Puerility Vol. 1 Presents: "Girl Talk, Guy Talk"

My new video series has officially kicked off!

The premise: Fun interviews with men and women that are learning how to live life well! And of course we're going to be talking about relationships, romance, and the art of being single and ready to mingle.  

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"Girl Talk, Guy Talk #1"

On this episode we talk about Being Single, Honoring Men, Healing and Restoration.  

This episode features: Cherlene "CeCie" Wilson (Twitter & Instagram: @cherlenewilson) & 

Patrice Patrick (Twitter & Instagram: @puerilityvol1) www.puerilityvol1.blogspot.com

Link: http://youtu.be/PpE7zYPwkbg

 

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Girl Talk, Guy Talk #2

On this episode we talk about Being Single, Living in Hope, Masculinity, & Not Settling...

This episode features: John Tippins (Instagram: @johntippins | www.facebook.com/johnthejuicer) & Patrice Patrick (Twitter & Instagram: @puerilityvol1) www.puerilityvol1.blogspot.com

Link: http://youtu.be/9iT-7dF88wI

Finding Closure

     I used to think that I had to wait until everything was perfect until I could start something.

     And I used to think that I had to wait until everything was flawless and neatly wrapped up in order to finish something and walk away.

     Once thought to be something so effortless and simple when we were younger, now beginnings and endings have proven more complex than we could have ever imagined.

     At the time, with your heart, you had believed. You trusted and moved forward. And no one can take that bravery away from you.

     And that is why beginnings prove to be so magical. They are full of such possibility and hope.

     And we live a little.

     But no one could see down the road fully, not perfectly. And no one could foresee how these circumstances would fully play out.

     And now with hearts aching from those things lost, we yearn for some sense of closure to stand on.

     Both beginnings and endings need such care and attention. But its our own hearts that impede the process and often get in the way.

     As of late, I'm learning our own power in in the midst of such transitional and unresolved circumstances. The choice and power to let go. To move forward into the foggy mist of the new and undefined whereabouts of your next victory.

     And yet we are not rendered hopeless or even unloved through the hardship of this kind of surrender. But in fact, we are transforming into stronger vessels. Vessels that can hold a more passionate and profound amount of love.

     Much like gold refined in the fire.

     I'm currently in close quarters with people dealing with this idea of finding closure, whether it be with family members, relationships, or false gold dreams. Some have found the closure they long for, but most have not.

     And it is in those murky areas, where rage rests quietly upon our hearts, and begins to taint our words and expectations.

     I, myself, have been dealing with anger regarding certain scenarios in my life being void of immediate closure, understanding and interpretation.

     But truly, it is God who is the Author and Finisher of all our story lines, even the ones that currently seem hopeless and discouraging.

     While we may be able to place commas and even semi-colons in our worlds, relationships and circumstances -- God is creating the eternal the chapters.

     And then I remember.

     God is a God of redemption.

     We often feel like we are relegated to walk through life with a limp because of the unresolve of others and the circumstances thrown our way, unable to give ourselves over to any true and hopeful new beginning. But that's not true.

     Instead, we and our once brave hearts are challenged to not only remember that good things can and still happen, but that God is good. He is always our beautiful and ready beginning and our hopeful ending. Of which our defeated spirits and thirty hearts can find hope and renewed expectation in Him first. There is rest to be found there.

     It's not so much about becoming weary in finding the perfect closure, because the deepest and most needed aspects of closure have already found us.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Closure doesn't start with someone else giving you the permission 

to begin, end, or fully understand.

Much like forgiveness, the power of closure begins with you.

Rest. Beauty. Create. Encourage. Repeat.

     If you've been following me on Instagram (www.instagram.com/puerilityvol1), you've probably noticed that I've been on a couple adventures as of late.

     Because of these little adventures, I'm feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and more like myself, but yet better--like a 5.0 version of myself.

     I'd be lying to you if I said it was merely the adventure alone that has gotten me fired up, but it's been a combination of 4 things:

1) Rest 

2) Embracing Beauty, starting with myself-- 

3) Choosing to be creative in some way. EVERYDAY. 

4) And being more purposeful and heartfelt about Encouraging those in my life.

