malley skit!), I was invited to be a speaker for the MORE FOR MOM’S conference, and we’ve settled into a brand-new rhythm as Zoe Kate has started swim, gymnastics, and art. Whew! It’s been a busy month but so good, too!
ABOUT PROGRESS LIVE
I had an amazing evening celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the podcast, About Progress and the launch of the brand new book, Sticky Habits. The live podcast recording and getting to visit with Monica Packer was a treat!
I TURNED 50!!!
Young, Zoe Kate, and I enjoyed a weekend of celebrating my 50th!
ODE TO SALLY O’MALLEY
For years, my favorite SNL skit has been the infamous Sally O’Malley exclaiming she was, “50! 50 years old!” I’ve been waiting decades to reenact it as an ode to Sally and a celebration of turning 50. It was so fun!
MORE FOR MOMS CONFERENCE
What an honor to be invited as a speaker at this year’s More For Moms conference, hosted by Monica Packer of About Progress! Click HERE to sign up and use code: TONIA for $10 off the Lifetime Pass option!
Somewhere in the middle of all of that, I found myself working through some difficult emotions that came with this season of change. As I often do, I painted my way through them—and The Space Between collection was born. Watching nearly the entire collection find homes within just a few hours of its release left me feeling incredibly grateful and reminded me once again why I make art.
The Space Between Collection. I have 3 pieces left! Click the image to shop!
I’ve also started Pilates twice a week, which I’m loving, and these days I’m finding my way into the studio every day—even if some days that means only 30 minutes and others mean several hours.
As I look toward October, I’m giving myself permission to explore. I want to paint more intuitively, push further into abstraction, and follow the work wherever it wants to take me.
I’m curious to see what unfolds.
SEPTEMBER
What I Bought and LOVED
WHAT I BOUGHT AND LOVED
I snagged this gorgeous green slip dress and sweater combo from my friend, Dana Larson. She is a Cabi stylist, and I always love shopping with her! I got a few new fall pieces this month, but this dress was my favorite! Click HERE to shop!
What I Made and Feel Proud Of
This was my favorite piece of The Space Between Collection. It’s still available! Click the image to shop!
My Favorite Book This Month
MY FAVORITE BOOK THIS MONTH
I can’t sing this book’s praises enough! Sticky Habits by Monica Packer is September’s favorite read! Click HERE or the image to snag your own copy!
As I step into October, I’m trying not to rush to figure out what comes next. I’m simply making room—for creativity, curiosity, new ideas, and whatever wants to grow.
Thank you for being here, for following along, and for giving my art a place in your world. I’m so grateful to share this journey with you.
Here’s to making room for what’s next.
Tonia
September’s BLOOM:
What would happen if you made a little room this month for something that wants to grow? Maybe it’s creativity. Maybe it’s rest, a new idea, a hobby, a friendship, or simply more time for yourself. Take 15 minutes this week and make room for it.
Then notice what happens.
