As I walked the familiar trail near my home, I wished I had worn my running shoes. Not for comfort, but because my heart was so full of joy and excitement that I wanted to run, to let loose in the sheer exhilaration of the moment. With each breath, I soaked in the beauty of the day—the only day like it, the day that was here and now.

My thoughts buzzing with delightful anticipation, I rejoiced in my thriving relationships, my daughter shining brightly in my life, and adventures awaiting with kindred spirits across the globe. Among many thrilling updates, there is one that stands out, filling me with a profound sense of purpose and, admittedly, a bit of trepidation: I am writing a book.

Yes, you read that correctly—I am in the process of penning my memoir, and it's a journey that has already taken me on unexpected paths. Just today, I had my first editing session with Jen and Jude after completing a draft that encapsulates 47,000 words of my life’s tapestry. Jude’s morning text was uplifting, describing my story as "rich, accessible & an empowering call to anyone—everyone who thinks they can't make a difference in their life or in the world." This humbling statement affirms my belief in the transformative power of shared stories.

The seed for this book was planted as I sat in meditation last summer, post-Shon’s remission. It was a surprising thought, a whimsical notion that writing could be fun and easy. This light-hearted approach gave me the courage to say yes, to start outlining, and eventually, to let the words flow freely.

Writing, unlike my usual mediums of paint and sculpture, challenges me to weave my thoughts into narratives without the tactile intimacy of materials. This memoir has demanded a deep dive into the vulnerable corridors of my life. It has led me to recount walking alongside my husband, Shon, through his cancer journey—an odyssey of vulnerability and raw emotion that unexpectedly brought to surface personal battles and triumphs I hadn't planned to share. Moreover, this memoir traces my own transformation from believing I could never be an artist to becoming the successful artist I am today, illustrating the profound impact of facing fears, embracing one’s true self, and the creative spirit within.

The process of writing has unveiled aspects of my past I hadn’t intended to confront, linking my artistic journey to painful, traumatic experiences. It has been a process filled with moments where the muse took over, allowing magic to seep through the crevices of my narrative. This book, filled with vulnerability and the potency of words, has connected me to a source of profound depth and has been an entirely new way of translating my experiences.

Today, as I await more feedback, I am steeped in excitement. I invite the Universe, the One Song, to be present in these moments of sharing and reflection, embracing a ritual of openness and curiosity.

To everyone who has joined me in my artistic endeavors, in environmental and social activism, and now in this new chapter of my artist life, I share this journey with you. The process of writing this memoir is not just about recounting past events; it's about embracing the vulnerability that comes with baring one's soul, about the transformative power of sharing our stories.

I hope this book, when it's finally ready to meet the world, inspires you as much as it has inspired me in its creation. Thank you for being a part of this journey, for your support, and for the community we build together through our shared stories and visions.

Stay tuned for more updates, and let's continue to create, inspire, and change the world—one story at a time.

Do you have a burning question you hope my memoir answers? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Until then, stay curious, creative, and courageous.

~Carrie