     I had forgotten how beneficial sleep can truly be. I mean. #Gamechanger

     If you didn't know already, I can sleep like an Olympian when I want and need to (10-14 hours). But since the beginning of this year, I was on my grind and definitely not getting proper sleep. It wasn't until about 2 weeks ago that I just allowed my body to really rest. Not only are there tremendous health benefits (#myhairandskintho), but there is an emotional and spiritual rejuvenation that takes place. When we lay our cares, our worries, our unfinished business down and decide to trust God, it's extraordinary what begins to take place.

     I also love that Jesus invites us into rest. "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

     I mean, this is a big deal -- rest.

     And what about embracing beauty?

     Well, have you done it? More importantly, have you embraced your own beauty? Regardless of your size, your height, your skin color, etc. Have you been intentional about celebrating what's beautiful about you? Grab a friend and go out and do an impromptu photo shoot in your backyard, in front your garage, at the park, in your living room, anywhere--be brave.

    And while I'm a big fan of celebrating our own beauty, know that your beauty does not detract from someone else's, nor can theirs detract from yours. Be sure to tell someone today, how handsome or how beautiful they look. Mostly, let's help each other embrace our beauty.

     And then of course, there's the creative aspect.

     We are a creative species, meant to be creative in a variety of tones and shades. We are drawn to beautiful, odd, interesting, mysterious, complex, and simple things. How we understand these things, how they make us feel, and the stories they create, manifest themselves in our lives in different ways.

     Beyond writing, one of my favorite creative expressions is photography. I just love interesting images, with dynamic focal points. I'm fascinated with silhouettes, country landscapes, and people. I have no pressure to be a genius regarding photography, it's simply something I love doing--something I do with a sense of rest, tenderness, and focus.

     An easy way for me to be creative everyday, outside of my writing, is to simply post a photo on Instagram. #Itsthelittlethings

     What's your fun creative outlet, something simple that you can do just about everyday, to express your inner creativity? Scrap-booking, painting, singing along to your favorite CD, working out a complex physics formula? There's life to be had in these often subtle expressions.

     And lastly--encouragement.

     We all need it.

     And we all want someone to give it to us in our time of doubt and need.

     But let's turn this thing on its head.

     Let's be purposeful to encourage those people we are blessed to have in our lives (and perhaps some of the ones you don't feel blessed to have--).

     Because what happens is the beautiful cycle of generosity...

"Generosity begets generosity." - Luke 6:38 (The Message)

And you'll find yourself receiving more love and encouragement than you ever have--Spurring you on, into your calling, into adventures, feeling brave and equipped, rested, and more like the real you, the one who was always destined to come forth.

Wisdom's Knocking: 

Take the time to love yourself well.

Holding Patterns

     I'm in a holding pattern of sorts.

     I can feel it.

     And as much as I'd like to buck the ways of the universe right now, something tells me to get still. To chill. To relax.

     This morning, I got an interesting Facebook friend request.

     When I saw the face of this guy, my stomach literally leapt, flew, fluttered, and then tried to carry on as if nothing had ever happened.

     Of course, I already knew who this guy was. But I am no longer falling for a man over a merely friendly gesture. So, I accepted the friend request with a semi-frozen heart.

     But the nerve of my heart and body to still have such a strong reaction to his presence.

     And all the while, I feel like a little red plane circling in the skies, waiting for the control tower to give me permission to land.

     Land where, exactly? I'm not entirely sure.

     But I spent a Wednesday with one of my dearest friends, Yajaira.

     We spent the day eating, walking, bumping into old friends, people watching, and listening to each other's tales of heartbreak and disappointment.

     I don't know how long this holding pattern will last, I'm honestly praying that it will be over once I wake up tomorrow, or by the time you finish reading this post.

     But repeat after me: "Good things still happen."

     They happen in big packages and small. And sometimes even medium packages.

     Today, Yajaira and I embraced our small packages, called them blessings, and hugged each other like sisters when it was time to say good-bye.

     We in our laugh-crying state of being, hope that our future is more memorable than our past, but we are painfully aware that it will take blood, sweat, and tears--otherwise known as waiting, to get there.

     Meanwhile, life is still being lived.

     Beauty is still all around us.

     And even though the drab of missed opportunities and unmet expectation linger in the atmosphere, God is known for taking brokenness aside and making it oh, so incredibly and surprisingly beautiful.

Wisdom's Knocking:

"He has made everything beautiful in its time." 

In its time.

