Category: PERSONAL UPDATES From Rafi And Klee

Personal Life Updates with Rafi and Klee takes you behind the scenes of their creative journey, offering a heartfelt and humorous glimpse into their everyday lives. From navigating challenges, celebrating wins, and sharing personal growth moments to discussing the unexpected twists and turns of life as artists, musicians, and partners, Rafi and Klee keep it real, relatable, and inspiring. Join them for candid conversations that highlight the beauty and chaos of balancing art, love, and everything in between.

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2026 Love Is Calendar and Getting Inspired by Awesome Kids

Today, Klee and I spent most of the day teaching some awesome kids, and honestly it was the best kind of chaos. We helped them make their own sketchbooks, homemade, slightly wonky, but completely perfect, and then dove into sketching and watercolor painting.

Those kids are inspiring. There’s something about the way they just go for it, no hesitation, no overthinking. They don’t worry if the proportions are off or if the colors make sense. They just make. Watching that reminded me what art is supposed to feel like, free, joyful, and completely in the moment.

Two artists preparing art supplies in a classroom, one person sorting watercolor palettes while the other looks at the setup, surrounded by various materials.
Sorting watercolor paint before the chaos begins in class.

Teaching, for us, is something we’re learning as we go. We teach four classes, and each one is its own unique adventure.

The first class is grades K–2, and it’s basically a whirlwind of energy. At one point they were drawing tornadoes, which felt very appropriate because by the time that class ends, Klee and I aren’t even sure where we are or who we are anymore. Then we move on to grades 3–4, who also have a ton of energy, but they focus in hard on their creative projects once they get going. The grades 5–6 group keeps us laughing nonstop. Their sense of humor and creativity are unstoppable. And then there’s grades 7–8, who really push themselves to learn new techniques and try new things.

We love these kids. They are all pure creativity. Inspiring doesn’t even begin to cover it. In fact, they inspired the January design for the Love Is calendar.

An artist wearing a bandana is sitting at a cluttered table, focused on drawing a whimsical illustration on paper. Various art supplies and colorful paintings are visible in the background, creating a creative atmosphere.
working on the design for January.

You have spoken, and the 2026 calendar theme is officially LOVE IS. Thank you all for voting!

I’m deep in the creative trenches right now, surrounded by sketches, coffee cups, ink puddles, and at least three ink brushes I’ve already lost under a pile of paper. My goal is simple, to give you something that brings joy, comfort, and maybe a few chuckles throughout the year. Right now I’m in the design phase which means I am sketching and designing what the paintings will look like and feel.

Like my past calendars, this one isn’t just about pretty pictures (although they will be pretty, promise). Each month will include:

  • Original, uplifting art from my Love Is series
  • An inspirational quote to keep you going
  • A mix of official, creative, and wonderfully weird holidays including National Absurdity Day, World Kindness Day, National Doodle Day, International Day of Happiness, Talk Like a Pirate Day, and a few Rafi-made holidays that probably shouldn’t exist but definitely do
PRE-ORDER YOUR 2026 CALENDAR (PRE-ORDER SALE PRICE $16)

About the Love Is Series

A person holding up a colorful painting that says 'Love is all you need,' featuring two whimsical figures. The background is vibrant and abstract, with several framed artworks displayed on the wall behind.

The Love Is series is my way of celebrating connection, kindness, and those small moments that make this weird world a little brighter. Each piece features two or three whimsical characters doing something beautifully human like Love Is Sharing an Umbrella, Love Is Spreading Joy, or Love Is Being There.

It’s not about romantic love. It’s about the kind of love that makes life better, the kind that helps you laugh when things get messy or gives you hope when the world feels upside down.

An artist sketching ideas for the _Love Is_ calendar in a colorful studio, surrounded by drawings and art supplies.
I love this series!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ERICA!

This year’s calendar will feature all-new art, bright, colorful, full of heart, and just the right amount of mischief.

Here’s the current plan (and yes, I actually wrote this down so I don’t forget):

Nov 1–5: Prepping canvases and clearing workspace (which mostly means pretending to organize)
Nov 6–13: Design and sketching stage
Nov 13–24: Painting the full collection
Nov 25–26: Graphic design and formatting for print
Nov 28: Official Calendar Release Party on YouTube!
Dec 2, 2025: All pre-order calendars ship out!

Each Special Edition pre-order calendar will be signed and include a little surprise from the studio because who doesn’t love a surprise? (Unless it’s liver and onions. I promise there will be no liver.)

PRE-ORDER YOUR 2026 CALENDAR (PRE-ORDER SALE PRICE $16)

Pre-Order Yours Now

If you’ve been following along with these yearly calendars, you know they’re a labor of love and occasional madness. The Love Is 2026 Calendar is shaping up to be something really special, heartfelt, funny, and maybe even a little weird, just how I like it.

