Tag: Growth – Embracing Change and Transformation

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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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Your Space, Your Rules, A PSA For Anyone Letting Someone Stay In Their Home

So, I debated whether or not I was going to share this, but this is life. Shit happens. If anyone can relate or avoid a bad situation because they read this blog, then I’ve done my job. Also, I want to get some things off my chest and this is my blog, so I can do a little venting if I want to.

This is for anyone thinking about having a family member or friend move in with them, take heed. By reading this, you may avoid some future headaches.

Last year, a family member reached out and said they and their partner needed some help. As Halloween approached, we geared up to make some space for them. Ah, October. The month of falling leaves, pumpkin spice everything, and… people moving in with three cats. We generously opened our home because they needed a helping hand. The plan was simple: give them a rent-free, worry-free space to get back on their feet. But oh, the journey was anything but simple.

We are not exactly what you’d call “strict rule-followers or enforcers.” Our lives are a beautiful whirlwind of creativity, spontaneity, and a bit of chaos. But we decided to set a few basic guidelines to keep our sanctuary safe and harmonious. Four rules, to be exact:

  1. Clean up after yourself and respect the space – because, seriously, we are busy artists, not maids.
  2. Voice any concerns immediately – no room for passive-aggressive silent treatments here.
  3. Be mindful of our schedule in shared spaces – an hour-long live stream is hard to do when you’re doing the pee-pee dance.
  4. No food upstairs – because crumbs in the bed are a nightmare nobody wants to live through.

Spoiler alert: Every single rule was broken.

Your Home Should Be Your Sanctuary. It’s Important To Keep It That Way.

Ok, here’s the venting part… and yes, all this stuff actually happened.

The Mount Everest of Mess

First, the cleanliness. Or should I say, the lack thereof. Our shared spaces turned into scenes from a post-apocalyptic movie. At first, dishes piled up like we were training for the World Dish Stacking Championship. Outdoor furniture became engulfed by a mountain of smoked butts, and the ashtray overflowed like a smoky volcano. Inside the house? Well, let’s just say we were unaware of the fact that we became involuntary hosts of an unplanned indoor smoking lounge on the third floor.

The Great Communication Blackout

Rule number two, communication, went out the window faster than their cats chasing a laser pointer (Don’t get me started on the litterbox smell that would seep into the house monthly). Not a peep about their plans, their issues, or their thoughts. Instead, we received the silent treatment, the kind that made us feel like we were living in a suspense thriller. Every creak of the floorboards was a mystery, every glance (or lack thereof) a puzzle. It felt like living in an emotional haunted house where the ghosts were passive-aggressive. When I finally said something about having a conversation to clear the air, I was told that being forced to talk about things was “triggering.” This caused me to back off which was a big mistake. My backing off caused minimal communication to become virtually nonexistent. 

If there is silent tension in the house, it will impact your health. We both experienced some chronic issues while this was all playing out.

Schedule? What Schedule?

And the schedule awareness? Nonexistent. Imagine gearing up for a live stream, nerves buzzing, creativity ready to flow, and bam! Both bathrooms are occupied. Having to pee does not make for a good pre-show warm-up. Timing became a daily gamble with laundry, bathrooms, and kitchen. Our productivity took a nosedive.

The Laundry Room Battleground

The laundry room became a battleground of epic proportions. We had graciously dedicated three days for them to use the laundry room and kept four days for ourselves, because Klee has a whole day dedicated to washing every towel in the house (and don’t get me started on the number of showers they took—our water bill saw such heights, that the water company sent people out to see what was going on). They would leave their laundry languishing well past their allotted days, and communication? Nonexistent. With our busy schedule, it became a frustrating mess. We naively assumed that, given their ample free time (ahem, no job), laundry timing wouldn’t be an issue. What we didn’t anticipate was the passive-aggressive laundry schedule war that ensued, complete with silent standoffs and dirty looks over dirty clothes.

The Upstairs Food Festival

The upstairs food rule was ignored. Our sanctuary turned into a buffet. Crumbs, condiments, mystery stains, and plates appear in places no plates should ever be. I’m pretty sure we found a whole ecosystem developing in their room. There were times when on their way up to the room, they would spill something in our hallway and then keep quiet about it. It was just weird. When I finally said to please eat dinner in the kitchen, I was told that eating in the kitchen was “triggering.”

Huh… that’s where my bottle of Tabasco sauce disappeared off to. I’m not going to show any more pictures like this. Let’s just say, it was not good.

The Dishes Debacle

At one point, I finally had to say something about the dishes. “Hey guys, please clean up after yourselves in the kitchen, I think it’s unfair that I’m doing any of your dishes and cleaning up after you.” The response? I was told once more that it was “triggering.” Ah, yes, the ol’ “your cleanliness standards are emotionally distressing” defense. The dish situation did get a little better after that confrontation, but even then, I found myself re-washing the “clean” dishes. Apparently, soap and water had become optional.

