Your writing and sharing is so refreshing and delightful! I have no idea what important people might say to you, although, Simone Biles comes to mind, and I would guess she would be supportive of anyone taking some time off to rest a bit and regroup! My personal experience as just a regular amateur artist (and someone twice your age) was very positive when I took some time off due to lack of motivation and energy! When I started sketching and painting again I felt stronger, braver, better, and more open to new learning opportunities! That's how I met you at the Nature Retreat! What could be more positive for me! ❤️
I am so excited by your latest endeavors and I trust that you will have a bright future no matter what you choose to do!
I’m in the latter half of my 30’s and a few weeks away from having my first child… and making that decision has been one of the most difficult in my life. But I finally reached a point where I’d gotten to see a bit of the world and put out a few books which made me feel settled that if I never got the opportunity to again, I wouldn’t regret anything. Of course I’d still like to travel and publish and I’m sure I will again. It just won’t be right now. Starting a family has been a real exercise in living in the present.
From my perspective as a 68 years old woman in love with nature and art, you are already one of “ those important people” you refer to. It seems to me you have established yourself and will only improve, grow and clarify by taking time to refill your well. Definitely lean into the season and the seasons of life…it all goes by so quickly. I’ve no doubt you will remain relevant and visible. It doesn’t seem to be in your genetics to back off for very long, though. Bravo and Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Hi Rosalie -- I love your musings and your artwork. Happy Birthday! Looking back on my 30's (and that's 30 years ago!) I would say by best advice is first, Know Thyself (which it sounds like you already do) and Trust Your Gut. I had my 2nd child at 34, and made a big decision to leave my corporate job and join my husband in our own small business (home building). While scary at the time, it was the best choice I ever made. I truly felt I had it all -- a career and a family -- all intimately entwined since our office was in our home. Was it a crazy time? You bet! But through it all I kept a hand in all my other interests -- nature, artistic endeavors, community service etc. Now that I am retired, your work is inspiring me to dabble more with my creative interests -- so thank you for that! Trust yourself and what momentum works for you. Slowing down at times is not a negative if it is the best thing for you.
Hi Rosalie, waiving hello from the Northern Panhandle. I first found your work at the Public Market in Wheeling. Now several pieces are in my work and home offices and around our house. To that end I want to say you are already a notable artist! I’ve had many people walk in one of those spaces and recognize your work, and if they don’t? Then I get to tell them about it and where to find it!
Please, read Julie Zickefoose’s comment above. I second everything she said. I will add some things I wish someone had said to me at the start of motherhood. The one that is the most helpful to me over and over is “you don’t have to have it all figured out today”. This has helped me countless times to make the necessary decision in that moment but not overthink the largely uncontrollable aspects of “what next”. I knew in my heart when I was ready to start a family, but I didn’t have every piece of caregiving/child raising figured out. I was also so worried about how I would balance it all. I was working on tenure at the time (I am now an associate professor) and I worried about momentum like you. By freeing myself of what I couldn’t figure out yet, I was able to turn to what I did have figured out: My husband and I have shared values in what we most want which is a life in rural WV in our local community (the Ohio Valley) and amongst both our families. I knew I wanted to continue my job (associate professor of teacher education) which includes a balance of teaching, research, and service. We knew that both my job, his job (running a third generation family business) and the proximity to close network of family and friends gave us a lot of options of how to raise a family. Starting with that strong foundation created the momentum for so many decisions that have followed. The biggest thing that changed for me (and for my husband) when our son was born was it brought into full view prioritizing his caregiving was the opportunity to build a relationship with him, similar to the ones Chris and I have with our parents, sibling/, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We also were better able to put into words what we already intuitively knew: our family, living in a geographic place we want to be—that’s what makes a full life for us. For both of us the work we do is important and meaningful, but it’s in large part because it gives us the privilege of living amongst our family in our home community.
