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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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! **

CONGRATUALATIONS ALIYU!

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)

CONGRATUALATIONS ALIYU!

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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.

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Goodbye 2024 And Hello New Beginnings!

As 2024 finally limps off stage, I can’t help but wave it a bittersweet goodbye—emphasis on the “sweet” because, honestly, good riddance. Don’t let the calendar page hit you on the way out, 2024. But before we kick it to the curb and pop the champagne (or sparkling cider—no judgment here), let’s take a moment to reflect on the year that tried to be a good year.

Act 1: The Year Started Strong… Kinda

2024 came in hot. January was filled with big studio plans and creative energy. On the surface, things were looking good, but let’s rewind to October 2023 when “They who shall not be named” moved in. Things were… weird. And by January? Weird escalated to “living in a psychological thriller.” You can read the story here if you don’t know what I’m talking about.

While I was focusing on getting back into my creative groove, the home dynamic turned into a reality show nobody wanted to watch. Toxic vibes were brewing, and it became clear that this would be the year of dodging drama while clinging to our art studio for dear life.

Act 2: Art Saves the Day

February hit, and so did the passive-aggressiveness at home. Klee and I were drained to the point that filming and recording content felt impossible. But art doesn’t care about drama, and it kept happening. We buried ourselves in creative projects, which became our lifeline.

In March, we decided to tackle the chaos head-on by releasing a music video about interdimensional millipedes. If you missed it, let’s just say it’s exactly what you didn’t know you needed in your life. We also worked on a sculpture together, a rare and much-needed moment of peace amidst the growing tension.

Act 3: Solar Flares and Stomach Flares

April brought solar eclipses—and somehow the excuse for passive-aggressive behavior at home was “the solar flares made me do it.” (I’ll give you a moment to process that.) We taught a workshop and did an interview, smiling through the stress. Meanwhile, Klee’s health started showing signs of strain.

By May, Klee was experiencing stomach issues that left us worried. Balancing events, shows, and guests with the increasingly volatile situation at home was a recipe for burnout. Financially, things got tight, leading to an “oh crap” sale. Thankfully, our amazing community came through for us, reminding us why we love what we do.

Act 4: Enough is Enough

June and July were a blur of exhibitions, speaking engagements, and passive-aggressive nonsense. On Klee’s birthday, the tension hit its peak as they decided to move out—kind of. They left a mess behind and strung us along for another month. By July, I had reached my limit. They had moved out in the middle of the night and left a mess and a bunch of their stuff. I told them to get their stuff or it was going on the curb in a month. (Spoiler: it almost went on the curb.)

Meanwhile, Klee’s health continued to decline, and we knew we had to make some big changes to protect her well-being.

Act 5: Rebuilding, One Day at a Time

August to October was a mix of rebuilding and holding onto hope. We tackled murals, concerts, book fairs, and road trips, all while managing Klee’s symptoms. With the house finally free of toxicity, we started feeling glimmers of normalcy. But as we moved into fall, Klee’s health challenges returned.

October brought the release of Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up and Halloween festivities, which Klee insisted on participating in despite her struggles. She’s tough like that.

Act 6: Closing the Year with Gratitude

November and December were about pacing ourselves and focusing on what mattered most. We mailed out books, released calendars, and prepped for our holiday sale while keeping Klee’s health a priority. Then, on December 2, the year decided to throw one last curveball: Klee was in excruciating pain which eventually led to a week-long hospital stay. We cancelled to virtual show and have been navigating her pain levels since. Your support during this time has been precious and I can’t thank you enough.

I’ve got good news. As of today, December 31st, as we close out 2024, there’s a spark of hope. Klee is starting to feel better, eating again, and smiling—proof that even the toughest years can end on a good note. This morning is the first morning in a month where she did not start the day on pain meds. Hooray! She is still weak but in really good spirits! We are also confirmed for her appointment with the specialist on January 8th, which means it’s right around the corner. A healthy start to what I hope is a great year.

What We Learned in 2024

Life has a way of teaching us lessons in the moments we least expect, and sometimes, those lessons come wrapped in challenges that test our limits. This year, we learned one of the most important truths of all: never let toxic people have control over you and your emotions, no matter who they are.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of people-pleasing, especially when you’re someone like Klee or me—always striving to make others feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. But what happens when that kindness is met with disrespect? When boundaries are crossed, ignored, and broken time and again? For us, the result was emotional exhaustion, a fractured sense of peace, and a heavy toll on our mental health.

Klee, being the incredibly generous and compassionate soul that she is, bore the brunt of this. Her boundaries were disrespected, and instead of standing firm, we found ourselves compromising over and over, trying to “keep the peace.” But here’s the thing: real peace isn’t about avoiding confrontation. It’s about honoring your own well-being enough to stand up for it.

Stress Isn’t Worth Your Health

The emotional and financial stress of this year (“They who shall not be named” came with extra bills) became a storm we were constantly weathering. As much as we pride ourselves on living bright, positive, and authentic lives, we found ourselves burying emotions instead of confronting them. Bottled-up emotions don’t just stay hidden. They leak out in ways that hurt your body, your relationships, and your soul.

We saw it firsthand as stress took a toll on Klee’s health. Watching someone you love suffer is a wake-up call like no other. It forced us to take a hard look at how we were living and the compromises we were making. No job, no relationship, no obligation is worth sacrificing your health or your happiness. Period.