Pre-order yours today, join us for the Calendar Release Party on November 28th on YouTube, and be part of the adventure as this thing comes to life.

Ships by December 2, 2025, right in time for gifting (or keeping for yourself, no judgment).

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We Are Back And Celebrating Four Years In Oil City

Four years ago, on October 12th, Klee and I were doing something absolutely chaotic and magical… loading up a U-Haul with all our worldly possessions, two exhausted but hopeful artists barreling toward a new chapter in Oil City, Pennsylvania.

An artist standing beside a U-Haul truck, holding a large painting of an octopus against a backdrop of greenery and houses.

We were running on coffee, adrenaline, and faith — trying to make it in time for the closing on our new home, affectionately known as The Sunflower House. That same date this year marks both our gallery opening reception at the Red Brick Gallery (October 12th, 4–6PM) and our comeback to the creative scene since Klee fell ill. Our official 4 year anniversary of the closing is Oct 15th which will probably be spent tucked away in our studio.

The Creative Playground We Call Home

Since that wild moving day, our home has transformed into a living, breathing creative playground. Every wall holds artwork, music gear, instruments, sketches, and ideas waiting to happen. We’ve played music gigs, hosted book signings, set up multiple exhibitions, and met some of the most incredible creative humans.

A woman sitting on the floor in an art-filled living room, surrounded by various paintings and artwork, with a cozy armchair and decorative items in the background.
Klee sitting in our new Livingroom 4 years ago. We had one chair for furniture lol.
A cozy living room filled with artwork, featuring a mix of sofas and armchairs, accentuated by soft lighting and a decorative chandelier.
This is what it looks like now as a gallery space

Our “creative playground” is a wild mix of recording space, art studio, gallery, and coffee-fueled think tank… and we wouldn’t have it any other way. The energy here feeds creativity like sunlight feeds plants (or maybe like strong coffee feeds Rafi).

A creative workspace filled with musical instruments, artwork, and recording equipment, showcasing a vibrant artistic environment.
An overhead view of a staircase leading down to a cozy living room filled with framed artwork and photographs, showcasing a creative and artistic environment.
A cozy room filled with various artworks displayed on the walls, furniture including a sofa and wooden desks, with natural light coming through sheer curtains.
An artist wearing gloves and glasses is deep in thought at an art studio surrounded by various paintings and art supplies, with colorful walls and hanging lights creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Why We Love It Here

Oil City and the region has this kind of magic that can’t be faked. The art community here is vibrant, scrappy, and real, filled with people who make things because they can’t not. We’ve made friends who inspire us every day and have found endless support for the weird, wonderful, heartfelt stuff we create and do.

A cozy porch area with four black wicker chairs and a small table, adorned with decorative elements and surrounded by greenery.

We still miss our creative rogues in Pensacola, that long-distance family of creatives who will always have a special place in our hearts, but we’ve found a new home… with seasons (… Seasons are important).

The Struggles & The Strength

Like any big move and life overhaul, there were struggles. We’ve dealt with broken plumbing, creative burnout, the kind of financial scrapes that make you question your sanity, and this past year, Klee’s health struggles, which made us slow down and refocus on what really matters.

A person wearing a red bandana and glasses is holding a round, white light fixture while standing under a ceiling light housing. The setting appears to be a cozy interior space with warm lighting.

But through it all, we’ve learned to adapt, trust, and create anyway. That’s our motto. Every obstacle became a story, a painting, or a song. Every challenge made us stronger and more grateful for the life we’re building together… one brushstroke, lyric, and laugh at a time.

Back Out There Again

Now that Klee’s feeling better and life’s rhythm is smoothing out, it feels amazing to be back out in the world connecting, exhibiting, and performing again.

So mark your calendars and come see us at our Red Brick Gallery Opening Reception on October 12th, from 4–6 PM. It’s going to be a celebration, not just of art, but of resilience, love, and this amazing creative journey we’ve been on for the past four years. Here’s a sneak peek:

Three people interacting inside an art gallery with numerous paintings displayed on the walls and a wooden table in the center.
An art display featuring four paintings on the wall and various artworks and jewelry on a shelf in front.
Artistic display featuring two paintings of dancers intertwined with tree branches, set against a brick wall. A shelf below holds various artistic items and jewelry.
Art display featuring four colorful paintings on a brick wall, with a shelf below showcasing various jewelry pieces and information cards.
A painting of a seated woman with intricate hair, surrounded by the words 'Quiet the noise of the world, listen to the whispers of your mind, soul, passion, and happiness.' Below the painting, a display of handcrafted jewelry pieces is arranged on a table.
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Rafi And Klee Back in the Groove

Hi guys,

I’ve been meaning to update you on what’s been going on with us lately. I’m sure you may have noticed—we’ve been much more active online and starting to get back into the groove of things.