-Ecclesiastes 3:11a

The Unfortunate Way I Feel About Myself Today

     

   
     Do you ever cringe in embarrassment over your past actions? Otherwise known as regret.

     I know it's hip and famous to claim that one never feels regret over past actions, because of course, it's these actions that cause us to grow, to mature, to become better human beings in the end, if we let them.

     But today, I was acting like Lot's wife. I looked back, because I felt as though I had missed something, that I was missing out.

     Isn't that always the fear, the struggle and the fight--that we've somehow missed out on the party, the invitation, the inside scoop and have been relegated to being an outsider once again.

     I came across this line on Twitter yesterday: "It's sad we live in a world where people are happily surprised when you hold the door for them... Shows people don't do it nearly enough."

     And then I realized how I had been cheating myself.

     I had somehow began viewing myself as 'less than' and excused the half baked intentions of non-fully committed men.

     I had gotten so excited over the menial displays of interest from specific men over the last few months, that I had also mistaken these notions for some sort of true chivalrous act.

     I looked back.

     And I started to cringe in my soul.

     Why are we drawn back to those things that were only ever a good 60%, instead of facing forward and ready to receive the 100% ahead.

     And then I think to myself, "Why didn't he just ask me out?"

     And another resounding answer comes back like a boomerang hitting me upside the head,

     "Because he didn't want to."

     And I look back at that 60% as if it were the only thing I would ever have. And then I somehow feel horrible for ever letting it go.

     It's an unfortunate way to feel.

Wisdom's Knocking:

“Go back?" he thought. "No good at all! 

Go sideways? Impossible! 

Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!" 

So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him 

and one hand feeling the wall, 

and his heart all of a patter and a pitter.”

 ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Twitter Quote by: Rich Green

No Time For Metaphors

     In honor of National Poetry month, I thought it'd be fun this week to dig up some uber dramatic poetry that I did in my twenties, inspired by my journey of waiting for my future Boo. Next up, "No Time For Metaphors"!

Note: I'll be doing a video read of this poem very sooooon!

No Time for Metaphors

I'm out of luck for metaphors and similes now

I just wish you would come and talk to me, 

Not just stare, not just glare, not just hope,

Not just dare to swirl around new ideas across a table as we partake in 

A new type of communion, a union, a fusion

Something just falling, falling, falling from

The kitchen, sounds like a falling star

But I don't know how to gage the urgency of what you see

When you see me do you want us to be

You and me beyond the veil above expectation,

But a candle just blew out and I'm in the dark waiting

For your hand to touch mine across the table of time and 

I hold my breath, and 

I hold my breath---

And time goes by

I still don't know how to play this game of chess,

Or is it checkers,

Maybe black jack or poker

It's all a risk to me 

And the main course is being prepared 

The Chef has taken delicate care to make sure that

Love is served to me.

Companionship

     In honor of National Poetry month, I thought it'd be fun this week to dig up some uber dramatic poetry that I did in my twenties, dedicated to my future husband. First up, "Companionship"!

Companionship

So-- am I finally ready to accept?

It is so clear when I have space

Space to move and to think

I have felt free, this day I have no more

Heart and soul murmurs

My heart now beats like an African drum

Your eyes are what draw me in 

To tell the story

To show me why

I've prayed for you and asked the Divine

I concentrate on words as if they were my last

With you I see my future, present 

And my past.

Where Have All the Good Men Gone?

     

     This morning, I was listening to an awesome message on "How to Get Married" by the amazingly funny Alyn Jones.

     Because see, last night I hit a bit of a rough patch. My body was tired and so was my mind. And my default setting went into, "I miss my man", "I wish my man was here" mode. And then I started feeling sorry for myself, and as I lay in bed, I just started weeping.

     I do love my sensitive heart and that I chose not to be a calloused non-feeling individual. There's freedom in that. But I don't just stop there in my own emotions. I ask God to show me what the heck is really going on with my heart.

     Truth be told, that week I was beating myself up a little bit. Or a lot a bit. I felt this immense pressure to perform and accomplish something great. To prove to myself that I could.  But I was becoming miserable in the process.

    You know when you have a crush on someone (or you're in an unhealthy relationship), and you so subtly start morphing into the type of person you think they adore, all the while, losing a real sense of who you are distinctly.