The Smoking Paraphernalia Scandal

When I finally mentioned the smoking paraphernalia mess taking over our outdoor seating area, the response was to hide stuff under the chairs instead of actually removing it. We discovered the extent of this creative tidying method in the most embarrassing way possible. A crew came over to film us for a documentary, and unbeknownst to us, the pile of nastiness was in full view beneath our feet. Nothing like a mountain of dirty smoking paraphernalia to add some character to your on-screen presence!

The Vacuum Cat-astrophe

Ah, the vacuum debacle! Imagine our shock when we discovered they were using our cleaning supplies and vacuum to clean their litterbox but never bothered to clean out the vacuum. They never used the vacuum to tackle the random debris they scattered around the house (seriously, how does one person leave so much debris everywhere?), but they did use it in their room. Eventually, our trusty vacuum was transformed into a fur-filled disaster, utterly useless thanks to cat hair clogging every nook and cranny. This was another delightful detail they failed to communicate. I discovered the extent of the cat-astrophe when I tried to vacuum up debris and found our vacuum was as useful as a wax teapot.

Whenever we had people over, the environment got increasingly awkward and weird.

The Shoe Pile Phenomenon

Among other special quirks, they left a heaping pile of shoes on every shoe tray. Seriously, it was just the two of them, so why were there 18 pairs of shoes piled by the door, rendering the shoe tray unusable for everyone else in the house? When I finally said something, I was hit with zero response. They removed some shoes that day, but they slowly grew to their former glory soon after. It was like a mini-shoe mountain that grew larger every day.

The Trap Illiteracy and Toilet Paper Conundrum

I’m not sure they knew what a drain trap or lint trap was, judging by the constant clogs and laundry mishaps. And although this might seem petty, there is a correct way to put the toilet paper on the roll. By the way, it wasn’t because they ever changed the roll—no, that never happened. They would, however, remove the roll every time they used the bathroom. I am still baffled by this behavior.

The Music Mutiny

We usually play uplifting music, instrumental meditations, or audiobooks as we go through our creative day. This was apparently also triggering. So, the house became this weird, silent place. They would also wear headphones all the time so they wouldn’t have to interact with us. Did I mention how this whole thing was just the weirdest thing I have ever experienced?

I would spend every morning reminding myself that I love this place and the negative energy doesn’t belong here.

The Writing Room Takeover

You guys know how I’m writing a book? Think again. Somehow, my writing room was taken over. I blame myself; I did tell them, “Hey, you can use this room for stuff, just let me know when you need it because I have a book I’m releasing soon and will need access.” Well, I’m guessing this meant the room was now theirs to leave their stuff strewn about, break lamps, and randomly lock themselves in there. Eventually, when they were in the midst of giving us the silent treatment, I took my room back, but I am dangerously close to my book deadline and haven’t worked on the book.

The Grand Exit

When they finally moved out, declaring that we were too triggering and emotionally hard to live with, they left us a parting gift: a nice reminder of their idea of cleanliness. Our home was graced with remnants of their stay, like a poltergeist who loves watching us pick up after it. To top it off, they took something personal to me. I’m sure they think they suffered under our tyrannical rule, but honestly, I don’t care, I’m just glad that they are out. 

The Biggest Lesson I Learned From All Of This: Speak Up

Klee and I spent the last eight months trying to be as understanding as possible. Unfortunately, this meant letting a lot of things slide. Eventually, things pile up. It got to the point that we both felt uncomfortable in our own house. Speak up when someone is not respecting your sanctuary. A lot of this could have been avoided if I hadn’t been wearing kid gloves or acting like a doormat. Your space is sacred, and it deserves to be treated with respect. Don’t be afraid to assert your boundaries and protect your peace.

Allowing Time to Heal

After such an ordeal, we are allowing ourselves time to heal. It’s important to take a step back, breathe, and reclaim your space emotionally and physically. Healing is a process, and giving ourselves the time to do so is crucial for moving forward positively.

It feels amazing to have all my workspaces back… Without drama.

The Takeaway: Guard Your Sacred Space

So, what did we learn from this chaotic, rule-breaking, silent-treatment-giving adventure? Your space is sacred. Be fiercely protective of it. Set clear boundaries and enforce them, no matter who you are dealing with. Here are a few more nuggets of wisdom:

  • Communicate Clearly and Often: Don’t assume everyone is on the same page. Spell things out and check in regularly.
  • Don’t Compromise on Cleanliness: Especially, when you find yourself feeling like a maid. 
  • Be Mindful of Schedules: Respect each other’s time and needs, especially in shared spaces.
  • Keep Food in Its Place: Trust me, you don’t want to discover what happens when food ventures into uncharted territories.