As most of you know, last December Klee was hospitalized, and we spent most of the year just coping with that. It was scary, exhausting, and one of the hardest stretches we’ve faced. I’m happy to say she is doing much better now, and we’re slowly but surely getting back out there.

We had to pull out of a gallery due to distance while Klee was on the mend

The Mural Adventure

This year, I dove headfirst into a mural project that kept me busy for months. It wasn’t just about painting on a big wall—it was about telling a story through portraits, landscapes, and history. It pushed me physically and mentally, but the challenge also reminded me why I love what I do. Seeing that mural come to life after so many sketches, designs, and late nights was one of those “yep, this is worth it” moments.

That wall seemed impossible at first
Baby steps is what got me there

August: A Turning Point

It feels like things really started returning to normal in August. Our last event before everything turned upside down was a book fair late last year—and this year, full circle, our first event back was a book fair. From there, the momentum picked up: I finished the mural, and we got more involved in co-managing the new Makers Space here in Oil City. That space has the potential to be something amazing for the community, and we’re excited to be part of helping bring it to life.

Book Fair is always a blast
Opening up the maker’s Space for one of our weekly creative meet-ups

Back to Music and Art

After a year off, Better On The Drums played our first music gig at ARMA Fest. Honestly, I hadn’t picked up a guitar in nearly a year, and Klee was just starting to feel like herself again, so it was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. But once we got up there, it was like breathing again. Music is such a huge part of who we are, and being on stage reminded us how much we missed it.

I was rusty, but Klee is always on point

I also led my first Paint and Sip in Oil City—right in the same space where I created the mural. It was wild to see that room transform from me on scaffolding covered in paint to a group of people laughing, creating, and sharing their own spin on the canvas.

The paint and sip was so much fun!

And now, we’re getting ready for a gallery exhibition running from October 3rd to November 9th at the Redbrick Gallery in Foxburg. It will feel so good to see the paintings, jewelry, and sculptures all come together in one space again. Plus—we’ve got three more shows booked for later this year.

Investigating The Red Brick Gallery in Foxburg
Taking measurements of the space

What’s Next

The show in Foxburg is coming up, and the long-overdue release of Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up is finally happening in October (yes, for real this time!). We’re also bringing back our yearly virtual holiday show, which we had to cancel last year when Klee got sick. And we’ll be resuming the Podcast and YouTube channel soon—something we’ve missed doing so much.

Klee at work in the studio getting ready for the exhibition
Me doing the same

Thank You

I just want to take a moment to thank all of you out there for your support. I’m not gonna lie—it was a rough year. But reading your comments, seeing your messages, and feeling your love was priceless. You carried us when we needed it most.

A Little Creative Tip Before I Go

If this past year has taught me anything, it’s this: don’t wait until life feels “perfect” to get back to your creativity. Start where you are, with whatever energy you’ve got. Paint one line, strum one chord, write one sentence. It doesn’t have to be big to matter. Those little steps are what pull you back into the groove, even after a rough season.

So here we are—back, grateful, and ready to keep creating.

With love and paint-stained hands,
Rafi (and Klee)

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Wait, What? They’re Throwing Us a Fundraiser?!

It’s been a while! we’ve missed you!

Lately, my hands have been full—like, covered in paint full. I’ve been working on a mural for a new brewery opening in town, and it’s been equal parts exhausting and energizing. There’s something kind of magical about working on location, immersed in the environment, knowing this big, colorful piece of art will be part of a space where people gather, laugh, and raise a glass.

I’m actually smiling in this picture…. not sure what happened there.

Because of that, I’ve backed off from posting. Not just social media and YouTube, but blogs too. I’ve been laser-focused on the mural and, honestly, it’s been good for me. After taking such a long break from painting, it feels really good to be knee-deep in creativity again. However, a group of amazing people have been working really hard to support us, and I need to share this.

On top of that, Klee is on the mend—thankfully. We’ve still got some healing to go, but things are looking up, and we’re slowly finding our way back into the rhythm of creating together. Emphasis on slowly. We’re not rushing anything this time.

Klee feels awkward wearing a mask when we go places, but her system is Immunocompromised due to the medications.

It might still be a while before I’m regularly posting again. I might share more about that in a future blog, but let’s just say this: having a large audience is an incredible thing, and I’m endlessly grateful for the love and support we receive. But sometimes, when you’re not in the strongest emotional place, even one small comment can knock the wind out of you. Let’s just say, we weren’t getting back to normal fast enough for this person.

Honestly, we thought we’d bounce back quicker than we did. We kept telling ourselves, “Just a couple more days, maybe a week,” but life had its own timeline. Sometimes the road back is more of a slow, awkward shuffle than a triumphant sprint. I have no apologies to give. It is what it is.