     Well ever since coming back from Europe last year, I had this sense in my spirit that my future boo would be in his life stage of true purpose and passion. Living and doing the thing in which God created him to do. Knowing and feeling this brought me a great sense of excitement; but it also stirred me with a bit of jealousy. I mean what would or could I possibly bring to the table?

     I know that question seems a bit silly. But I also know we all feel inadequate at times, simply not enough, while the exact opposite remains true. You are enough. But here I was in the midst of feeling my own emotions, which happened to be betraying me.

     The point of conflict rested in the fact that I'm in a season of reset and transition regarding my God-given calling and purpose. I've begun a new dedication to this blog with the goal of reaching and encouraging as many single women as I possibly can, writing short stories, working on a book, finishing a script, and saying yes to speaking opportunities (especially involving single women) beyond the youth group that I love.

     But prior to this year, I had gotten quite comfortable simply doing my work in television and tending to my small youth group. Awesome, purpose-inspired, and honorable work indeed, but not the last chapter of the book.

     So here I am carrying this seed of things to come, and yet everything is not in its place, not yet established, not even close--and that feels very unnerving to me.

     In the past, I've always known my 5 year-10 year plan. And when meeting guys then (College, Graduate School) it was easy for me to share where I was going in life and how, in specific terms, I would add value to their life. #letmeupgradeu.

     But now, I feel incredibly vulnerable in terms of destiny and my contributions to a rich marriage.

     I have vision indeed, but communicating that at the moment is proving a bit difficult because I'm still interpreting the language of destiny and purpose for myself.

     My writing, my voice, and the stories I love to share through this blog were becoming polluted with the pressure I was putting on myself to be great for you, great for him, and great for me.

     But those things (My writing, my voice, my stories) must never be used as platforms to affirm that I am a whole and worthy person. These are simply outlets. Gifts to be given, to myself and to others. God has already declared our eternal and astounding worth. So much so, He chooses to enter into relationship with us. #pause

     I had forgotten all of this. In my hopes of impressing myself and any potential suitor, I was putting on layers of performance, and the yoke was becoming heavier and heavier. Resentment was building in my soul, and my trust towards others was diminishing, especially my trust towards men and my future boo.

     So as I continued to listen to Alyn Jones teaching about preparing for marriage. My heart was getting healed. Alyn had also said a similar phrase that CeCie mentioned, in my interview with her a couple weeks back:

"Everybody has eyes to look, but not everybody's using their eyes to see." 

     And that's where I stood. I was becoming cynical about men. I expected to see a man that would be disapproving about my current transitional stage of life, and view me as unworthy and too unappealing to risk being in a relationship with.  Because that was my own apprehensiveness.

     And ladies, you'll find what you seek. Or rather, you'll project your fears on every guy that tries to honestly and respectfully approach you.

     I've learned that cynicism quickly becomes toxic, giving birth to dishonor and later despair (A hint as to why some of the women in your life are "Bitter Bettys"...#imjustsayin) which act as walls between you and the opposite sex.

     So just as I realized I was dealing with a bitter, fearful, and cynical heart, It was then that Alyn starts talking about forgiveness and honoring the opposite sex. He then walks the listeners through a prayer of forgiveness and healing, where he stands in the gap for all men that have dishonored us as women. It was incredibly powerful. (The men weren't left out either, and were led into a healing prayer by Alyn's wife, A.J.).

     As I said the prayer, the heaviness in my heart began to lift. And hope began to arise once again. I felt more like myself than I had in weeks. My identity was being restored once again. And the Lord was proclaiming so kindly and sternly, "You are enough. You are so very worthy. And everyday-- I'm SO PROUD OF YOU."


     And with that profound revelation, my eye sight was restored.

     You'll find what you seek.

     Where have all the good men gone? I promise you, they're still out there and a lot closer than you think (Fathers, brothers, friends, cousins, etc). Often the good men are right where you left them.

     But on that romance tip, when you're ready, truly ready, don't worry--God knows a good man who can and will find you.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Don't let cynicism towards yourself or others, 

blind your heart from recognizing true love.

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(The famous line is at: 08:35 in the clip below. xo)

I Wanna Lighten Your Load - My Messy Beautiful

{This post and I are part of the Messy, Beautiful Warrior Project — To learn more and join us, CLICK HERE! And to learn about the New York Times Bestselling Memoir Carry On Warrior: The Power of Embracing Your Messy, Beautiful Life, just released in paperback, CLICK HERE!}

     You know that moment when you hear a song and it moves you and you start singing the chorus, but you're not 100% sure if you're singing the right lyrics, but you keep karaoke singing anyway.

