Hello May!

Welcome aboard--I'm glad you're here!

Can you believe it snowed in May?! As my husband and I were driving cross-country, we made a quick stop just outside Denver, Colorado to visit my niece and a long time writing buddy. And here comes the snow! Big, soft flakes dusting the evergreens like powder sugar on pine.

Colorado in May

But before winter made a surprise appearance, I had the chance to cross something off my bucket list: white water rafting!

While I’ve done rafting before, this time, I had a dozen reasons not to go . . . . . “I’m too old, It’s too cold, What if I fall in? I could get hurt, I might not enjoy it, I could stay in the warm car and sketch!!!

Or write!!!

Or nap!” LOL.

I considered them all.

But I did it anyway.

And I’m so glad I did!

There’s something powerful about stepping outside your comfort zone. Even if your heart’s pounding and you’re gripping the paddle like it’s your last Reeses bar, and your body is shivering; doing something brave, even though small can stretch your horizons and sharpen your spirit.

Here’s what the rapids taught me:

• Courage increases when you say yes to small brave things.

• Leaning into fear can reveal strengths you never knew you had.

• New experiences help us see the world—and ourselves—in a new perspective.

• Discomfort doesn’t mean failure—it often means you’re growing.

There were a few moments along the river, I truly thought I’d go overboard. But our guide gave us the best advice:

“Lean in.”

“Lean into the center of the raft—Not away.”

And I did. And it truly saved me from going overboard!

Her second tip: “Breath in.”

Deep, intentional breaths. Expanding at the core. Inhale courage. Exhale fear.

It worked. Both on the water and off.

“Water is the driving force of all nature.” Leonardo da Vinci

Fear shows up for all of us and it’s tempting to play it safe—staying dry and close to the shore. Sometimes, it’s worth getting soaked and to feel alive and brave again! That’s where the growth begins.

That raw, exhilarating feeling of risk and joy is something I also felt this past month with the launch of my new book:

CECELIA TAKES FLIGHT: From the Drawing Board to the Sky

I’m incredibly proud of this story, and the beautiful work my illustrator and designer did to bring in to life. Launching through Ingram Spark and Kindle Direct Publishing stretched me as much as those river rapids did! The book is now available in paperback, hardcover and E-Book through Kindle. I invite you to check it out and I’d be honored if you’d consider leaving a review on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way for an indie author.

The link is below:

https://www.amazon.com/CECELIA-TAKES-FLIGHT-drawing-board/dp/B0F541ZWHL

Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cecelia-takes-flight-from-the-drawing-board-to-the-sky-noreen-anne/1147287319?ean=9798990649859

“To create one’s own world takes courage.” Georgia O’Keefe

All are invited to join us this month for our LIVE Podcast. Click below to register.

ILLOGUILD: Behind the Scenes · Zoom · Luma

Mark your calendars for our next Illoguild Live on Monday, May 19! This month, we're sharing how we market and promote ourselves as artists, including what’s…

We look forward to seeing you there. I wish you a beautiful Mother’s Day to all the mothers and caregivers and blessings to all throughout the month of May.

Until next month,

All the best,

Noreen Anne