Kelly told me last Spring that she wanted to make this for our baby. She wrote, “Such a piece of artwork is traditionally created for a baby to have attached to their cradleboard and then worn on clothing or tied in hair throughout life.  This is a Lakota tradition.  Also Cheyenne.  A piece of the dried umbilical cord is placed inside along with other powerful bits and pieces.” For Tulsi’s first birthday in April, Patrick and I plan to place a piece of her cord and our own blessings inside the turtle; what we want her to carry with her throughout her life. For now, her turtle has found a home hanging from the magical tree above her bed. And it’s official, after “Mama” and “Papa”, “Turtle” is Tulsi’s first word. She loves to say it over and over when she looks up at her turtle. Thank you Auntie Kelly! I love having you as a friend, and I love that Tulsi will know you in her life. You are an inspiration to me in many ways.

a vessel for umbilical cord
a tie to mother who birthed us
a tie to Mother Earth upon whom we walk
in grace, beauty, and honor.

the shape of this vessel differs
among the People
lizard, turtle
snake, horned toad
abstractions empowered
with
prayers of protection
and longevity.

a talisman
a turtle
for Tulsi.

may she walk mindfully upon Mother Earth
as she reaches high towards Father Sky.

kelly
7 janvier 2010

Hey there! We’re back! Tulsi and I took a spontaneous adventure to the ocean (3 days notice) to spend a week with my parents. It was Patrick’s idea, and I jumped at it. Ma-Time. Tulsi + me, and me + my mama… Ten days and zero distractions (work, chores, lists not getting crossed off…and the anxiety that goes along with the slow progression of each of those things.) Instead, we had abundant warm weather, great naps, awesome+long yoga sessions (!!!), 2-3 hours walking every day, lots of pool time, much-needed rest, and *priceless* amounts of grandparent attention and love.

And what a confidence booster for me, too. Sounds funny, but it’s true. Mama-confidence that is. Tulsi and I were in total sync with each other. I’d say she was super happy 99.9% of the time (the .1% being part of the 4 hr car ride to albuquerque). She communicated so clearly — I felt like I knew everything she was telling me, and vice versa. The thought crossed my mind how much easier it would be to be a full-time mama, instead of a full-time mama AND a part-to-full-time artist (during naps and late nights). But it was only a flashing thought because ideas for stories and paintings flooded my head during our long walks. Yay for fresh inspiration!

Makes me think of this page from my sketchbook from years ago…

I know that as my head was filling, so was Tulsi’s…and she talked NON-STOP about EVERYTHING she saw and experienced. She made my parents and me (and everyone we passed by) smile out loud. Her eyes were wide open and sparkling, her mouth stretched long and exaggerated, revealing her two, sweet bottom teeth, as she whispered or exclaimed every wonder into the wind. She waved at the palm tree giants, sang to the moon, reached for the birds, and patted the massive roots of Banyon trees like she does to Oso. She has given me the most amazing gift of seeing the world for the first time AGAIN. and again. and again. And I hope to keep giving her the gift of travel, which inspires me again, and again — whether it’s to the other side of the world, a road trip somewhere new, or a spontaneous trip to the ocean.

And the ocean! True Ma Time. Tulsi flapped so wildly I thought for sure she’d fly away, taking me with her! Her shrieks and giggles roared even louder than the crashing waves and powerful, whipping winds. And I swear, the ocean colored her eyes bluer. The ocean always fills me with peace, strength and delight, and she obviously had the same affect on Tulsi.

Our trip reminded me to go on adventures with Tulsi every day. I feel so refreshed and have a lot to share. More soon.

it’s such an awesome, sweet, beautiful miracle how these shadows gave birth to the one above…

If it was up to you, you’d be outside 100% of the time.  All 3 times we’ve walked in the rain, you squealed with delight, panted like a happy dog, and danced your dangling legs, while the raindrops tickled your face and hands. When we stroll, you sleep with a smile on your face. When we walk through the garden or woods, you open your arms wide, reaching out to touch the sunflowers, dhalias, daisies, asters, sage, and trees…and when you lie on your back, you raise your arms to the sky to try and touch the clouds. You are in total bliss watching anything that moves like the aspen leaves or the prayer flags.

I think you’re gonna be a little mountain goat because you are always on the move…rolling, wiggling, and dancing. Ahh, dancing…you love to dance with your angel, hanging from your ‘inside tree’, and Michael Franti is by far your favorite for afternoon dance parties.

Your laugh is my favorite sound in all the world, and sleeping snuggled up with you and smelling your milk breath is forever imprinted on my heart.

I am ALMOST finished making a book for you. I love when I am painting, and you and Papa stand next to me, watching. Your eyes follow my every move. You LOVE my messy but colorful palette and give me many smiles of approval. I can’t believe you’ll be 2 years old though (ug) by the time it’s actually out in stores! You inspire me so much, Tulsi! Have patience, little one — I’m going to make you a LOT of books in this lifetime, in’shallah.

Tulsi is reminding me constantly that magic is everywhere. Tree spirits, flying horses, twirling god’s eyes, dangling doily paper cut-outs, curtains dancing in open windows before a storm, bird shadows, rain music, and the list goes on. I’ve heard many times before how your children help you see the world again as if for the first time. That couldn’t be more true. What a gift she is giving me!!

Last night I woke up to her little hand holding mine. Talk about moments that are forever imprinted on my heart…

More smiles here…

I got the coolest belated first mother’s day gift in the mail last week : a one of a kind book entitled, “The Mom Book: Advice for Tulsi’s Mom”, written and illustrated by my niece Katie and her classmates. I was shocked! It’s the best thing to get home made presents, and this one goes down as one of the all time best for me. Last year I visited Truman Elementary in St. Louis. I read My Travelin’ Eye and talked with a few hundred aspiring author/illustrators about how I made my first book. It’s obvious that Katie’s then-Kindergarten-class is passionate about making books! Their words and pictures were sweet, unique, and made me giggle SO much. I know this book is going to help me be the best mom I can be to Tulsi! Thanks Mrs. Creech and all your students!

**ALL of the writing and illustrations are AWESOME. I just couldn’t scan them all in! I LOVED them all. Here are just some… Wouldn’t you agree they are very talented?! Click on image to zoom.