     Well, that happened to me recently.

     I was listening to this song called, "Latch" by Disclosure featuring the amazing Sam Smith.

     And everything was hitting me right about that song. The track, the vocals, the mix, etc. I was in the groove. And I was singing my little heart out in my living room, having my own personal dance party.

     The words of the song were just flowing naturally from my mouth. With that said, we get to the end of the first verse, before getting into the chorus...

     And I promise you I kept hearing and subsequently singing:

"I Wanna Lighten Your Load"

     And right then and there I vowed that this song would somehow be played at my future wedding reception.

     I mean, why wouldn't it be? The sentiment of helping someone carry a burden and helping them walk through this life's journey, right by their side, with a sense of deep gratitude, awe, and love. Yes please.

     Because we feel heavy at times--- the strain of our past, our baggage, our unresolved pain, our unmet and often dashed expectations, our discouragement, and of course, the weariness of the journey.

     "I wanna lighten your load...Could I lighten your load?"

     That sang like poetry to my heart and expressed perfectly what God had been doing in the midst of my very long and unique singleness journey.

     It's no longer about "Gimme, gimme, gimme my hot stud of a king husband." For reasons such as: I need great sex, I need status, I need to feel complete, I need to accomplish this milestone in life for my own identity and self worth's sake, etc. etc.

     But now, my heart simply yearns to lighten his load.

     Mind you, the prerequisites still stand for Mr. Man, (Kind, funny, loves God, has a job, wears deodorant,..etc.) but I no longer worry or harp on those matters. I trust God.

     But as for my role in my own romance story, the shape of who I am, has become so much more clear.

     I look forward to the day when I get to share my life with someone, and more than that, I know that God will use us both to help one another 'lighten the load.'  And here's the key--not just for ourselves, but I pray for countless others--for those that have been in the trenches of a broken heart, whether in relationship or regarding purpose and destiny.

     This type of love--of lightening the load was always meant to be continuous, rippling outward. I understand that so much more now. Because that's what God is constantly doing for us. Wanting to lighten our load:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”    

                                                                                                        (Matthew 11:28-30 - The Message Translation) 

     Now in my 30s, I can honestly say, I am encouraged, strengthened, and full by the love that I have encountered by God in the valleys of being alone, being single for almost my entire life, wrestling, yelling, crying, enduring anxiety, panic attacks, embarrassment, doubt, and then somehow right back again to love.

     His-- is an enduring love.

     And His invitation to lighten the load, always stands, translating beyond time and space.

     So here I was processing this beautiful revelation regarding lightening the load, when I decided to look up the lyrics to the song I had been singing.

      Well, needless to say, Sam wasn't singing, "I wanna lighten your load." Instead he was singing, "I want to lock in your love." 

      Story of my life.

      And here I was, creating a story in my mind, almost bringing myself to tears off of something misinterpreted. #imean

      My mishap caused me to explore a road I wouldn't have traveled otherwise. It's funny how unexpected roads and journeys lead us to the places we actually needed to be.

     Someone said, if your not making mistakes you're not learning and growing.

     Well, in my case, it was because of the mistake and misinterpreted lyric that I was able to learn, grow, and reflect on my heart's journey.

     God can truly redeem anything.

     "I want to lock in your love." Yes, a beautiful lyric indeed. But now, I'm partial to my own remix. Sometimes the strange and beautiful lyrics we hear in our own heads, is the song that's meant to be sung by us...#selah

      I invite you to give thanks for those in your life that are helping you lighten the load. And may you have the honor of doing the same for someone else.

Wisdom's Knocking: 

"You, you lift my heart up.
when the rest of me is down.
You, you enchant me, even when you're not around.
If there are boundaries, I will try to knock them down.
I'm latching on babe, now I know what I have found.

I feel we're close enough.
I wanna lock in your love.
I think we're close enough.
Could I lock in your love baby.

Now I got you in my space.
I won't let go of you.
Got you shackled in my embrace.
I'm latching onto you."

- "Latch" - Disclosure ft. Sam Smith


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The Artist Next Door: Lindsay Coleman

     "For some time now, I've wanted to share these people with you in great detail and splendor. I wanted to honor their struggle, their process, their manifested dreams coming true, and those dreams that they are still contending for. I wanted you to understand how I've been shaped as a person, because of their presence in my life.