In the end, we survived. Our space is ours again, a sanctuary where creativity can flow freely, and we’ve got some pretty wild stories to tell. If nothing else, we’ve learned to cherish our home and the peace it brings. And next time, we’ll be a bit more discerning about who gets to share it.

Remember: your space, your rules!

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A Small Act that Fills the World with Love

This morning, amidst the ordinary rush to get my daily chores done, I found myself in a line at the grocery store, a place as mundane as any could be. Yet, it was here, between the aisles of cereals and canned goods, that I stumbled upon a reminder of the profound beauty embedded in our daily interactions.

As I stood there, meticulously arranging my groceries on the conveyor belt, I moved them forward and placed the small partition behind my items, an act as automatic as breathing. But today, this simple gesture caught the attention of the person standing behind me. A woman, her eyes meeting mine, expressed her gratitude with a gentle, “Thank you so much, sweetheart.” Such a small exchange, and yet, her words resonated with me deeply, stirring reflections on the power of kindness and the art of giving.

I love leaving small loving reminders around town for people to find.

It struck me then, how consumed we can become in a world that often emphasizes the act of receiving. We find ourselves in a relentless pursuit of what we can gain, overlooking the essence of what it truly means to give. And yet, here was a moment, as fleeting as it was, that illustrated the immense impact of giving, even in its simplest form. It served as a poignant reminder that love, in any shape or form, holds the power to transform the mundane into something truly meaningful.

Throughout my career, alongside Klee, we have endeavored to give as much as we possibly can. It’s a principle we’ve held dear, even though, especially in times of need, it’s easy to lose sight of this truth. The world can make you forget that at its core, it’s not about what you receive, but what you give that truly enriches your life and the lives of those around you.

So, on this day, moved by a moment of unexpected gratitude and reminded of the fundamental joy of giving, I wish to extend something beautiful to you. In the spirit of sharing love and light, I’m sharing a song we wrote some time ago. It’s more than just a melody to us; it’s a reflection of the peace and happiness we wish to spread in the world. My hope is that it will bring a smile to your face, warmth to your heart, and a reminder of the peace that comes not from receiving, but from the simple, profound act of giving. Listen to the song and I hope it brings a smile to your lips:

To everyone reading this, I adore you. Remember, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, never underestimate the power of a small gesture, a kind word, or a moment of connection. These are the threads that weave the fabric of our humanity, binding us together in the tapestry of love and kindness.

Let’s continue to give, in all ways, always.

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Rolling into 2024: Unleashing Awesomeness and Embracing Change!

As we kick off 2024 and wave a cheerful goodbye to 2023, I can’t help but take a moment to reflect on the wild ride that was last year. Boy, did we go on an adventure! We showcased our artwork at a virtual event, rocked a book fair, dropped some groovy music videos, laid down fresh tunes, hosted an epic workshop for artists, and even graced the stage with some live speaking events. Not too shabby, right?

But, hold up! Amidst all the glitter and glam, there’s a little something missing from that list—new artwork. Yup, I confess. Although I managed to sneak into the studio a few times, it wasn’t the art extravaganza I’d dreamed of for 2023. And let’s face it, having that studio time is like a therapeutic dance for the soul. I am missing it. I typically get in the studio about 4 to 5 days a week, however last year I was lucky to get in there for a day.

As an artist, I’ve come to realize that the studio is more than just a room with art supplies; it’s my haven, my escape. It’s where I unload the quirks of life and let my creativity run wild. Last year, however, the art vibes were a bit off, and I found myself craving more studio time than I got.

So, what’s the deal, you ask? I got in over my head with a website that turned into a glitchy rollercoaster, demanding my attention like a clingy friend. I found myself playing firefighter, putting out technical fires left and right. And guess what? The art studio, my personal paradise, got neglected. This also affected us financially since we do art for a living. No art, no making a living. More importantly, I was making things more difficult for myself by holding onto the idea that I NEEDED to do this.

So, we let the glitchy time-consuming project go.

Now, why am I laying it all out for you? Because, I want you to join me on the reflection train. Take a look at your 2023 – the highs, the lows, the sideways somersaults. Reevaluate, recalibrate, and make sure it feels good. Focus on the day-to-day dance of joy.

As creatives, we’re like wizards in our art studios, casting spells with every stroke of the brush. But if there’s anything messing with that magic, it’s time for a shake-up. Make getting into the studio a priority, not an afterthought.

If creating art isn’t your jam, no worries! Find that thing that sparks your excitement and lose yourself in it. Maybe it’s hitting the trails for a hike, diving into a gripping novel, or even mastering the art of staring at the clouds. The possibilities are endless.

Whether you’re into art creating, gardening, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, strumming a guitar, or even geeking out over the latest video games, the self-love things you do are the secret sauce that adds flavor to your life. In the hustle and bustle of everyday chaos, it’s easy to push these joys to the sidelines. But guess what? It’s high time to reclaim that precious time for the things that make your heart sing.