In the meantime, our creative friends and supporters are hosting a fundraiser for us. So, I’m feeling awkward about writing this… but there are a lot of amazing people I want to say thank you to.

If you know me (and Klee), you know we’re not exactly great at being on the receiving end of support. We create, we teach, we encourage, we lift up. That’s our comfort zone. We’re used to showing up for the creative community, not having the creative community show up for us. To be honest, we are pretty hard headed and stubborn about it to our own detriment sometimes.

As a lot of you already know, last December, Klee was hospitalized and we had to cancel our holiday show. It hit us hard. People have shown up. In the most beautiful, humbling ways. A lot of you reading this are those people, and words cannot express how loved and grateful we feel.

She is such an inspiration in how she’s handled this whole thing.

Artists, friends, local galleries, people in other states and countries, even people we’ve never met in person… they’ve reached out, offered help, and reminded us that we’re not alone. Our friend Jamie (a powerhouse of kindness and organization) told us a while back that a fundraiser was being put together for us. Her words: “You’re not allowed to say no—we already started.”

Cue me and Klee standing there with wide eyes, stunned, awkwardly grateful, and honestly on the verge of tears.

At one point, when I was telling her I wasn’t comfortable with it, she asked, “Would you be part of a fundraiser to help artists going through what you guys are going through?”
Without hesitation, I said, “Absolutely.”
And she just looked at me and said, “See? Let them do this for you. They love you guys.”

And that’s when it hit me. It’s about love, community, and the beautiful messiness of being human together. Being vulnerable, appreciative, and accepting the love.

And now it’s actually happening. The “Me and It” Paint N Sip fundraiser are happening in a few weeks. You get to paint your own little quirky monster, sip on something tasty, hang out with incredible humans, and support this crazy creative life we’re trying to keep afloat.

It feels vulnerable and strange. But we have some serious thank yous to give.

This is my exhibition at the Manos gallery, Ernesto put this together because he is awesome!

To Ernesto at The Manos Gallery – thank you for being such a force for art and for saying yes to every idea that helps lift people up.
To Jamie – our extraordinary friend and gentle bulldozer of good intentions. You never let us hide.
To Rachel – local artist, mega-talent, and literal sunshine in human form. You make everything brighter.
To every artist donating their time, energy, and art – thank you for believing in us. For being willing to lift us up when we needed it, even though we were too awkward to ask. There are so many to name… We are astonished.
And to our Patreon Community – oh my goodness. Thank you for sticking by us through this entire rollercoaster ride. Through the pauses, the chaos, the raw moments, and the quiet in-betweens—you’ve been there. Your support has kept us going when things got really, really hard. We don’t take that for granted, not even for a second.

We still feel awkward. We still feel like we don’t deserve it. But we’re trying—trying to receive with open hands and full hearts.

Klee is finally starting to feel better. The new treatment seems to be working (she’s been off steroids for three days, and so far, so good!). I’m back on mural duty. We’re slowly finding our way back to our creative rhythm. And in the middle of all that, we get this gift—a reminder that we are seen, loved, and supported.

I don’t have fancy words for it. Just… thank you.

— Rafi (and Klee)

Here is more info on the events

🎨 Paint & Sip at The Manos Gallery (Tarentum, PA)
🗓️ Thursday, July 25th at 6:30PM
📍 The Manos Gallery
Come hang with us in the gallery space and create your very own “Me and It” monster with paint, good vibes, and a splash of BYOB magic.

🎨 Paint & Sip at Core Goods (Oil City, PA)
🗓️ Saturday, July 27th from 2–4:30PM
📍 Core Goods
This one includes snacks, laughter, and a Chinese auction with art donated by local legends. Tickets are available at Woods and River Coffee.

Want to get involved? Contact:
📧 Manosgallery@yahoo.com or rachelsart@gmail.com

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Life, Health, and the Art of Slowing Down… Finally

I wanted to give you all an update on what’s been going on in our world lately—because if you’ve noticed we’ve been a bit quieter than usual, you’re not wrong.

First and foremost, Klee’s health has been our main focus. She’s been on new treatments, and while we’re optimistic, the healing process has been slow-going and unpredictable. Some days are better than others, and we’re learning to navigate that reality one day at a time. The bottom line? We’re keeping things close to home and prioritizing peace, health, and sanity.

We are still waiting to see if the treatments are helping

This week, I officially stepped away from a gallery we signed on with last August. It’s a fantastic space just outside Pittsburgh, and it honestly felt like a big deal when we joined. But right after that, Klee got sick, and we started pulling back from gallery events, meetups, and the bigger out-of-town plans that used to be second nature. We haven’t seen the space in nearly a year.

