Showing Up Anyway

Creativity in Motion - where exploration, laughter, and fearless making come alive

There’s something magical that happens when a room fills with creativity.

Not perfect creativity.

Not polished creativity.

Not “I know exactly what I’m doing” creativity.

I’m talking about real creativity — the kind that shows up curious, brave, a little messy, and completely alive.

When Creativity Fills a Room

Last week, I had the joy of teaching a four-day Fiber Art Bootcamp at Cactus Quilt Shop in Tucson with fourteen incredible students. Fourteen different personalities, fourteen different artistic voices, fourteen different journeys that all came together in one shared space.

And let me tell you — the energy in that room was electric.

There was laughter. Music. Color flying everywhere. Threads tangling. Needles dropping. Moments of “wait… what did I just do?” followed by proud smiles and spontaneous happy dances. It was everything creativity is supposed to be: playful, freeing, and wildly alive.

But what moved me most wasn’t just the art that was created.

It was the courage that showed up.

The Courage That Walked In

One student in particular quietly reminded all of us what determination looks like. Moving across the room wasn’t easy for her. Every step took effort. Every trip from table to machine required intention. And yet — she showed up. Not just physically, but fully. She danced when music played. She laughed. She experimented. She created boldly. She didn’t let limitations define her experience. She let joy define it instead.

And here’s the beautiful thing:

No one in the room focused on what she couldn’t do.

We all saw what she was doing.

Creating. Trying. Growing. Living.

That’s the magic of art spaces. They don’t measure you by speed or perfection or physical ability. They simply welcome you exactly as you are and whisper:

Come play.

The Real Reason We Create

By the end of our four days together, the room wasn’t just full of finished pieces. It was full of confidence. Pride. Connection. Courage. The kind of energy that only happens when people give themselves permission to show up as they are and create anyway.

As a teacher, moments like that don’t just inspire me — they change me. They remind me why I do this. Why I believe so fiercely in creative expression. Why I say it over and over again:

No Rules. Just Art.

Because art isn’t about perfection.

It’s about participation.

It’s about showing up.

Even when it’s hard.

Even when it’s messy.

Even when you’re unsure.

Especially then.

Four days, fourteen artists, and countless moments of creative magic.

So wherever you are in your creative journey today, here’s your gentle reminder:

You don’t have to feel ready.

You don’t have to feel confident.

You don’t have to feel perfect.

You just have to show up.

Because magic happens when you do.

“You don’t have to feel ready. You just have to show up.”

With joy and thread-filled gratitude and love,

Deb