So, here’s your golden ticket to joy: make a date with your special things. Seriously, schedule it in your calendar, set a reminder, and treat it like a VIP appointment with your happiness. Just as I’m prioritizing my studio time, you should carve out those moments for your passions.

Whether you’re nurturing a green thumb in the garden or experimenting with a new recipe in the kitchen, these activities are your personal playgrounds of joy. Remember, life is not just about the hustle; it’s about the dance, the laughter, and the pure enjoyment of doing what you love.

Last year, I got stuck in a loop, surrounded by projects I couldn’t touch because I was stuck behind a computer. Why? Fear of change, the dread of letting people down. I’ve shouted the mantra “persist through the suck,” but here’s the kicker—it doesn’t mean sticking with something you don’t want to do.

Motivations can be tricky devils, pushing us to greatness or chaining us to something that sucks the joy out of life. So, let’s be rogues! Rip that metaphorical band-aid off, reevaluate what’s holding you back, and dance into the year with joy in your heart.

We love the Rogues!

I am happy to say that this year our Rogue membership and our awesome Rogues have moved back to Patreon. This has already given me more time to create and we are only two weeks into the new year. If you have been thinking about supporting the content that we put out there for artists, that will be the place to do it. Plus, you get all kinds of cool stuff weekly from us that is exclusive to our members. Join us on Patreon!

As for now, I am excited about some new art projects that are currently in the works. I have a series of sculptures, new paintings, and a new book that will be releasing in the next few months. I can;t wait to share them with you! Expect a tidal wave of awesomeness this year! Klee and I are buzzing with excitement to run our revamped Patreon, juggle some mind-blowing new art, new songs, and finally unleash those projects that have been chilling on the back burner. Get ready for a rollercoaster of creativity and joy!

Stay awesome, rockstars! See you soon with some fresh, mind-blowing awesomeness!

New Book Coming Soon!
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You Are Constantly Changing For The Better

Welcome to July! I hope this month finds you well, filled with creativity and awesomeness. It’s a little hot out there. I won’t deny it. Of course, it might not be as scorching as in some places, so I won’t complain too much. If you find yourself in the studio, working away, embracing the season’s warmth, that’s fantastic! But if not, don’t worry. This is the month to embrace the heat, enjoy it, and become hot stuff in your own creative endeavors.

I want to start the month with motivation, something for you to contemplate and reflect on as you navigate through your art career, which can sometimes be quite crazy.

Lately, we’ve been going through a reevaluation process in our lives. We’ve decided that for 2023, we’re going to slow things down, get rid of the unnecessary fluff, and truly embrace a slower pace. It’s wonderful to finally have places to sit outside and relax. It’s not just about the constant hustle in the studio anymore. As you know, we’ve been at this for over a decade, and as we grow older, we naturally yearn for a more measured approach.

I’ve been engaged in numerous conversations and deep thinking sessions lately with Klee, and something struck me the other day. It’s about how we tend to look at history as a way to predict our future.

Businesses formulate their budgets based on past sales, and many individuals are held accountable for who they were in their teenage years. It’s as if we are constantly defined by our past, by what was possible for us back then. But here’s the thing: we are constantly growing, expanding, and evolving.

Think about it. You’re not the same person you were five minutes ago, let alone five years ago or even 15 years ago. We are in a constant state of flux and evolution. I find this notion incredibly powerful and motivating. There have been moments in my life when I believed that “this is it” and settled for a life that didn’t align with my true desires. But let me tell you, you are not defined by your past self. You have the capacity to reinvent yourself, to become someone different, someone who embraces life, creation, and everything that makes you a creative badass.

Sure, there will be days when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, feeling unmotivated and wondering if you have anything worthwhile to contribute. But remember, that’s just a temporary state. It doesn’t define the entirety of who you are. In a matter of minutes, you can shift your mindset, transform yourself into a motivated individual eagerly anticipating the joys of life and creation.

So, this month, I invite you to contemplate this idea. Reflect on your ability to transition from one state of mind to another. Sometimes it takes a little longer, sometimes it happens in an instant. The key is to do whatever it takes to put yourself in a mental space where you can confidently say, “I am a creative badass.” Trust me, it will work wonders for your creative pursuits.

In addition to this contemplation, let’s not forget our exciting schedule. Every Wednesday, we’ll be hosting live pods and public and private live streams, ensuring a smooth experience without any hiccups. Moreover, this month’s lesson for the Rogue site members comes from our workshop on pricing. It’s a valuable resource for all rogues out there, so make sure to check it out.

Lastly, I want to remind you to enjoy the Collab Lab challenge and all the other exciting activities happening on the site. Embrace the opportunities, stay creative, and remember that if you find yourself in a funk, it’s just a passing moment. You have the power to transcend it and move into a space where inspiration flows freely.

