At the end of the year I like to take a couple weeks off my job as a product designer to reflect, watch copious amounts of TV, and lose myself in art. Mostly, I just love being lazy (and by lazy I mean recovering and taking care of my chronically fatigued body). Staycations are so underrated. This year, I decided to launch a new project and you’re looking at it! HeartandHues.com

I have always enjoyed writing. I’m not going to say I’m the best writer, but I do enjoy it. it’s a release for me. A much healthier one than self-harm. I maintained a private blog for about three years after my brother passed away. I posted art, my thoughts, my rage, my terror.. all of my trauma. I laid it out bare. It was anonymous and the anonymity helped me express myself without fear.

For those years the only audience was myself (my parts) and my therapist. However over time, I stopped writing to it and began communicating more directly with my therapist – demonstrating a growth in my ability to express myself.

During those years, I also launched another blog named PartTectonics.com with a friend of mind. Unfortunately, neither of us were at a point in our life where we could maintain it so it sadly went the way of the dinosaurs.

And from those two blogs’ ashes – comes Heart and Hues. This blog will borrow from the human part of my personal blog. The part that allowed me to be raw, authentic, and vulnerable but hopefully with more grace than I could at that time in my life.

Part Tectonics had a more public-facing and altruistic mission. That blog was built on the idea that sharing your story can be impactful for those who are also suffering in the same way. I have certainly benefited from other survivors of trauma sharing their story and hold deep respect for their willingness to do so. Part Tectonics also had a robust resources page and a few custom made resources specifically for DID! That was certainly worthy of bringing over so you’ll see that reflected in our resources page.

I am embarking on a new and exciting journey in 2024. I’m returning to grad school to study counseling and I felt like heart and hues was a perfect addition to that adventure. A place I can both freely express myself through art and writing and serve as a place to consolidate research and resources that can help others. I’m looking forward to sharing my story with you and I hope you find it engaging and helpful. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

About the Featured Art:

I have always had a connection to the stag as an animal. I have had a few mystical experiences with them while I was alone in the woods or driving slowly down an empty road. This picture represents the inherent spirituality and wisdom I sense from stags. The color palette also reminds me of winter and of the holidays.