Fierce in Seattle: Possiblitarian
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a blogumn by Kelli Bielema
People come into your life for a reason. They are either there to teach you how to do stuff, about what not to do in life or they open you up to new possibilities. Let me introduce you to someone who recently floated into my world, Kelly Rae Roberts. Kelly describes herself as an “author, artist, possibiltarian.” I’ll start by admitting that I adore cute new words and those who vocabularize as such. And that’s not the only reason to generate an immediate talent crush on Kelly Rae.
Kelly moved to Seattle with her husband John almost 6 months ago. Her sister-in-law and I are friends. As I’ve mentioned ad nauseum, it’s hard to meet people here, so when new blood is in town, I am always eager to say hello and welcome them in the spirit of tarnishing that anti-social rep Seattle has.
A few years back, with a career in social work, Ms. Kelly found her true passion as an artist when she and her husband quit their jobs and packed up the Subaru for a road trip. It was on this adventure she was inspired by the work she saw at galleries in the California seaside towns along their route. She hadn’t really done any painting before, but decided to not let her lack of experience keep her from something she describes as “an awakening.” She picked up a brush.
After taking a few stabs and creating some “truly amateur” scrapbook-crafty projects, Kelly realized the process was really making her happy, even if the end result looked a little crappy. She decided to blog about her day-to-day experimentations , developing her writing talents in tandem with her creations. Continuing to receive encouragement from friends, and getting her name out in the world, an editor came upon her works and asked her to write a book. She authored Taking Flight: Inspiration and Technique to Give Your Creative Spirit Wings, which is part instruction, mostly inspiration, and now, the first printing is sold out! After that came a licensing deal for some of her art to be produced in mass prints. Have I mentioned this all happened in a matter of a couple years? It’s stories like this that just go to show you that anything really IS possible when you find your passion.
And yes, it goes without saying that I completely want to be her when I grow up. Her home looks like Anthropologie, as does her organized studio. And did I leave out the part where I mention that she is incredibly kind, light-hearted and warm? Let’s not forget ridiculously gifted. Oh, and her husband is a sweetheart and I want to steal her dog. But, aside from envy and theft, what I recognize in Kelly is Kelli. I’ve noticed what I like about her is what I want more of in my life. And I think I am getting there. Possibly….
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I also know Kelly, and she's making me assess what my dreams are and how I can make them a reality. You both are. Dammit! Can't a gal just be a slacker?
I also know Kelly, and she's making me assess what my dreams are and how I can make them a reality. You both are. Dammit! Can't a gal just be a slacker?
no slacking here, missy. the great thing about kelly & her art & her presence is that it's about YOU and energize yourself within. it's inside all of us and just needs to be brought to life!
no slacking here, missy. the great thing about kelly & her art & her presence is that it's about YOU and energize yourself within. it's inside all of us and just needs to be brought to life!
Wow, I find this story so interesting right now, b/c though I don't have any artistic talent to speak of, I've been trying to convince myself for years to take an art class. This does make me want to explore other possibilities, but then I wonder if that's just me trying to distract myself from following my passion of writing, and I feel bad about being unfocused. It's hard, b/c you want to keep learning, but you also want to keep your eyes on the prize. And how does one go about finding time to explore all of one's possibilities. There seem to be so many obstacles in place after a certain age and lifestyle change. Frustrating.
i think you'd be surprised! i have a passion for interior decorating that i'm developing and have fun reading about it and finding ways to incoproate my funky aesthetic into my life. i'm trying to not let those obstacles get in my way (which is easier when you are single sans kids!). it will come when you least expect it. just like everything else wonderful…. : )
Wow, I find this story so interesting right now, b/c though I don't have any artistic talent to speak of, I've been trying to convince myself for years to take an art class. This does make me want to explore other possibilities, but then I wonder if that's just me trying to distract myself from following my passion of writing, and I feel bad about being unfocused. It's hard, b/c you want to keep learning, but you also want to keep your eyes on the prize. And how does one go about finding time to explore all of one's possibilities. There seem to be so many obstacles in place after a certain age and lifestyle change. Frustrating.
i think you'd be surprised! i have a passion for interior decorating that i'm developing and have fun reading about it and finding ways to incoproate my funky aesthetic into my life. i'm trying to not let those obstacles get in my way (which is easier when you are single sans kids!). it will come when you least expect it. just like everything else wonderful…. : )
This is a great reminder to me of how the happiest times in my life have always been when I am following my passion. Thanks!
This is a great reminder to me of how the happiest times in my life have always been when I am following my passion. Thanks!
What a beautiful tribute to a sweet artist! Sometimes we are directed to follow our passions when we least expect it! Great reminder!
Peace Giggles
What a beautiful tribute to a sweet artist! Sometimes we are directed to follow our passions when we least expect it! Great reminder!
Peace Giggles