I truly adore you all. You are the most incredible community, and I’m grateful to have you here. Let’s make July a month filled with artistic growth, inspiration, and the joy of creating. Keep being amazing!

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Resilience: Weathering the Storms of Life

It’s been a whirlwind since we moved to our new town. Between running our art business, volunteering, and making repairs, Klee and I haven’t had a chance to catch our breath. We were in desperate need of a reset. Luckily, with winter, we have had some much-needed downtime. We needed to get organized.

Despite feeling a bit out of place since our move, we’ve tried to stay involved in art-centric events and help out wherever we can. But there is only so far one can push themselves. Recently, we’ve faced a new challenge, which caused me to reflect a little. In facing challenges, we have been called resilient over the last couple of years, and I wanted to dig a little deeper.

Klee At Black And White Ball -Posing With Wings I Built.

Resilience is the ability to recover from difficult situations, adapt, and bounce back when life throws curveballs our way. It is a critical trait to possess when unexpected events happen at any time. Resilience can mean the difference between giving up or pushing through the suck.

So, the question is, have Klee and I always been resilient? The answer is no. We may have survived many situations in the past, but we were not always resilient. To be honest, I think we can thank “being artists” for our resilience. So how did we develop resilience? Why is it that we persist instead of giving up?

One way to develop resilience is by being organized. Having a flexible system and being proactive about managing our lives has helped us handle difficult situations better.

When we are organized, we can more easily identify what is essential and what is not. By putting our priorities in order, we can ensure that we spend our time and energy on the things that matter most. Being organized can also help us to be more efficient, allowing us to accomplish more with less stress.

Most Recent Challenge

That was a big problem for us before, during, and after the move. Changing our lives so drastically threw a wrench into the systems we had in place. With every new obstacle, things seemed to become more and more overwhelming. That is why it is important to take as much time as you need to put things where they belong. Being out of whack is no fun, trust me.

Another way to develop resilience is by working smarter. This comes with getting organized. We can all benefit from taking a step back and reassessing our actions. Sometimes, we get caught up in the routine and don’t realize that we are making things more complicated than they need to be. By examining our processes and identifying areas where we can improve, we can streamline things and make them more manageable. This can reduce stress and make it easier to bounce back from setbacks. Cutting the fluff makes a difference in how you approach your days.

Rafi and Klee Studios

All that being said, even when we are organized and working smart, life can still throw us curveballs.

Unexpected events like storms, repairs, financial problems, or accidents can disrupt our plans and overwhelm us. In those moments, it’s important to remember that resilience is not about being invincible. It’s about being able to weather the storm and bounce back afterward. As artists, our entire career is built on resilience.

Here are some tips on how we stay resilient in the face of adversity:

Take care of yourself: When we are under stress, it’s easy to neglect our physical and emotional needs. But taking care of ourselves is crucial for building resilience. Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and make time for exercise and relaxation.

Rafi and Klee Relaxing.

Lean on your support system: Don’t try to go it alone. Reach out to family and friends for support, or seek out a support group. Talking to others who have been through similar experiences can be comforting and help us to see that we are not alone.

Focus on what you can control: In difficult situations, it’s easy to feel helpless. But focusing on what we can control can help us to feel more empowered. Identify the things that are within your control, and focus on those. This allows you not to waste time thinking about things you can’t control that make you feel overwhelmed.

Practice gratitude: It sounds cheesy, but this step is essential. Getting caught up in what’s going wrong is easy, but focusing on what’s going right can help us develop a more positive outlook. Your brain chemistry changes when you do this, allowing you to think more clearly.

Learn from setbacks: This is life. We are going to experience roadblocks and setbacks. It can be frustrating and discouraging, but it can also be an opportunity for growth. Take time to reflect on what you can learn from the experience and how you can use that knowledge to improve in the future.

What a mess …lol.

Listen, resilience is essential in a world of inevitable change and uncertainty. By being organized, working smarter, and caring for ourselves, we can develop the resilience we need to weather the storms of life. Remember to lean on your support system, focus on what you can control, practice gratitude, and learn from setbacks. With this, we can bounce back from just about anything.

It’s been a rollercoaster since we moved to this new town, but I’m excited to see where it takes us. Persistence spawns resilience, and resilience gives birth to focusing on what is going right in life. I’m excited to see what new adventures we’ll have and what new people we’ll meet. But most of all, I am excited to be alive on this adventure called life.

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The New You, And Hope

The Holiday season has come and gone. As Klee and I prepared for our long winter nap and reflection, I was struck by an important question. Who are you today? I mean, I know who I am, right? Surprisingly, the answer is no. The fact is that we change and evolve with every experience we have.

Listening to the gusts of wind and snow pummel my house, I was taken back to my childhood and some experiences and people that helped make me who I am today. These moments, conversations, struggles, and highlights taught me valuable lessons. However, if I am candid with myself, it is just a narrative I have repeated so much that it has become a reality. Everything I remember from my past is a construct of my design. I watched much TV as a kid and absorbed characters like Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross. They impacted me by introducing me to something I wasn’t surrounded by. Hope. But was it real?