Similar to what Julie said above, Liam has workspaces in my home office, and Chris’ shop. He comes to my classroom, on research trips, and on job sites with Chris. He’s also spends a lot of time with our family. I also have been more present in our community since he was born which in turn relates back to my work since the focus of my research is rural schools and communities. Have I had to change working hours, formats, etc.? Yes, and I am grateful my profession makes it possible to do so. Also, some of those changes were desperately needed! I also deal with migraines, and Liam has been a huge motivation to better figure out how to manage them. All this is to say I wish someone had said to me at the beginning of all this encouraging words. You “don’t have to have it all figured out today”, but I would say reading this post you do have a lot figured out about your values and what it means to you to live a full life. That you know various forms of caregiving factor into it is not a burden. You may not have it figured out yet how it will weave into your art and where your career path goes, but it’s very probable it will add to that work, not subtract from it. And that is what I wish someone had said to me when I first started thinking about the things you are articulating here. Thanks for sharing this post!
Boy do I feel this. And we could talk about it for hours. What a wonderful post. First, happy 30th! It's a huge watershed, but not as huge as it was for, say, my mother, who boldly gave birth to me in 1958 at age 37, the last of six children (five living), when having children after 30 was thought to be a huge risk. I'm glad times and medicine have changed--though our bodies haven't. Very long story short: had my first, Phoebe, at 37, and had Liam at 41, and looking back I'm amazed all that reproductive stuff worked as well as it did. I'm also glad I traveled and worked like a demon and got sort of somewhere careerwise before we pulled the trigger. Having said, that you're miles ahead of where I was at 30! I hereby give you permission to attend to other important matters, if that is your desire. It's not in you to quit or be lazy about it, ever. Trust yourself and your drive! And here's a little encouragement. The year Phoebe was born was my biggest earning year ever. I clearly had something to prove to the world and to myself. Working hard made me happy. Having Phoebe at my side in the studio did, too. Having a table there, devoted to Phoebe's and Liam's art projects as they grew; having them there working beside me, was an indescribable joy, and I think it showed them that you can have creativity in your life at all times, and that creativity can help pay the mortgage. That there's fulfillment in making beautiful things. That, working at home, you won't have to send your baby off to daycare. What a GIFT. Tiny Worlds is a wonderment. None of that is going to stop just because you have a baby to care for. Well, it might slow down for a few weeks or months, but then your engines will start revving again and off you'll go. And Baby will be along for the wonderful ride. Cheers and happy Thanksgiving from one semi-famous writer-illustrator to another!
I have to pause and comment because I have followed your work for as long as I can remember. When I began my own family I often found myself looking for pieces on your blog or in one of your books where you generously gave a view into motherhood blending with the work we do. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the bits of encouragement it has (and continues) to give me along the way. Just a month or so ago my son was out on the trails with me at Dysart Woods preparing for a hike I was leading the next day, and then right beside my dad leading the front of the group on the hike proudly chattering away about what he knew about old growth trees and histories natural and human. I learned how to rethink work and life from you and other woman who have given a glimpse into ways of being that will sustain us for a lifetime of many seasons. Thank you!
You’re still so young! You’re incredible. I’m sending heaps of good vibes for getting rid of migraines and for positive family outcomes. The art will happen. It’s clearly so ingrained in you. But being happy and healthy in other parts of life is so important. Take care dear Rosalie. All the best dear soul.
Thank you for your words. It is so very relatable. As a freelance graphic designer I found myself able to have flexibility with supporting family and caregiving because of my flexible schedule and I greatly appreciated that. To chime in about a sabbatical and rest, for me I didn't give rest enough of the time that it needed and have found myself burnt out recently. Cycles of producing and resting are so necessary. Our creative cups need refilling in order to continue the momentum. I had to revisit the thoughts in my mind on why I wasn't prioritizing it and then reframe them for myself. I've been doing a lot of reframing lately. Doing and resting, a natural instinctual balance. Love your work! The oak leaves are beautiful. My last name means oaks so I was especially drawn to it. <3
Oh wow. This came at such an interesting time for me in my career as a writer. Reflecting back, I see how my seasons ebbed and flowed -- college, corporate job, travel, starting my own firm, having kids, publishing novels, graduate school. I've done SO MUCH. And now I'm looking at how to refocus my client work (copywriting) on healthtech and envirotech, and I wonder if it's even possible. Which is bananas! Of course it's possible! All that to say, doubt and wondering and surrender are all part of the journey. And I'm excited to see where your journey takes you.
