Being Willing

Volume II / Issue 8 — 13 April 2021

What does it mean to “be willing?” There’s the obvious answer, of course, but I think it goes deeper than that. There’s a reason that it’s, “Ready, Willing, and Able,” and not just, “Ready and Able.” Being willing requires presence, which requires both confidence and humility, in my opinion. You can be ready, and you can be able, but if you’re not willing, nothing will happen.

Five years ago, when I had the idea for IOM, I was absolutely willing, but I wasn’t actually ready, nor was I able. It took the next 4+ years for me to get myself to a place where I had the connections, resources, and time to create something new. All the while, the willingness was always there. Why? Because it was–and is–my soul’s path to do this work. 

What I have found over the years is that when I am willing, being ready and able have a tendency to fall into place… with the right timing. This is also how I have discovered most of our talented IOM Family.

Last fall, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Patrick Laurent’s work at Laurent Collective. The minute I saw it, I knew I had to figure out a way to work with him, or at least bring his talent into IOM. He is a gifted artist with a flair for creating playful work that can also be meaningful and whimsical (among other things). 

At the time, I knew Patrick was more than able, I hoped he was ready, but I wondered if he was willing. I reached out, and we started a conversation about what’s possible. I was, of course, thrilled to learn that he (and his wife Maya and their kids) seem to follow the same philosophy of trusting the path.

As such, I am excited to share that Patrick is IOM’s newest artist. Not only will he be illustrating books for other authors, but I love his work so much that I asked him to collaborate with me on my next children’s book: Princess Wigglebottom and the Forgotten Christmas, which we plan to have out in December (just in time for the holidays!). 

It’s always amazing to me what is possible when we simply show up, willing to follow the path. Life can be so much more vibrant and colorful. Hopefully, you have found that, too.

Be well,


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“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.”
– Georgia O’Keefe –


Meet Patrick

Patrick Laurent is the creative artist behind Laurent Collective. He began his career in art when he was in elementary school, drawing and creating sports characters and selling them to his friends. Patrick loves to start everything with a pencil sketch before adding textures and finishing touches digitally.

Patrick’s illustration and design work has been featured in the Bear Grylls Soul Fuel for Young Explorers book, She Reads Truth Bible, Bible Society UK, HP Sprocket, 40 Acts, and Barnabas Clothing Co., and will be seen in IOM’s upcoming children’s books Princess Wigglebottom and the Forgotten Christmas, and Howard the Coward, among others.


Kaleidoscopix: Botanicals–Coloring BUNDLES

$2.95 — Six beautifully drawn pages you can download today and start coloring, adding your own personal touch to Patricia Pedraza’s unique kaleidoscopic designs.

The Seasonal Table–Recipe BUNDLES

$3.95 — Joanna Quargnali-Linsley curated three perfect bundles of summer recipes from her latest cookbook, to entice your palate and invite you to experience the best of summer. 

Coming Soon!

Kaleidoscopix™
A Botanical Coloring Book

Coming April 22, 2021
(click here)

When the World Went Quiet
Conservation Curriculum

Coming April 22, 2021
(click here)

The Seasonal Table
Summer

Coming April 28, 2021
(click here)

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