Maybe it was the holidays or that Klee and I decided to take some time off from all the craziness and reset, but I can’t help wondering why I do what I do.

Anyone following our journey knows the last few years have been full of adventurous tales.

Rafi and Klee are waiting for a call from realtor

Some of you know that we moved last year, and to say it has been a crazy rollercoaster ride is an understatement. Let’s be honest, the last few years have been a bit of an insane ride, and I finally feel like we are getting to some semblance of normal. Well, normal for us. As I reflect, I think about how our lives changed dramatically and the toll it took on us.

The true craziness started in 2020 when the world shut down, and everyone fought amidst a pandemic. Klee and I spent a lot of time navigating the changes that would have to come with our art business. No longer able to do local shows for income, we needed to adapt and change our strategy. As we watched our bank account dwindle, we struggled to find footing. The truth is, spending a lot of time indoors and away from others wasn’t bothering us at all. Klee and I are artists. That’s normal for us. We spend a lot of time in our studio. We also really like each other, so nothing much had changed. It felt like the world around us was changing, or maybe we were paying closer attention since we weren’t distracted by markets and shows. Things sometimes felt a bit dark, but we kept our spirits up.

Because we needed to take a new direction, we focused a little more on connecting with artists online. We started a community of Rogue artists from all over the world. We wanted to create a safe place for creatives to interact and share ideas. We began to invest more time in our online efforts. We built a community, started a podcast, and uploaded more videos. We also supported the artists in our local area whenever we could. Then hurricane Sally hit our area, and everything shut down twice over. To say that 2020 was challenging doesn’t quite sum up the year. Let’s say the term dumpster fire is a better description.

Rafi And Klee Zoom Meetings During 2020

Enter 2021, and things are slowly coming out of the worst of the pandemic, but there are still a lot of heightened emotions and arguments in the world. As much as people wanted to talk and argue politics, I wanted nothing to do with that conversation. At this point, we had our eyes set on moving, but we were still trying to navigate the financial effects of 2020. I was writing my second and third books, organizing the art for a large exhibition, planning an adventure to the north, and figuring out how to afford to purchase a new home.

We had wanted to move from the apartment we had been living in for a while. The truth is we had outgrown it years earlier, and other factors involved made it a somewhat challenging environment for what we do. With every year that passed, the challenges became more prominent. Every year, however, we would put it off until the following year. This was most likely due to fear. As much as we wanted to move, we knew how to navigate our environment, which was comfortable (as in our comfort zone, which has nothing to do with real comfort). We finally reached a point where we had no other option but to move on and leave the apartment behind. Things had gotten beyond challenging, and we were determined to escape the situation we had put ourselves in by living in the apartment. We decided that even if we had to live in our car, get rid of everything, and start over again, we were willing to do that. It was time for a change.

Of course, the odds were stacked against us. Self-employed artists are at the lowest rung of banking loan opportunities, but we didn’t care this time. We were going to make it happen. Towards the end of the year, we gathered what we had saved from successful art shows and proceeded to travel the country and look for a new home. We eventually landed in Oil City, which had an artist’s relocation program to revitalize this once-boom town. The city is beautiful, and we found a house that we immediately fell in love with. It was our dream home. Our offer was accepted, and it was time to return, pick up our belongings, and start our new life.

Upon arriving at the apartment, we found that a leak from an air-conditioner had devastated Klee’s jewelry bench and tools. The water had also gotten underneath the protective tarp surrounding the studio. This meant that we would have to tear things down at a hurried pace. Exhausted from our travels, we jumped into taking the studio apart, buying a house long distance, organizing another art show, collecting art from around town, and getting ready to move our lives across the country.

Klee trying to recover her damaged jewelry bench and tools

The studio was shut down during all this, and we could not take any orders. This meant we were not making any money.

It was a month of constant exhaustion and heavy lifting that ended with us throwing everything into a 26-foot U-Haul before our landlords showed up with their own Uhaul (who needed us to move ours out of the way, but that’s a whole other story). We put our jeep on the tow dolly and navigated our way to our new town, stopping to nap at a Truckstop and racing against time to make it to our new home for the closing.

Once we were at the house, the challenges continued. We knew that buying an older home would require updates and repairs. However, we did not expect no-shows, delays, and a lack of good contractors. The house needed new electrical, plumbing, and other repairs before we could open our studio. At this point, the studio had been shut down for months.

Finally, eight months into 2021, we opened the art studio and jumped right into taking commissions and opening up our online store. We were in our dream home, and life was good. However, it was nonstop, and my body couldn’t take it anymore. The move and pushing my body too far caused debilitating pain. I pushed on anyhow.