As someone in my 30s, myself and many friends have found this to be a time when many of us are looking for what is next. It is a bit scary to leave a career path that has taken a lot of time and dedication, but I think many people live life as a journey that has different stages. I am also quite nervous to leave my successful career path, worried I will lose momentum or regret why I left. But I have started to embrace the idea that life is not linear. It has helped me to do as you say, talk to and see many older people who have made big transitions or pauses around this time of life. So good luck in breaking out of the flow and choosing a path that calls to you right now. I am sure it will hold great things.
Tiny Worlds is in the hands of my 2 year old grandson as I write this. He’s loving the critters, the colors, and the “heavy” book. Thank you for expressing your thoughts and feelings about turning 30 and wondering what direction to take. It brought me back 40+ years, the excitement of having it all in front of me. But I struggled with infertility for years so my only tiny nibble of advice is to not wait too late if children are a strong desire for you and your husband. Meanwhile, I love your creative work, you have so much to share when the time is right and the Waynesboro event with your kestrel painting was amazing!!!
I think it's always a good idea to think about "what's next" in terms of what must be done sooner rather than later. In case of a tie, choose the bigger challenge. So far, you are doing a great job!
You are young and the ideas will keep coming, especially if you give yourself time to relax and charge your subconscious with a variety of experiences. I’m 55 and chose to have a dog rather than children, and have taken off up to 2 months at a time to travel or do personal projects. I’m sure you will be a success whatever you do, whenever you do it. Keep well.
Hi Rosalie,
Your writing and sharing is so refreshing and delightful! I have no idea what important people might say to you, although, Simone Biles comes to mind, and I would guess she would be supportive of anyone taking some time off to rest a bit and regroup! My personal experience as just a regular amateur artist (and someone twice your age) was very positive when I took some time off due to lack of motivation and energy! When I started sketching and painting again I felt stronger, braver, better, and more open to new learning opportunities! That's how I met you at the Nature Retreat! What could be more positive for me! ❤️
I am so excited by your latest endeavors and I trust that you will have a bright future no matter what you choose to do!
Warm regards, Kathy
I’m in the latter half of my 30’s and a few weeks away from having my first child… and making that decision has been one of the most difficult in my life. But I finally reached a point where I’d gotten to see a bit of the world and put out a few books which made me feel settled that if I never got the opportunity to again, I wouldn’t regret anything. Of course I’d still like to travel and publish and I’m sure I will again. It just won’t be right now. Starting a family has been a real exercise in living in the present.
Perhaps if you stopped for a while you would gain momentum, rather than lose momentum.
“Suppose you were to come upon someone in the woods working feverishly to saw down a tree.
“What are you doing?” you ask.
“Can’t you see?” comes the impatient reply. “I’m sawing down this tree.”
“You look exhausted!” you exclaim. “How long have you been at it?”
“Over five hours,” he returns, “and I’m beat! This is hard work.”
“Well, why don’t you take a break for a few minutes and sharpen that saw?” you inquire. “I’m sure it would go a lot faster.”
“I’m too busy sawing!”
“We must never become too busy sawing to take time to sharpen the saw.” – Dr. Stephen R. Covey”
From my perspective as a 68 years old woman in love with nature and art, you are already one of “ those important people” you refer to. It seems to me you have established yourself and will only improve, grow and clarify by taking time to refill your well. Definitely lean into the season and the seasons of life…it all goes by so quickly. I’ve no doubt you will remain relevant and visible. It doesn’t seem to be in your genetics to back off for very long, though. Bravo and Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Hi Rosalie -- I love your musings and your artwork. Happy Birthday! Looking back on my 30's (and that's 30 years ago!) I would say by best advice is first, Know Thyself (which it sounds like you already do) and Trust Your Gut. I had my 2nd child at 34, and made a big decision to leave my corporate job and join my husband in our own small business (home building). While scary at the time, it was the best choice I ever made. I truly felt I had it all -- a career and a family -- all intimately entwined since our office was in our home. Was it a crazy time? You bet! But through it all I kept a hand in all my other interests -- nature, artistic endeavors, community service etc. Now that I am retired, your work is inspiring me to dabble more with my creative interests -- so thank you for that! Trust yourself and what momentum works for you. Slowing down at times is not a negative if it is the best thing for you.
