Why a Nest? Why a Mouse?

Why a nest, why a mouse, why an antler?

A brief explanation of the art April created to celebrate lil' Woop Woop's impending arrival into the bright light and fresh air...

"As Trae and I journey down this path to bring a life into the world, one of my most cherished dreams has been to actualize the old saying, 'It takes a village to raise a chid.' It's a saying we all accept & know in our hearts to be true, but can be hard to find in practice with our busy, often isolated nature of modern life.

As I feel baby growing and getting ready to meet the world, the image recurring to me is that of a nest--safe, warm, woven with care. But it's not just the nest of little nuclear or even immediate family, but of a wide, strong, diverse community of people--with many different backgrounds & cultures with whom we freely share time, advice, help, gifts & skills. They are our friends, family and neighbors. I suspect that building this nest takes a special kind of intentionality & persistence, as well as vulnerability (eek!) & maybe some trial & error. I don't know how to do it, exactly, but hope deeply that those we know and will come to know are up for joining us in this experiment!

(Oh, and the baby is a mouse because I love mice the most, and the antler represents the protective presence of Daddy Trae, whose favorite animal is a deer.)"