We organized a two-month gallery show, released two books, music, volunteered, and worked on commissions all while we did repairs for our new home and built our lives back up. All the while feeling like we would never catch up and get back on track. We pushed through the holiday orders and finally got to a place where we could catch our breath.

Honestly, all of this would have been fine, it is just the luck of being busy as an artist who just moved to a new town. However, on the back end, everything we had in place to run our art business was old and outdated. Systems needed an overhaul, and everything was more complicated than it needed to be.

Enter the break.

Towards the end of 2022, we decided to take a few months off to get ourselves organized and restructured. During that time, we released the last audiobook, built a Rogue Artist Community site, created systems for our business (giving us more time for creativity), finished building our art studio, and updated our website and webstore.

Another artist I know said, “I’m jealous. I wish we could take a few months off and relax.”

Relaxing is next on our list lol.

My reflection on these last few years has taught me that no matter what is thrown at you, nothing can stand in your way as long as you are determined to keep going. However, making time for self-care and relaxation is paramount. We may be able to climb mountains, but you have to stop and rest along the way.

I can sit here and bitch about all the struggles we have had, but honestly, that’s just life. How we handle them and reflect is really what matters. We may still be recovering physically and financially, but what drives me forward is the same thing I was introduced to as a child. Hope. The difference is I surround myself with it now.

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I Love You More Than Pizza

It’s that time of year again when I grapple with the validity of a Hallmark holiday. A holiday in which you tell your loved ones that you love them and do something special. Honestly, in our crazy fast-paced world, I think that is amazing. 

It is easy to forget to express how you feel when a million things are going on at once. It’s easy to forget to even think about how much you love someone when you are going through the struggles that life tends to pop into existence. It’s also easy to forget that you are attracted to one another when you are wearing the same clothes for more than three days. It’s all too easy to overlook those things that are precious in life.

I like to remind myself daily, but even then it is all too easy to forget.

A beautiful smile.

An enchanting gaze.

A belly laugh.

A warm embrace.

A tender kiss.

A soft hand in mine.

A long night of conversation.

A shoulder to cry on.

A person to trust with the things that make you feel vulnerable.

A day full of happy stupid smiles.

Rafi And Klee Studios

These are the things that we live for, the things we fight for, and would die for. Yet, we can easily take them for granted. We can take life for granted and overlook the beauty that surrounds us and only focus on what is going wrong.

We can either fully enjoy a bite of a delicious pizza and savor every moment, or we can hurriedly shove it down because we are busy. It’s like that. All of it. Life, love, and everything in between.

Savor the moments. 

Remember that life is too short and before you know it, it will pass you by. Most importantly, remember to love yourself. Give yourself a warm hug, a tender smile, and all the love you deserve… because you deserve it all.

Every day, and on this day, remember how special you are.

As I type this, I think about the love of my life and how I have made it my mission to express to her every moment of every day how much I absolutely adore her…. Yet, there have been plumbing issues. So it is nice to have a reminder of what really matters. I mean, let’s face it, there can always be some ridiculous thing that is going to try and steal your focus and time away from what really matters in life… LOVE.

I adore myself and Klee. I think we are awesome. Klee is amazing, I love her more than pizza… and I LOOOOVE pizza so that’s a lot. So, if you are reading this my dear… Happy Love day! I LURVE YOU!!!

Have a beautiful and amazing day today, I adore you and remember you are loved.

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It Is Ok To Not Be Ok

Recently I read an article from the Washington Post that was talking about toxic positivity. My first reaction was “Great, what bullshit is the media going to try and feed us now?”

As much as I hate admitting it, Klee and I are public personalities. That doesn’t mean we are famous, it just means there are some people out there who are interested in what we say and do. We post a lot of videos talking about changing your perspective and paying attention to your mindset when you are approaching something as strange and alien as becoming an artist.

We tend to look at the bright side of things, which is probably why I became so defensive upon hearing about the article. There are plenty of people (the media included) spreading so much toxic information, conspiracy theories, and us versus them bullshit, that I thought this article was just a bunch of the same jargon.

Luckily, in my opinion they were not trying to feed me any poop, albeit more dramatic and alarmist than it needed to be on the subject, but that’s just “news” now. The article actually covered something that I have been thinking a lot about lately.

The “good vibes only” trend or as I called it in a video “forced positivity”.

Practicing a positive mind-set is a powerful way to approach the world, but I’ve seen people put a positive spin on something simply because they are avoiding the need to deal with the negative emotions they feel.

Natalie Dattilo, a clinical health psychologist with Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston say “It results from our tendency to undervalue negative emotional experiences and overvalue positive ones.”