     The people that I will feature in this on-going series, titled, "The Artist Next Door", will highlight these extraordinary people, and will give you a sneak peak into their world, the behind the scenes of people you may have heard of, or may not have.

     With that said, I can guarantee--you can do anything but forget these stories or these people after meeting them. And I'm pretty positive they'll stir something in you. Perhaps something delightful, you didn't know was still there."

      I met the lovely Lindsay Coleman when she was about 19. She and her best friend Kaitlyn became like spiritual daughters to me, and I've had the pleasure of seeing them both grow and mature into incredible women. Today,  Lindsay is not merely a 'daughter' but a dear friend, and someone who I greatly respect.

      She is candid with you and I, as she shares her battle with fear, her awakening to creativity, and her anchor in God.

      It's a pleasure to officially introduce to you all, Lindsay Coleman:

__________________________________________________________

When did you know that you had a knack for creativity?

Well, I always could feel it. But I started painting and experimenting with photography when I was 15. I quickly became attached to both mediums as outlets for my heart and ideas. But it wasn’t until people started positively commenting and eventually purchasing my work that I realized I had a knack for it.


What do you love most about the creative process.

Oh my. I love that it IS a process. Going from nothing to something is scary and fun and fascinating all at the same time. I love that the creative process pushes me to think in different ways and forces me to see different perspectives. It also requires me to go deep into my heart in order to create something authentic, which can be frightening but is always so good.


What's your current favorite artistic medium and why?

Hmmm, my favorite would have to be acrylic on wood. It’s been a fave for a handful of years now. It never gets old. I prefer painting on wood instead of canvas because it offers much more texture and just feels better to me. I typically don’t prime the wood before painting because I like how the wood absorbs the paint.


How did we meet?

We met at church in Malibu in 2003/2004. Wow, it’s been over 10 years! I looked up to you so much because of your spunk, heart, and wisdom.


When you were 13 years old, what was your main goal and dream to accomplish in life?

Honestly, all I wanted when I was 13 was to not be afraid/scared of everything. I was always so insecure, shy, and concerned with what people thought of me. I was always wondering if I was “good enough” (in any/every way) that it consumed me. And I remember hoping and praying to not be like that someday. Also, at 13 I really, really wanted to be a pediatrician. :)


What has been one of the hardest internal battles you've faced in your life?

Wow. Great question! One of the biggest things I’ve dealt with in my life is the fear of not being good enough. “Good Enough” at what? Anything and everything. The way I speak; how I dress; the art I create; the ways I show love; the way my body looks (that was a BIG one); how I give; the way I do mundane things; the way I express myself. I mean, everything has been under the magnifying glass of “is this good enough?” And typically the internal answer was a resounding “NO!”

Ever since I was a young girl this has been my battle. Not entirely sure how that got so infused into my DNA at such a young age, but it did. In a major way.

How did you overcome, and if you haven't, how are you walking through it?

It’s definitely a battle to leave behind something that’s been so much a part of who I’ve been. Thankfully, though, the Lord has brought so much healing to my life in many ways and through people like you, Patrice! It’s also taken the conscious decision every day, sometimes every move I made, to think differently. I have to consciously think about the thoughts I think about myself and my life in terms of judging myself too harshly and unnecessarily. Then course correct those thoughts if needed. I swim in the grace of the Lord and He’s my refuge when I feel completely inadequate. He speaks life and truth and hope into my heart and His love is what is transforming me.


Who is someone that inspires you and why?

Several people come to mind! Not sure how to narrow it down to one. Let’s see… My sister, Kelly Blumberg, inspires me to no end. She’s brilliantly creative. Tremendously dedicated. So hardworking. Isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Knows how to keep her priorities straight. Generous. Beautifully loving. Is one of the best parents I’ve ever seen (along with her husband). I have learned so much from her!!


What was the motivation for "You're Enough", "Face The Unknown", and "Let the Light Shine In”?

