So, here we are … not even 4 full months into 2020, and the foreseeable remainder of the year is as unclear as how to sanely navigate a pandemic-stricken world has been for many of us. But, if we’re honest, staying in can be as scary as heading out into the streets to execute tasks that are often taken for granted while dodging Coronavirus exposure risks. Yet, here we’ve been for nearly a month — sheltered in place — with a very uncertain “release date” and (for many) a lot of extra time and growing stress.
My reality is what I believe is that of many people staying at home for their own health and others’ — a balance of anxiety and conceiving creative ways to take the edge off. Yes, I too have the ticker tape of “what if” questions that flow in and out with every social feed news alert or uncomfortable political press conference. But, I knew weeks ago, I’d barely survive self-quarantining by allowing those thoughts to amplify … so, I colored.
Yep, no fancy awakening story here. I simply indulged in resigning my mind to only focus on bringing to life the phenomenal brown-skinned girls on the pages of the Shine In All Shades coloring book designed by epically talented illustrator and digital designer, Valeria R.
After meeting “Val” (as she calls herself) at the first ever MastHERclass in St. Louis, MO in 2019, where I bought her amazing creation with no hesitation, I was instantly so enamored with her chill humility and out of this world art. I took my new favorite coloring book home to New York City and reserved coloring in it for special occasions — I wanted to save as much as possible to treasure the experience of coloring my fellow queens of color, page after page.
The Shine In All Shades coloring book made its way all the way to Philadelphia when I relocated later last year. I unpacked it and made sure I found a special spot for it, so when the creativity was piqued —there I’d go. See, what y’all may not realize is … I don’t take coloring lightly (lol). As a professional makeup artist, I get to paint and play in colors on some of the most stunning “canvasses”. So, mama keeps her skills tight with a well-sharpened set of colored pencils, and a truly lit playlist!
For the first 10 days of my quarantine, there wasn’t a single one where I didn’t crack open that coloring book. Something about creating calmed my nerves and reminded me of simpler times. It was truly therapy. We have not clue what lies ahead, folks. So, please be encouraged and run to the things that beautifully soothe you. Stay home. Stay safe.
Wishing you and yours a comfortingly colorful transition into whatever our new normal turns out to be. Until then— keep creating, kiddos ❤️