Hi Rosalie, waiving hello from the Northern Panhandle. I first found your work at the Public Market in Wheeling. Now several pieces are in my work and home offices and around our house. To that end I want to say you are already a notable artist! I’ve had many people walk in one of those spaces and recognize your work, and if they don’t? Then I get to tell them about it and where to find it!
Please, read Julie Zickefoose’s comment above. I second everything she said. I will add some things I wish someone had said to me at the start of motherhood. The one that is the most helpful to me over and over is “you don’t have to have it all figured out today”. This has helped me countless times to make the necessary decision in that moment but not overthink the largely uncontrollable aspects of “what next”. I knew in my heart when I was ready to start a family, but I didn’t have every piece of caregiving/child raising figured out. I was also so worried about how I would balance it all. I was working on tenure at the time (I am now an associate professor) and I worried about momentum like you. By freeing myself of what I couldn’t figure out yet, I was able to turn to what I did have figured out: My husband and I have shared values in what we most want which is a life in rural WV in our local community (the Ohio Valley) and amongst both our families. I knew I wanted to continue my job (associate professor of teacher education) which includes a balance of teaching, research, and service. We knew that both my job, his job (running a third generation family business) and the proximity to close network of family and friends gave us a lot of options of how to raise a family. Starting with that strong foundation created the momentum for so many decisions that have followed. The biggest thing that changed for me (and for my husband) when our son was born was it brought into full view prioritizing his caregiving was the opportunity to build a relationship with him, similar to the ones Chris and I have with our parents, sibling/, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We also were better able to put into words what we already intuitively knew: our family, living in a geographic place we want to be—that’s what makes a full life for us. For both of us the work we do is important and meaningful, but it’s in large part because it gives us the privilege of living amongst our family in our home community.
Similar to what Julie said above, Liam has workspaces in my home office, and Chris’ shop. He comes to my classroom, on research trips, and on job sites with Chris. He’s also spends a lot of time with our family. I also have been more present in our community since he was born which in turn relates back to my work since the focus of my research is rural schools and communities. Have I had to change working hours, formats, etc.? Yes, and I am grateful my profession makes it possible to do so. Also, some of those changes were desperately needed! I also deal with migraines, and Liam has been a huge motivation to better figure out how to manage them. All this is to say I wish someone had said to me at the beginning of all this encouraging words. You “don’t have to have it all figured out today”, but I would say reading this post you do have a lot figured out about your values and what it means to you to live a full life. That you know various forms of caregiving factor into it is not a burden. You may not have it figured out yet how it will weave into your art and where your career path goes, but it’s very probable it will add to that work, not subtract from it. And that is what I wish someone had said to me when I first started thinking about the things you are articulating here. Thanks for sharing this post!
Dear Rosalie,
Boy do I feel this. And we could talk about it for hours. What a wonderful post. First, happy 30th! It's a huge watershed, but not as huge as it was for, say, my mother, who boldly gave birth to me in 1958 at age 37, the last of six children (five living), when having children after 30 was thought to be a huge risk. I'm glad times and medicine have changed--though our bodies haven't. Very long story short: had my first, Phoebe, at 37, and had Liam at 41, and looking back I'm amazed all that reproductive stuff worked as well as it did. I'm also glad I traveled and worked like a demon and got sort of somewhere careerwise before we pulled the trigger. Having said, that you're miles ahead of where I was at 30! I hereby give you permission to attend to other important matters, if that is your desire. It's not in you to quit or be lazy about it, ever. Trust yourself and your drive! And here's a little encouragement. The year Phoebe was born was my biggest earning year ever. I clearly had something to prove to the world and to myself. Working hard made me happy. Having Phoebe at my side in the studio did, too. Having a table there, devoted to Phoebe's and Liam's art projects as they grew; having them there working beside me, was an indescribable joy, and I think it showed them that you can have creativity in your life at all times, and that creativity can help pay the mortgage. That there's fulfillment in making beautiful things. That, working at home, you won't have to send your baby off to daycare. What a GIFT. Tiny Worlds is a wonderment. None of that is going to stop just because you have a baby to care for. Well, it might slow down for a few weeks or months, but then your engines will start revving again and off you'll go. And Baby will be along for the wonderful ride. Cheers and happy Thanksgiving from one semi-famous writer-illustrator to another!