And while part of me feels gutted to walk away from something that had a lot of potential, I also feel… relieved. Because here’s the truth: we’re used to going a million miles an hour. We’ve always had a packed creative studio schedule, weekly podcasts, weekly videos, blogs, updates, meetings, responsibilities—you name it. Our days are usually full steam ahead with little sleep and a to-do list that reads more like an epic saga than a manageable plan.

I’m SO proud of her!

These days, that lifestyle just isn’t sustainable. Not right now. And I’m doing everything I can to avoid slipping into full-blown overwhelm mode. We already run a multi-layered creative business, I’m currently painting a giant mural, and we’re co-running the new Makerspace in town (which is an exciting beast all on its own). Add meetings, community events, and the Creative Entrepreneur Conference we just spoke at—yeah, even a grocery run can feel like planning a wedding.

So we’ve slowed things down. A lot. And it’s been kind of amazing.

I’ve been focusing on the mural project (which, let’s be honest, is enough to occupy every last corner of my brain for a while). It’s keeping things financially steady—for now—and more importantly, it’s all I have the bandwidth for. The workaholic in me is having a minor identity crisis over the idea of not doing a million things at once, but I’m choosing presence over panic. For once, I’m not teetering on the edge of burnout. That’s new. And I like it.

That wall behind me will start to become a mural soon!

Stress is something we’re both keeping a close eye on because, as we’ve learned, it’s a major trigger for Klee’s symptoms. So eliminating stress has basically become a part-time job (with full-time benefits, honestly). We’re doing what we can, day by day, to make space for healing, creativity, and peace.

So that’s where we are. No wild announcements, no dramatic exits—just two artists doing our best to create, care for each other, and be present through the chaos. We’re still here, still making things, and still showing up in whatever way we can.

Thanks for riding the waves with us. We appreciate you more than you know.

With love and less stress,
Rafi and Klee

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Klee Getting Back Out There on Stage At CEC

Last weekend, Klee and I had the honor of being part of the Creative Entrepreneur Conference, where we hosted not one, not two, but four workshops! We covered everything from pricing art, marketing, festival set-ups, to photographing art. It was our second year being invited to speak to a room full of amazing creative humans, it was a blast. On the surface, it might look like we’re seasoned speakers, perfectly comfortable standing in front of a crowd, dropping knowledge bombs with the ease of rock stars on a world tour. But… it’s not that simple.

Believe it or not, Klee and I are actually extremely shy. I know, I know, we do livestreams, run a YouTube channel with hundreds of videos, have done countless art shows, and spoken at multiple events, interacting with hundreds of people over the years. You’d think we’d have it down by now. But the truth is, we don’t put ourselves out there because we’re fearless marketing machines. We do it because we are constantly challenging our fears. The only way to really overcome fear is to face it head-on by doing the very things you’re afraid of doing. So, every time we step in front of a crowd or a camera, it’s not just an event—it’s an act of rebellion against our own anxieties.

This year, however, was a little more challenging. Klee is still recovering and getting treatment for her illness, and if you know anything about UC, you know it is not fun. It can really throw a wrench into your plans, your day, your everything. Stress doesn’t help matters either. It’s been months since we’ve been to a social event. In fact, since December of last year, we’ve been total hermits—recovery, healing, and navigating symptoms became our world.

But last week, we decided it was time to shake off the cobwebs of isolation and venture out. We went to an Artist Mixer at Clifford’s and ran into some beautiful familiar faces. We knew that breaking the safety of our induced hermit mode was going to be a challenge—especially when stress and emotions can cause symptoms to flare up. We managed to stay for an hour, and it was awesome to reconnect, even though some of Klee’s symptoms flared up after. So, when we looked ahead to a six-hour-long event as our second outing, it was anxiety-inducing, to say the least.

But Klee, being the total badass she is, decided to face it head-on. She started focusing on what she appreciated about the experience instead of what could go wrong. She thought about meeting creative humans, having an adventure with me, and feeling proud of stepping outside her comfort zone. Instead of dreading it, she began to look forward to it. I do the same thing. Honestly, it’s way too easy to dread upcoming things, especially if they fall outside your comfort zone. Your brain is going to run scenarios in your head anyway, so why not choose your own adventure instead of letting old, stressful programming take the wheel?

When the event came, it was incredible. Some of our amazing rogue community were there, and it was so good to see familiar faces. One of our awesome Rogues even drove across the state to be there and gifted us with some absolutely stunning art. We also got to see old friends, meet new amazing creatives, and the event organizers, as always, were phenomenal. Best of all, Klee’s symptoms didn’t even make an appearance. I call that a win!

