​So, last night I had this dream- which could inspired art; bare with me on this – so I’m pregnant and about to pop, not even clued in that I’m in labor and I’m lugging around suitcases, because in dreamland, apparently, I think I can travel while in this state. I get to where I’m going, and surprise—nothing’s as expected.

​The VIPs in my life? Absent. Strangers being overly familiar like I am meant to know them, and I am on a train…weird. As dreams usually are.

Now, before you get all teary-eyed, no, I didn’t actually have the baby in my dream. My biggest issue? Needing to hit the loo. A lot. Eventually, my dream buddy catches on that I’m not just about the scenic bathroom tour; I’m about to bring a new life into the dream world. Metaphor much?

You might wonder, “What’s this got to do with art?” Stick with me.

This whole birthing fiasco is a dead ringer for my art career. I’m always trying new things, constantly asking myself, “What the heck is my path?” And let’s not even start on the age-old artist’s struggle: selling your soul—I mean, art—versus keeping the lights on. It’s the “starving artist” trope, but with a modern twist because, you know, inflation.

Let’s break it down: Packing suitcases and heading off into the unknown? That’s me, diving headfirst into my next project, not a clue in sight. Destination disappointment? Oh, the joys of unveiling your latest piece only to hear crickets. And the labor part—well, that’s just a fancy way of saying sometimes, creativity feels like you’re trying to push a watermelon through a keyhole.

This dream’s got me thinking. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something. Or maybe I just shouldn’t have had that extra glass of water before bed. Either way, it’s a hilarious reminder that life, much like art, is full of surprises. You think you’re about to birth a masterpiece, but really, you just need a good nap (and maybe a bathroom break).

For all of us hitting the big 5-0, we’ve got this wisdom thing down. We know the drill: Art is unpredictable, sales are like unicorns (rare and magical), and paying rent is the ultimate creative buzzkill. But hey, we keep painting, keep laughing, and keep peeing—because what else are you going to do?

Here’s to all my fellow artists navigating the weird and wonderful journey of creativity and practicality, with a healthy dose of sarcasm and self-awareness. Let’s not forget to laugh at the absurdity of it all, because at the end of the day, whether we’re dreaming of birthing babies or birthing art, we’re all just trying to make it through without wetting ourselves.

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P.S. Oh, and just in case you thought my dream couldn’t get any weirder, Keanu Reeves showed up out of nowhere, offering me sage advice on birthing techniques. And then, as if my dream needed more seasoning, someone dressed as a lobster decided to join the party. No spiritual meaning there, I reckon—just my brain on a whimsical fantasy binge. Maybe it’s a sign I should start a new art series: Celebrities and Seafood at Pivotal Life Moments. Now that’s a gallery show I’d love to see!