Imagine going through the journey of becoming a mother, while grappling with the loss of your own. Our guest, Kera, a high school Spanish teacher, takes us through the heart-wrenching experiences of her life, where joy and grief intertwine in unthinkable ways. Kera shares her deeply moving story of losing her mother just as she was becoming a mom herself, detailing the unique challenges that she faced amidst a global pandemic. The pain of losing her mother and the joy of welcoming a daughter into the world occur almost simultaneously, painting a poignant picture of life's unpredictability and the necessity to cherish every moment with our loved ones.

As we traverse through Kera's emotional journey, we learn about the therapeutic tool that offered her solace - journaling. She illuminates how penning down her feelings and experiences in a journal for her daughters not only provided comfort, but also helped her be honest about the struggles of motherhood. This conversation reminds us of the cathartic potential of expression and the importance of reaching out for help when needed. Kera's narrative also underlines the significance of self-care and mental health. Her story, filled with both tears and smiles, is a testament to resilience and the power of sharing personal stories to provide support and understanding to others in similar situations.

Kera is a High School teacher, the author of Legacy Letters-guided journal, and a content creator in the grief space. After the unexpected loss of her Mother, just days after her youngest was born, she was determined to create something that allows us to leave behind handwritten words of love, advice, and support. The guided journal does just that, and breaks down complex issues into small bite-size pieces, allowing us to leave behind a detailed and loving legacy to those we know and love.

https://www.legacylettersjournal.com/

https://instagram.com/legacylettersjournal?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==

https://a.co/d/8i8Ip9Z

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Today I’m chatting with the ever so amazing Prudence Peiffer. Prudence is an accomplished art historian, writer, and Managing Editor of the creative team at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. She just released her latest book titled "THE SLIP: The New York City Street That Changed American Art Forever" (from Harper Collins), this month.  Prudence is a mom of three young children and will share a bit about her absolutely wonderful Lithub essay on writing, motherhood, creativity. With a PhD from Harvard University and an impressive career spanning positions at Artforum magazine and David Zwirner, her writings have graced the pages of the New York Times, New York Review of Books, Artforum, and Bookforum, showcasing her expertise in modern and contemporary art. Prudence is brilliant. Enjoy today’s episode.

https://www.prudencepeiffer.com/

https://www.coentiesslip.com/

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Ready to breathe life back into your creative self, moms? As the kids head back to school, reclaim your artistic identity with this empowering episode of Moms Who Create podcast. I am excited to share seven transformative tips to make the most of your uninterrupted hours. Listen in as we navigate setting a routine for your creative work, crafting your unique creative sanctuary, and conquering self-doubt. Our journey doesn't end there: embrace your identity beyond motherhood and keep your artistic flame burning bright.

Now, let's step out of our comfort zones, shall we? The second part of our episode revolves around the power of connection. Get your creative vibes flowing by engaging with like-minded individuals, participating in local meetups, and setting meaningful goals. Remember, self-nourishment is key to keeping our creative fires alight. So, whether you're an early bird or a night owl, a creative veteran or a newbie, this episode is a one-stop-shop for all your creative nurturing needs. So, grab your favorite cup of joe, sit back, and let's unlock our creative potential together!

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Chanel grew up in Detroit and adopted a love for writing at an early age. As young as 8 years old she participated in various writing and oratorical contests to hone her skills. As Chanel advanced through school she continued to participate in writing contests, published poems and participated in creative writing programs.

Chanel graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice and a minor in Communications. She had the dream of pursuing a law career but life took a different turn. Instead, she worked in the social services field, working with underprivileged youth in group homes and independent living programs. Chanel eventually came to the realization that she wanted to reach children much earlier in life. The goal being, to help alleviate some of the issues and problems that plagued the children within, her then, current position. It was at this time Chanel started working at the Georgia Institute of Technology – Child Study Lab, as a research Assistant.

In her position at Georgia Tech, Chanel assisted with research to help in the early detection of Autism and other developmental delays. While working as a research assistant, she was co-author on scholarly articles that were published in journals such as: The Journal of Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, Nature Communications and the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

At Georgia Tech Chanel also became a co-instructor for the Universities freshman seminar course, for incoming first year students. During this time, she started to pursue her Masters in Public Policy at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, at Georgia State.

Shortly after starting schooling for her Masters Degree, Chanel got married to her husband, Justin Miller. After getting married and having children, her career goals shifted. She put her masters degree on hold and left academia to become a stay at home mom. Once her children grew, she started the blog, Them 3 and Me, where she wrote about life as a stay at home mom who also homeschools. The blog led Chanel to start self publishing her own literary works, the first being, Kid De Cuisine: Hadasah’s Breakfast Delights. Some of her other works include: 10 rockets Blast into Space and From Sand to Sea and Back Again.

Connect with Chanel below:

https://them3andme.com

https://instagram.com/them3andme?utm_source=qr&igshid=NGExMmI2YTkyZg%3D%3D

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090411283767&mibextid=ZbWKwL

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Distributing over 400,000 books through partnerships with more than 750 organizations, Hindi's Libraries is making an impact on children all over the world.

Brooke's insights into the pressing issue of children's access to age-appropriate and diverse reading material will ignite your passion for literacy. We walked through their ongoing initiatives, collaborations, and how they manage the logistics of distributing books to deserving children globally. Spotlighting the organization's media achievements, Brooke emphasized the power of a supportive community in expanding their reach. An enlightening conversation unfolded on the joy of reading and the vital role that representation plays in children's literature. So, get comfortable and prepare to be inspired by this episode steeped in the love for books and a commitment to children's literacy worldwide.

https://www.hindislibraries.org/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hindislibraries/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hindislibraries

Enter the Females of Fiction contest here:
https://www.hindislibraries.org/femalesoffiction

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This genuine and down-to-earth mom, Nurse and Author Hadley Vlahos, takes us on a deeply personal journey, sharing her experiences and the insights she penned in her heartfelt memoir, "THE IN-BETWEEN: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments" (released on 6/13/23).

