On being an "artist"

I really do love to write, but that's not the reason I do it.

I have a physical and emotional need to write, in order to cope with life. When I'm not writing, I'm not properly processing things. Because of this, I don't think of myself as an artist nearly as much as I think of myself as someone just trying to survive. That being said, writing is the "art" I dabble in most frequently, but I do LOVE other arts as well. I don't think I am particularly talented at any of them, but drawing, painting, and creating have always been major destressers for me, even when it's just little warrior stick people like this guy:

or my favorite place in the world around my birthday:

procrastination doodles:

watercolor worlds:

or a gift for dreamers:

xx Monique

ps. this is all why I don't illustrate my own children's stories... but art is SO important for all people of all ages!! so dabble away :*