We are slowly getting back out there, little by little, but we’re doing it our way. We’re navigating Klee’s healing with patience and self-compassion. It’s great to have challenges and overcome them, but it’s also important not to bite off more than you’re ready for. It may take a few months—or more—to fully get back out there, but the journey matters more than the timeline. It’s about enjoying the ride, facing the challenges, and feeling damn good about what we do.

We’re hoping to be back at the Creative Entrepreneur Conference next year, stronger than ever. Until then, we’ll keep choosing our own adventure, one brave step at a time.

Here’s to overcoming, growing, and doing it all our way—because that’s the only way that matters.

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Emerging from the Studio Cave: A Wild Adventure into the Real World

Picture this: Rafi and Klee, two artists who spend an absurd amount of time in their creative lair, cautiously venturing into the outside world like long-lost explorers rediscovering civilization. This time, the grand adventure? Klee’s doctor’s appointment.

Now, in case you didn’t know, leaving the studio isn’t something we do lightly. There are variables out there—things like other humans, unpredictable traffic, and gasp the weather. And speaking of weather, let’s just say Pennsylvania was throwing some real mood swings at us lately.

Blizzard apocalypse. Snow drifts. Ice patches. The kind of cold and snow that makes you question all of your life choices… or whether you’ll ever leave the house again.

This is mostly what this winter has looked like. It’s beautiful (from inside)

Today? Absolutely gorgeous. Like, did we just step into a completely different timeline? The sun was out, birds were singing, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, we didn’t have to worry about frostbite just from existing. We even dared to crack a window in the car and blast some music. Reckless, I know.

The Doctor’s Verdict: Optimism and Good Vibes

We’re happy to report that Klee’s appointment went really well! We’re still in the monitoring phase with her medication, but everything is looking good, and we’ll be back in a couple of months for a follow-up. The doctor was optimistic, and so are we. Woohoo!

Afterward, we celebrated with the traditional “Let’s get home as quickly as possible” ritual. (Because if you brave the outside world, you must reward yourself with expedited coziness, right?)

Big Congrats to Last Month’s Raffle Winner!

Before I forget—huge congrats to Michele Young, who won last month’s raffle: a video call with us! We can’t wait to have an awesome time chatting, laughing, and hanging out virtually. (Yes, we are just as weird and ridiculous in real-time as we are in our videos. You’ve been warned Michele.)

**New Raffle: Win Some Uplifting Art! **

CONGRATULATIONS TO ERICA!

This month, we’re giving away something special—an artist-enhanced 12×18-inch print of “3 Little Birds” mounted on wood! This is one of my special prints that I hand create. It’s valued at $85, and the drawing will be held on March 30th at 10PM Eastern. I will announce the winner on April 1st!

If you need a little positivity, color, and good vibes in your life (or you just love winning awesome stuff), make sure to enter!

So that’s the update from the great beyond—we survived the outside world, Klee’s doing great, and the weather has finally stopped being a drama queen. We’ll see how long that lasts.

Until next time, stay awesome and keep creating a magnificent life!

Rafi & Klee

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Life, Love, and the Beauty of Shared Madness

When Klee and I met in 2009, there was a spark—a universe-altering moment that, if you blinked, you might have missed. Except we didn’t miss it. We jumped in headfirst, feet never touching the ground. Within weeks, we were on the road, leaving behind everything we knew for a life we couldn’t quite define but felt in our bones. People called it crazy. Honestly, they weren’t wrong, but it was the best kind of crazy—the kind that makes life worth living.

This week, while Klee healed and started getting her energy back, I dug through some old files and stumbled across pictures of us in our Florida studio. The photographer (Kristian Breeze) asked us to “just be ourselves,” and these snapshots are proof we took that direction seriously. It’s just us—playful, weird, and totally in love with life and each other. We had already been together eight years when those photos were taken. Eight years of creating, dreaming, failing spectacularly, dusting ourselves off, and trying again.

Looking at those photos reminded me how extraordinary this journey has been. Neither of us knew what would happen when we packed up that truck all those years ago. We only knew one thing: we were all in. Together.

If I had listened to my head back then, none of this would have happened. My head had all the reasons why this was a terrible idea. It had a checklist of why leaving my old corporate life behind, taking risks, and chasing what felt right in my gut was doomed to fail. My head was also telling me that it wasn’t a good idea to get into a relationship at this time. My head had a lot of warnings, and some of them even made sense. But my heart and my gut? They knew better.

When my mom said, “You found someone who is your kind of crazy,” I thought she was joking. But she wasn’t. She was right. I leap before I look. I barrel into projects I have no business starting because some voice inside whispers, You’ll figure it out. And I do. But it’s only because Klee is there rooting for me (no matter how insane my ideas are)—my partner, my best friend, and quite possibly the most amazing human I’ve ever met.