Discover how Hadley's life took an unexpected turn when she found her calling in hospice care at a tender 24 years old. Little did she know that the patients she cared for would become her most profound teachers, revealing the true essence of living life to the fullest.

Hadley's natural talent as a storyteller compelled her to share the wisdom and stories from her patients, leading her to create engaging videos on social media. Now, with a devoted community of over 1.5 million followers, she continues to spread awareness about hospice care, offering comfort to those coping with loss and inspiring us all to embrace the present.

In this episode, you'll be moved by Hadley's extraordinary journey and the heartwarming impact of end-of-life experiences. Join us for an authentic and personal conversation that reminds us of the power of compassion, empathy, and finding purpose in the most unexpected places.

Follow Hadley on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursehadley/video/7205664042373926186

Buy her book:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/709707/the-in-between-by-hadley-vlahos-rn/

Follow Hadley in Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nurse.hadley/

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Elizabeth M. Castillo is a 2x Pushcart and BotN nominated, multilingual poet, writer and teacher, and a homeschooling mother of 2 living in Paris, France. She writes a variety of different things, in a variety of different languages, and under a variety of pen names. She also runs a handful of small businesses, dabbles in charity work and teaches languages part-time. She is committed to promoting the indie arts, especially from women creators, and has a particular soft spot for women of colour who are also neurodivergent, like herself. 

In her writing Elizabeth explores the different countries and cultures she grew up with, as well as themes of race & ethnicity, motherhood, womanhood, language, love, loss and grief, and a touch of magical realism. Her writing has been featured in publications and anthologies in the UK, US, Australia, Mexico and the Middle East. Her bilingual, debut collection “Cajoncito: Poems on Love, Loss, y Otras Locuras” is for sale on Amazon, and her debut chapbook "Not Quite an Ocean" will be published by Nine Pens Press in spring 2023. 

Connect with her below:

https://www.elizabethmcastillo.net
https://twitter.com/emcwritespoetry
https://instagram.com/emcwritespoetry
https://www.amazon.com/Cajoncito-Poems-Love-Otras-Locuras/dp/2958022110/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=JWLW71WNHXPR&keywords=cajoncito&qid=1644850939&sprefix=%2Caps%2C473&sr=8-2#aw-udpv3-customer-reviews_feature_div

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Join my chat with illustrator Heidi Griffiths, who shares her inspiring story of rediscovering her artistic passion after a long hiatus while raising her children. From studying graphic design to pursuing a non-creative career, Heidi takes us through her journey of finding solace and healing in art during challenging times. Discover how she turned her artistic talent into a successful career in children's book illustration, all while balancing the demands of motherhood. Prepare to be inspired and motivated to pursue your own creative dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Heidi is a self-taught freelance Artist & Illustrator (& Mother)  living and working in the South East of England, UK.  She divides her time between making children's picture books, drinking coffee, moaning at her two children to brush their teeth and looking for her pet Tortoise (Who escapes on a regular basis)

She has illustrated 4 picture books including:
'Grow, forage & Make'   Written by Alys Fowler and Published by Bloomsbury
'A treasury of Tales for 4 year olds' Written by Gabby Dawnay published by Francis Lincoln (Quarto)
'A treasury of Tales for 5 year olds' Written by Gabby Dawnay published by Francis Lincoln (Quarto)
'All your Tomorrows' Written by Harriet Evans & Published by Little Tiger (UK) & Tiger Tales US.

 As well as Making books she runs an Etsy shop selling prints & artwork and she loves to play in her sketchbook.

Connect with Heidi at the links below:

https://www.heidigriffithsart.com/
https://www.instagram.com/heidi_griffiths_art/
https://www.facebook.com/HeidiGriffithsArt/
https://www.tiktok.com/@heidi_griffiths_art
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Treasury-Tales-Four-Year-Olds-Recommended-Literacy-ebook/dp/B0B9T8MBCK

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What if the very act of creating could help you heal from life's greatest traumas? Bach Ly, author of Soy Sauce Fingers and founder of the Facebook group Moms Who Self-Heal, takes us through her profound journey of self-healing, sharing her strategies for balancing creativity with motherhood along the way. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for mothers everywhere, inspiring us to embrace our creative passions and integrate them into our lives in a meaningful, fulfilling way.

 This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering valuable insights on living intentionally and creating with purpose. Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, a seasoned creative or just starting out, this conversation is bound to resonate and inspire. So, grab a cup of coffee, a notebook, and let's get started.

Born in Vietnam and raised in Hawaii, Bach Ly is the mother of two girls and the author of two books. Passionate about mental health, she started a group called moms who self heal and shares her self healing journey with her latest work soy sauce fingers, a collection of poems.

https://Instagram.com/bachlyauthor
https://a.co/d/g1e1IBk
https://www.facebook.com/groups/622882602592767/

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Do you want to unlock your child's creative potential and ignite their imagination? Join me on this week's episode of Moms Who Create as I discuss the wonders of traveling with your children and how it can be a game-changer for their creativity. Listen to my personal experiences with my five-year-old, who blossoms when we explore new destinations, embracing challenges and seeing the world with an incredible sense of wonder and excitement.

In the second part of the episode, I'll be sharing some fantastic US destinations that you should consider visiting with your kids to spark their artistic talents. From the iconic Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh to the awe-inspiring skylines of New York City and San Francisco, these places offer an abundance of opportunities for your little ones to discover different forms of art and find inspiration for their own creative expression. So buckle up and get ready for a creative adventure with our little ones on this week's Moms Who Create!

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