Happy Friday Reader

Welcome back to The 5 Things Friday Coffee Break! This is my weekly roundup of fun, creative, and personal growth-inspired finds that I think you’ll love.

After eight years of writing this newsletter (wow!), I’ve decided it’s time to shake things up—just a little! But don’t worry, the heart of this email isn’t changing. Instead, I’m adding a few fresh elements to make it even better.

In Each Issue:

☕ The Weekly Brew: A more personal note from me each week
​📝 Journaling prompts inspired by my weekly brew
🎨 Five creative, thought-provoking, or just fun things I’m loving
🖼️ A spotlight on one of my artworks (with a special discount!)
📅 Upcoming events and offerings
✨ And who knows—maybe some surprises!

I hope you love this small evolution as much as I do! After you read through it reply and let me know what you think of the look!

Now, let’s dive in…

The joy of seeing others enjoy my art in a gallery show last Friday. So much gratitude to everyone who came to the Scaled Up opening!

Realizing how cool it will be to have a wall in my bathroom papered in my art! Testing swatches brining it to life! (I'm going with the one on the right.

Happy Friday Reader

The idea that someone either has talent or doesn’t is a complete myth. Over the years, I’ve heard many well-meaning people say, “You’re so talented.” And while I appreciate the sentiment, I can tell you with complete sincerity—talent has nothing to do with my creativity.

What has brought me to where I am today? Reading an implementing Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way many times and Hundreds of hours of work, exploration, and a deep love of the process. I’ve painted almost every day for the last four years, and for two years before that, I was making copious amounts of art—whether or not it was daily.

Talent is a made-up concept that keeps people from pursuing what they love simply because they enjoy it. So, throw out the idea that you need talent! Let your creativity bloom by following your curiosity, your interests, and your desire to try something new.

Then, be willing to be bad, clumsy, and messy at it—because every beginner feels that way. And honestly? Most of us will be beginners for a long time before we feel like we have something worthwhile to share. But here’s the thing: sharing or selling your creativity isn’t even the point.

The point is the process—the joy of exploration, the satisfaction of showing up for something that sparks something in you. That’s where the real magic of creativity lies and that's why I've been loving teaching watercolor classes so much!

• Has the idea of needing talent ever kept you from creating?
• What are you willing to be a beginner at for the sake of joy and curiosity?
• What process do you love so much you don't care if you think you have "talent" or not?

1) This year I'm maintaining a list of all of the books I've read and what I thought of them throughout the year. You can access this list here, there are already many books on it. This week I read a number of books but maybe most notably I read The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. I believe this book has been on my to read list since it came out 20 years ago! It was a really compelling read.
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2) This week my friend and I were on a walk and she told me about something called Dopamine Decor. Have you heard of it? I had to go down a little research rabbit hole about it because I found it so intriguing!

3) Last week I shared how nostalgic I was for 90's music and a lot of you seemed to relate because that was the #1 clicked on link from last's week's 5 things. I though maybe you would like another play list? I LOVE the Pop Goes Classic play list. Have you heard it?

4) My current living room pipe dream is this green couch from Wayfair. ​
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5) I've always been nervous to put up wallpaper but as you saw in the picture above I'm working up the courage (and the money lol) to go for it with an accent wall in my bathroom with my own pattern. The other pattern I love that I think would be great for a bathroom or a living room is this one.

Together We Rise,
-Alisha

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Spotlight On An Original + 10% off this weekend only: Frenetic Harmony: A part of the light Returns collection Shop Frenetic Harmony

Expressive Wisdom Workshop Sunday March 30th This is a visceral, full-body experience of creative liberation. An opportunity to step up to a large canvas and let your hands, your intuition, and your emotions take the lead. Claim your spot! Only two remain

Something Special is Coming… ✨ I’m planning an intimate Artist’s Talk & Happy Hour at my home on April 5th to celebrate The Light Returns Collection! Space is limited, and I’d love for you to be there. Want first dibs on the details? Reply to this email and I’ll send you the exclusive invite! 🎨🍸