I don’t know if I agree with her, I think we may overvalue positive experiences simply because we are using it as a coping mechanism to avoid the bad ones. In my experience, if you avoid something that might be eating at you instead of facing it head-on, it doesn’t go away. It doesn’t mean you need to dwell there and succumb to the negative emotions, but unless you face the things that are bothering you, eventually they will surface again and again. Of course, I am not a clinical health psychologist with Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Expressions By Rafi Perez

Forced positivity is like covering up a pile of vomit in your hallway with sheet of paper that has a happy face drawn on it. The vomit is still there and you can try to ignore it, but it still stinks. Eventually, it just soaks through the paper and comes to the surface. The only way to really deal with the vomit is to get down and dirty with it and clean it up. Yes, it is not easy and it can be quite repulsive, but ignoring it won’t make it actually go away.

People who are genuinely upbeat, usually deal with things as they come and don’t bury anything down under a layer of “everything is fine.” When they are not doing so great, they let you know. They may not linger there for a lifetime and will usually take some kind of ownership for how they feel. I think there is a huge yet subtle difference between having a sense of empowerment and being positive.

I know amazing people that are very positive but the moment you broach on a subject that may touch on a nerve that is uncomfortable for them, they deflect and might even get angry. It’s definitely easy to just throw a happy face sticker on and pretend like you don’t have any negative feelings about anything. The only problem with it, is that it’s not sustainable, in the long-run it is exhausting and will wear you down.

Oren art By Rafi Perez

It is way harder to go deep and admit to yourself that you are not in a good place, and that you have some things that might be really ugly inside that need to be looked at. You may need to admit that you need help, or that you are simply not ok.

It is a big problem when people feel forced to seem or be positive in situations that suck, or things legitimately need to be addressed. In the “good vibes only” culture, some people feel ashamed of their negative feelings, so they hide them. There are people out there that are worried about addressing negative stuff that might be going on inside of them for fear that it will solidify it in their existence. The problem with this is that it can’t be addressed if people don’t deal with the fact that there is distress or need in the first place.

The fact of the matter is that shit kinda sucks right now. Denying, minimizing, or invalidating those feelings because of external pressure or your own thoughts can be counterproductive and harmful. If we throw on a sticker and feel like crap under it all, we then judge ourselves for feeling pain, sadness, fear, which then produces feelings of shame, not-enoughness, and guilt

People who tend to not judge themselves based on their feelings, and not think of their emotions as good or bad have an easier time handling their negative emotions. They do not try to avoid or put distance between themselves and their emotions. They face their emotions and understand that there is nothing to be ashamed of if you are just feeling low.

Graffiti Bridge Rafi Perez Child Abuse Awareness

Desperately wanting to feel happy in a crappy situation and not facing the situation can leave people experiencing an emotion about an emotion. Which is usually disappointment because you aren’t as happy as you want to be.

One thing I try to remind myself of every day, especially when I am putting myself out there in the public arena, is that I like looking at the bright side of things, but I also enjoy facing the darkness. There’s nothing wrong with trying to make the best of a crappy situation, I do it all the time. Being positive doesn’t mean you smile as your eye twitches uncontrollably because you are putting your negative feelings on mute. To me, it means making the best of the suckage that is going on. Making the best of it is accepting the situation as it is and doing the best you can with it, and not avoidance of the fact that we’re in a really bad situation.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

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RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR SUCK

This time of year I always seem to find myself more contemplative than ever. It’s almost like I can’t help but evaluate my experiences of last year and come up with a fuzzy idea of a plan that is not really a plan for the new year.

Rafi Perez Painting Explorer

I think everyone does this to one extent or another. I remember back in my less optimistic days, this time of year was only a reminder that time was running out. I would spend most of my time thinking about lost opportunities, and how terrible my year went. Yeah, I was not a ray of sunshine back then, and to be honest, my life was a reflection of my attitude.

Luckily for me, I stopped being a dumb-ass and started to appreciate this thing we call life.

My new year resolutions are not the typical “I want my butt to look better in jeans” type of resolutions (my butt looks great in jeans, btw), they have more to do with realizations I had throughout the year.

The one that is really on my mind is based on our recent trips and around 60 hours worth of conversations on said trips with Klee.

  • Appreciating every single individual moment that I spend being alive, and really taking advantage of the fact that I am breathing and able to make decisions that impact my life now. Essentially, not waiting around for things to happen, but just living now. Our experience last year was a solid realization that life is extremely short… So EVERY moment is precious.
  • Remembering that I am unique, but so is everyone else and there really isn’t such a thing as normal. Everyone is weird, but there are those who embrace it, and there are those who hide it. Embrace it always.

Well, that’s all I have so far, it’s still a work in progress and Klee and I will probably have some long conversations about feelings, goals, life, and other fun stuff. Have fun figuring out your awesome resolutions for 2019.

Oh yeah, play more guitar, write more blogs, film more videos, create more amazing art, and try to ween myself off of Snyder’s buffalo pretzel bits, those are on the list as well, so we’ll see how those go for 2019. Just kidding on the pretzel bits, I’m never gonna give those up.

Rafi Perez Playing Guitar