"You're Enough" - As I've mentioned, my biggest hangup in life is feeling as though I'm not good enough. Working through that has been a long process. This past summer I heard a beautiful song by Sleeping At Last titled "You Are Enough." When I heard it I cried and listened to it on repeat. It was one of a handful of songs I continually listened to for several months straight. It spoke life to me and is so beautiful musically as well. So, I painted one painting that had "You're Enough" written on it to remind myself. And then I started painting those two words over and over. (Fun fact: The specific painting pictured was a custom ordered one. I made about 15 different pieces for this customer and didn't give her the piece until I felt it was the right one. And this was it.)

"Face The Unknown" -  So, 2014 started with me thinking about how I want to grow this year. I decided my theme for the year is Brave and the word of the year is Authenticity. This painting came out of that place because I had been pondering that being authentic meant I needed to be brave within myself and who I am. I wanted to step away from living in fear and, for me, that was facing the unknown.

"Let the Light Shine In" -  In the fall of 2013 I was working through some personal stuff and was praying a lot about it. During some prayer times I kept remembering that the Lord IS life and breathes life into me and into the places that hurt or feel broken. It then reminded me of the verse John 1:4
" In Him was life; and the life was the light of men." And so my prayer became "let the light shine in." Which in turn is where this painting came from. For me the colors are symbolic of the different facets of life and of the many ways that God moves.


How has being single during your 20s shaped your current outlook on life?

Wow. Well, I learned about not giving up on what I truly wanted and what I felt that God had for me. That’s something that has filtered into every area of my life. Also, I realized I could be me and live my own life which didn’t require a man to be in it. That helped me overcome some fear, too.

Being single in my 20s also helped me figure out who I am, how to appreciate myself, and who I wanted to be. As difficult as it was at times to be single for so long (even though a lot of it was because of my own fear) I knew it was beneficial. I also was able to learn what I really wanted in life and in a significant other without the distractions of crushes/boyfriends. Now that I am 30 and in a relationship, I am so grateful for the time I was single during my 20s because, for me, that was exactly where I needed to be as it was foundational for me to learn about myself and God. There was a foundation laid in my heart of continual hope in God during that time that is not easily shaken.

How do you define beauty?

In different ways.

Physical beauty: I think every single person has a beauty all their own. Each is an expression of the heart of God and therefore has beauty to be seen and honored.

Abstract beauty: Is your heart kind? Do you have compassion for others? Do you love yourself? Do you extend grace to others (and yourself!) to be right where they’re at? Do you laugh often? Are you encouraging? Do you look for ways to serve others? Those are some traits that I think make our hearts beautiful- the kind of beauty the we exude from the inside out. The kind of beauty that really shines.


And how in the world do you make people feel at ease in front of the camera?! I mean, you got me to feel so beautiful about my body no matter what size I was at the time. You have such a gift!

OH girl. Thank you! That’s one of my favorite things to do! My heart is to create space for people to be safe and free to be completely themselves. I desire for people to feel valued, beautiful, and seen. I can often see unique facets of people and try to convey that to them while photographing so they can connect with what I’m seeing and, hopefully, open up more. It’s a beautiful process and one I don’t take lightly. I appreciate the trust that is placed in me when I have the opportunity to photograph someone.

Photograph of me, by Lindsay Coleman circa 2009

I {Patrice} often feel like a "Late Bloomer" in so many areas of my life, what wisdom to you have to share to other "Late Bloomers".

I definitely feel like a late bloomer as well! I want you to know that though there might be an “average”, no one is the same! No one’s life stories are the same. We are all beautifully different and that is GOOD. An example of me being a late bloomer: I didn’t start dating until I was 30 (which I turned last summer!). I didn’t date for a number of reasons- mostly I didn’t feel ready and was pretty insecure, and also because I knew it wouldn’t work out with the guys that were interested in me so I didn’t want to waste time and heart space. So I just kept living my life and dreaming/praying of the time when I’d be adored and have someone to adore. I am now in that place and it is magical! It has reminded me that no matter what society tells me is good/bad or what I “should” be doing or “should have” already experienced, my life is on my own timeline with God. And I can rest in the peace of knowing that is a GOOD thing. Remember to have patience in what seems like a challenge or when you are so sick of being a late bloomer. Just know you’re in the right spot for YOU.

Also, on the flip side, if you feel like you’re a late bloomer in an area of your life due to trauma or fear, ask the Lord how you can grow and also seek the wisdom of a trusted friend. Sometimes we can keep ourselves stuck in a place of late blooming because of fear. (I speak from experience!) And when you realize you can let it go and actually bloom, it’ll change your life.

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