These last few months have been tough. Watching her go through health struggles has been hard, but I’ve been amazed by her strength, her quiet determination, and her ability to stay hopeful, even when things seemed uncertain. I’ve thought a lot about how much she’s impacted my life, how much better the world feels with her in it, and how grateful I am that we found each other.

Your heart doesn’t deal in logic; it speaks the language of passion and purpose. Your gut doesn’t care about the odds; it’s tuned into something deeper—something that tells you where you’re meant to go, even if it doesn’t make sense on paper.

Following your heart and gut doesn’t mean you won’t fail. Oh, you will. Trust me, we’ve failed a lot. But it’s through those failures that we’ve built the life we have now—one filled with art, music, community, love, and memories we wouldn’t trade for anything.

To our community—our tribe of beautiful, creative, supportive humans who love us and our art—you’ve made this journey even more incredible. Whether you’ve cheered us on from the sidelines, joined our Patreon, or simply sent us good vibes when we needed them most, you’ve been a part of our story. Thank you for believing in us, for laughing with us, for showing up.

Klee is eager to get back into the studio next week. We still have a long healing road ahead, but we’re on it together, and that’s what matters.

So here’s the food for thought I promised: Sometimes your head will try to talk you out of the very thing your soul is calling you to do. It will give you reasons, statistics, and worst-case scenarios. But your heart and your gut? They’ll whisper truths that logic can’t touch. Trust them. Trust yourself. Because the best adventures—the ones that lead to love, creativity, and the kind of life you’ll look back on with a smile—don’t come from playing it safe. They come from leaping into the unknown and trusting you’ll figure it out along the way.

Stay weird, stay wonderful, and follow your heart. The horizon is waiting.

With love and gratitude,
Rafi (and Klee, who will be back to feeling awesome in no time)

CONGRATULATIONS TO ERICA!

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Update On Klee: Friday Night in The Emergency Room

Here’s an update for all of you awesome humans following along on Klee’s health journey, this one is something else. When you think about Friday nights, you probably picture cozy evenings, good food, maybe a movie, and definitely no emergency rooms. Well, our Friday decided to flip the script on all that and deliver a plot twist we didn’t see coming. Buckle up for the adventure we didn’t order but tackled anyway, because that’s just how we roll.

The Start of The Day: Everything is Calm and Normal

It started innocently enough. We drove to Titusville Area Hospital for some lab work—standard post-colonoscopy follow-up. The gut-and-butt doctor wanted a few more tests. And by “a few,” they meant ALL the blood. As Klee joked, “They took it all!” Despite the sudden generosity to medical science, spirits were high.

Back home, I whipped up some lunch, and we laid out our day: I’d get some work done, chill, eat a good meal, and watch a movie. A solid, low-key Friday plan. Klee napped while I popped online to share a positive update with everyone following our journey. She’d been feeling better, and I was excited to spread the good news.

But then, life said, “Hold the phone.”

The Call: And We’re Off!

No sooner had I hit “send” on my positive message, than the phone rang. The nurse. Not just any nurse—the one with the authority to interrupt naptime and evening plans.

“We need you to go to the emergency room immediately,” they said. Klee’s hemoglobin was critically low, and a blood infusion was non-negotiable. We sighed, looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders, and said. “Adventure time!”

We packed up and headed back to Titusville Area Hospital, arriving just as the snow started whispering, “I’m about to get serious.” Klee was settled into the ER and prepping to get hooked up to her life-giving blood bag. Meanwhile, I realized dinner time was approaching, and Klee’s dietary schedule is no joke. Because of medications, she needs to eat by certain times, and what she eats can’t be from fast food places.

The Commute: Cooking vs. Snowpocalypse

Determined to get her a proper meal, I braved the worsening snowstorm for the drive home. Earlier in the week, I’d bragged about finishing all my outdoor chores before the blizzard. This almost made me laugh… almost.

At home, I cooked dinner, brewed a thermos of peppermint and ginger tea, and prepped for the return trek. The roads were now less “roads” and more “a suggestion under a layer of snow,” but I made it back to the hospital safe and sound.

Dinner and Ghostbusters in the ER

We turned the ER into our private (and slightly surreal) dinner theater. While Klee relaxed with her blood bag BFF, we dined on our homemade meal and watched an old rerun of Ghostbusters. Honestly, it was kind of cozy (as cozy as you can make an ER room feel). The nurses and doctors were incredible, their kindness making the whole experience feel less daunting.

The infusion wrapped up just before midnight, and Klee was officially released. Her color had returned, and she was feeling significantly better. Success!

The Final Stretch: Snow, Snails, and Sweet Relief

The drive home was, shall we say, deliberate. The snow had fully embraced its chaotic energy, but we took it slow and steady. By the time we finally crawled into our warm bed, we were too grateful to care about how our plans had derailed. Klee was experiencing pain and had to take pain meds for the first time in days, but it was kind of expected with our routine being thrown off like it was. She’s feeling better this morning.

