At around 9 months old my baby finally started taking naps longer than 20 minutes in her bed.
Although I was super tired and could've used a rest myself, this was my opportunity to paint! I painted this image during numerous 1 hour increments while she napped. It wasn't easy to pack up after only 60 minutes but it was worth it to fill up my cup that little bit. It allowed me to maintain the hope that as the months went on I'd have more time for myself and be able to paint more, without taking a minute for granted.
Those days when my baby was young was a marathon, with one day blurring into the next into the next in a haze of sleep deprivation and ongoing tasks. Through it all I knew I'd be okay; so long as I kept that little flame of hope burning inside of me I'd have the strength to get out of bed in the morning and take care of my precious little being. And when the opportunities came, I used that pilot light to reignite my passions.
This mermaid stares out intensely from beneath her hair, like a lioness hunting in the grasslands; passionate, focused, waiting to strike. Adorned in an elaborate dress with her fins sticking out from beneath it, it's a clash of worlds. But don't underestimate her.
What's the spark that motivates you to get out of bed?