The Strength of Joy

Even in the midst of all this chaos, one thing became crystal clear: we have so much to be grateful for. We have each other, a life filled with creativity, and a community of incredible, supportive humans who remind us of the good in the world. These challenges won’t make us bitter. They’ll make us stronger. And that strength is a source of joy all its own.

Joy isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you choose. We found it in quiet studio moments, in music, in laughter, and even in the lessons we’ve learned through this tough year. Joy doesn’t erase the hard times, but it gives you the power to rise above them.

Our Wish for You

If there’s one thing we’ve learned that we want to pass on, it’s this: guard your peace fiercely. Protect your boundaries like they’re sacred, because they are. Speak your truth, even if it’s uncomfortable. And never—never—sacrifice your well-being to make someone else comfortable.

Stress isn’t worth your health, but joy is worth everything. No matter what you’re going through, find those sparks of joy. They’re what will carry you through, make you stronger, and remind you of how powerful you really are.

Here’s to learning, growing, and finding joy in every challenge. Here’s to standing tall, setting boundaries, and living with love and strength.

A Special New Year’s Message for You

As we step into 2025, I want to wish each and every one of you an absolutely amazing year ahead. May your days be filled with creativity, laughter, and the kind of magic that only comes from being unapologetically yourself.

I hope this year brings you good health, great adventures, and unexpected moments of joy that remind you how incredible life can be—even when it throws you curveballs. Here’s to a year of growth, resilience, and art that makes the world a little brighter.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for sharing yours with us. You inspire us every single day, and we’re so grateful to have you in our corner. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember, together.

Cheers to a beautiful new year,
Rafi & Klee

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45 Calendars Left, and the Countdown to the Butt and Gut Doctor Begins

Hey, awesome humans!

Let me start by saying: I’m the worst calendar salesman ever. Seriously, if there was an award for “Artist Most Likely to Forget They’re Selling Something,” I’d win it this year. Somewhere in the chaos of life, I completely forgot to remind you lovely people that I still have a stack of 45 of my Me and It Creatures 2025 calendars left. That’s right, 45! Usually, these are long gone by now, and I’m patting myself on the back for a job well done.

But alas, life has been… let’s say interesting lately. Between Klee’s health challenges and navigating the holiday whirlwind, my marketing skills took a little snooze. (And by “a little,” I mean full-on hibernation.)

About the Calendars

In case you’re wondering what makes this calendar so special, let me enlighten you. Each month is packed with my quirky, lovable Me and It Creatures, grotesque-yet-adorable monsters spreading joy and inspiration. Think of them as your emotional support monsters for 2025. They’ll cheer you on, make you smile, and maybe even remind you that life’s little moments of weirdness are worth celebrating.

And because I feel bad for forgetting to sell them, here’s a little incentive: Use the code rafiwashere001 at checkout to snag 10% off.

Order now, and I’ll ship them out on December 30th. Yes, I will personally ship them. No robots, just me, probably drinking coffee and double-checking your address with the intensity of someone who doesn’t trust printers.

Life Update: Holding On Until the Butt and Gut Doctor Saves the Day

Now, on to the real-life stuff. If you’ve been following along, you know Klee hasn’t been feeling well for months. But there’s good news on the horizon! On January 8th, we’re finally seeing the highly-anticipated Butt and Gut Doctor. (Yes, that’s the technical term. No, I’m not making this up… well, maybe.)

This doc is supposed to be the superhero who swoops in with medications that actually target the root issue. Until then, we’re holding on strong, taking things one day at a time. Last night was better than most—Klee got some real rest, and her pain levels have dropped from monstrously unbearable to just mildly villainous.

It’s been a long and rough few weeks, and we know we’re not out of the woods yet. But the upturn we’re seeing feels like a little light at the end of a very twisty, bumpy tunnel. A little pain is so much better than a lot of pain, and every moment of relief feels like a small victory.

Thank You for Your Love and Support

To all of you who’ve reached out with kind words, encouragement, financial support, or just sent good vibes, we can’t thank you enough. Your support means the world to us and makes this crazy journey a little less lonely and stress inducing (which is important for Klee right now), thank you for the gift of peace.

So, let’s wrap this up with a reminder:
If you want one of those Me and It Creatures calendars, now’s your chance. You’ll get some monster magic to brighten your 2025, and you’ll help me not feel like I completely failed at selling them this year.

Grab yours before they’re gone—and don’t forget that sweet 10% off code: rafiwashere001.

Here’s to calendars, creatures, and hoping the Butt and Gut Doctor is the real MVP of 2025!

With love and a little less pain,
Rafi (and Klee, who is currently snoozing like the warrior she is)

2025 Limited Edition Calendar Signed By Artist Rafi Perez - Me And It Edition

2025 Limited Edition Calendar Signed By Artist Rafi Perez – Me And It Edition

ABOUT THIS CALENDAR
Get ready to bring a splash of joy and inspiration to your year with the Me And It 2025 Limited Edition Calendar! These quirky little monsters are here to make each day an adventure, with their delightful expressions and heartwarming messages designed to lift your spirits. Each month features a unique scene with these lovable characters, paired with…

Original price was: $34.00.Current price is: $20.00.

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