I have to pause and comment because I have followed your work for as long as I can remember. When I began my own family I often found myself looking for pieces on your blog or in one of your books where you generously gave a view into motherhood blending with the work we do. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the bits of encouragement it has (and continues) to give me along the way. Just a month or so ago my son was out on the trails with me at Dysart Woods preparing for a hike I was leading the next day, and then right beside my dad leading the front of the group on the hike proudly chattering away about what he knew about old growth trees and histories natural and human. I learned how to rethink work and life from you and other woman who have given a glimpse into ways of being that will sustain us for a lifetime of many seasons. Thank you!
You’re still so young! You’re incredible. I’m sending heaps of good vibes for getting rid of migraines and for positive family outcomes. The art will happen. It’s clearly so ingrained in you. But being happy and healthy in other parts of life is so important. Take care dear Rosalie. All the best dear soul.
Thank you for your words. It is so very relatable. As a freelance graphic designer I found myself able to have flexibility with supporting family and caregiving because of my flexible schedule and I greatly appreciated that. To chime in about a sabbatical and rest, for me I didn't give rest enough of the time that it needed and have found myself burnt out recently. Cycles of producing and resting are so necessary. Our creative cups need refilling in order to continue the momentum. I had to revisit the thoughts in my mind on why I wasn't prioritizing it and then reframe them for myself. I've been doing a lot of reframing lately. Doing and resting, a natural instinctual balance. Love your work! The oak leaves are beautiful. My last name means oaks so I was especially drawn to it. <3
Oh wow. This came at such an interesting time for me in my career as a writer. Reflecting back, I see how my seasons ebbed and flowed -- college, corporate job, travel, starting my own firm, having kids, publishing novels, graduate school. I've done SO MUCH. And now I'm looking at how to refocus my client work (copywriting) on healthtech and envirotech, and I wonder if it's even possible. Which is bananas! Of course it's possible! All that to say, doubt and wondering and surrender are all part of the journey. And I'm excited to see where your journey takes you.
As someone in my 30s, myself and many friends have found this to be a time when many of us are looking for what is next. It is a bit scary to leave a career path that has taken a lot of time and dedication, but I think many people live life as a journey that has different stages. I am also quite nervous to leave my successful career path, worried I will lose momentum or regret why I left. But I have started to embrace the idea that life is not linear. It has helped me to do as you say, talk to and see many older people who have made big transitions or pauses around this time of life. So good luck in breaking out of the flow and choosing a path that calls to you right now. I am sure it will hold great things.
Hi Rosalie, Congratulations on the Washington Post! Do you what issue it was published in? I’m hoping to snag a back copy. Thank you.
Tiny Worlds is in the hands of my 2 year old grandson as I write this. He’s loving the critters, the colors, and the “heavy” book. Thank you for expressing your thoughts and feelings about turning 30 and wondering what direction to take. It brought me back 40+ years, the excitement of having it all in front of me. But I struggled with infertility for years so my only tiny nibble of advice is to not wait too late if children are a strong desire for you and your husband. Meanwhile, I love your creative work, you have so much to share when the time is right and the Waynesboro event with your kestrel painting was amazing!!!
Love your art - and you are wise to listen to your mind and heart. Slowing down is a part of creating good work 🧡 Happy Thanksgiving 🍁
I think it's always a good idea to think about "what's next" in terms of what must be done sooner rather than later. In case of a tie, choose the bigger challenge. So far, you are doing a great job!
You are young and the ideas will keep coming, especially if you give yourself time to relax and charge your subconscious with a variety of experiences. I’m 55 and chose to have a dog rather than children, and have taken off up to 2 months at a time to travel or do personal projects. I’m sure you will be a success whatever you do, whenever you do it. Keep well.