Reflections: Rolling with It

Sure, this wasn’t the Friday night we envisioned, but it reminded us that life doesn’t always stick to the plan. You can either roll with it or get bogged down in frustration. We chose to roll.

The ER team was fantastic, and despite the snow and the stress, we came out of it stronger. Klee’s already feeling better, resting up, and gearing up for Monday’s follow-up labs and Wednesday’s biopsy results.

So, here’s to unexpected adventures, brave nurses, and finding the humor and heart in the curveballs life throws at us.

As always, thank you for your support and love. You guys are amazing! I’ll keep you posted.

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We Have Good News – Update On Klee

There’s nothing quite like starting your day at 4 AM with a little colonoscopy prep, right? That’s exactly how our morning began today. Klee had to chug the second half of her “magic potion,” a gallon jug of juice whose sole purpose is to clear the digestive battlefield. Being the supportive partner I am, I got up too, brewed myself a coffee, and then, in what can only be described as a moment of overachieving empathy (or sleep-deprived bad judgment), I reached for a cup of prune juice to ease my tiny bout with morning constipation. Why? Solidarity? Curiosity? Let’s go with “too early to think.”

This might be TMI, but between Klee’s marathon with the prep solution and my own questionable beverage choice, let’s say this morning turned into an interesting symphony of, well, activity. Hey, it’s all part of the real-life charm we like to share with you. Sorry not sorry.

Early Morning On Our Way To Meadville Hospital

By 7:30 AM, with the front of the house freshly shoveled (by yours truly) to avoid any snow-related mishaps, we hopped in the car and headed to Meadville Hospital. Normally a 45-minute drive, the snow decided to extend that journey to just over an hour. If you’re imagining us cruising serenely through a winter wonderland, stop. Picture instead two people nervously watching the clock like hawks, hoping there’d be a bathroom nearby if the “magic potion” and “poor beverage choice” still had unfinished business.

Despite the nerves, the weather, and desperately “holding it”, we made it to the hospital without incident. The staff was wonderful, and before long, Klee was prepped for her first experience going under anesthesia. For those curious, her feedback on the experience was enthusiastic and brief: “Wow, this is…” followed by an immediate plunge into dreamland.

I was losing my mind waiting during Klee’s procedure but the nurses brought me coffee and were super nice.

After the procedure, the doctor gave me the update: Klee’s colon is still 90% inflamed but healing. There were no signs of anything cancerous, which was a massive relief. He took a biopsy and scheduled additional tests, but the path forward seems promising. The best part of the day? Watching Klee’s face light up as she emerged from the anesthesia, clutching a chocolate pudding cup like it was the greatest treasure on earth. Her joy was contagious—chocolate pudding has never been so celebrated.

This makes chocolate pudding look like the elixir of the gods

On our way home, we picked up some supplies just in time for another round of heavy snow. I’d like to point out the irony here: after my early-morning shoveling efforts, the snow returned in full force. I’m trying to laugh about it, but really, snow? Really?

Back at home, I made Klee some soup—her first real meal after a marathon of clear liquids. Watching her enjoy it was like watching someone rediscover the joy of food. The sparkle in her eyes is something I’ve missed, and seeing her feel a little better—even if it’s a small step—means everything.

Really snow? I just shoveled all of that!

Tonight, we’re taking it easy. I’ve decided to take the day off and not get in the studio. Dinner is happening early, and for the first time, we’re watching The Sound of Music together. (Yes, she’s never seen it, and yes, she’s very excited!) It’s been a long day, but it’s ending on a warm, cozy note.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in worry, frustration, or the uncertainty of what’s ahead, but today was a reminder to pause and notice the beauty in the now. The way Klee’s face lit up at the thought of food. The shared giggle when we both realized prune juice solidarity was maybe not the wisest idea. The simple comfort of planning a cozy evening with a classic movie. These moments might seem small, but they’re the ones that carry us through the bigger challenges.

Life will always have its curveballs, whether it’s a health scare, a snowstorm, or just the daily grind. But it’s in these moments of connection and humor that we find our strength. Even on the hard days, there’s so much to be grateful for—each laugh, each hug, each shared glance that says, We’ve got this.

To everyone who has sent us love and support, thank you. It’s hard to put into words how much it means to us, especially during times like this. We’ll keep you posted on Klee’s progress, we should know more in 7 days. And to those waiting on jewelry orders, we appreciate your patience. Klee is eager to get back in the studio, but her health is not there yet.

Until then, we’re taking things one step (and one pudding cup. Yes, we bought some on the way home) at a time. Thanks for being part of our journey, and here’s hoping for fewer snowstorms and more good news ahead.