In the Hollow Tree and my Big/Little Announcement

November 9th, 2010

For day 9 of Art Every Day Month, I wanted to do a little tribute to the magical stage of life I'm in the middle of. I'm making a baby! Now that I'm into the 2nd trimester, I decided to share the news here. The hubster and I are super excited to welcome this little one into the world sometime around May 10, 2011.

The art, "In the Hollow Tree," came to me this morning as I was thinking about how I wanted to share the news. I was drawing a figure sitting cross-legged and had the idea to draw her within a hollow tree, like the one in the woods behind my house growing up. We used to stand inside it and look up into the darkness, imagining it was some kind of portal to another world. It's about 9"x12", with acrylic and ink on watercolor paper.

Posted by Leah on November 9th, 2010 in art, art every day month, creative every day 2010, mixed-media | Permalink | 91 Comments |

91 Responses

Oooooooooooh congratulations Leah !!!!!!!

Posted by: Nolwenn | Nov 9, 2010 at 1:45 pm |

Oh wow, congratulations!

Posted by: linda | Nov 9, 2010 at 1:47 pm |

well i picked the right time to check in…congratulations sweetheart! I get a weird sense/premonition when someone is pregnant and i am sooooooooooooooo happy it is you….you are going to be one fabulous mommy!
xoxoxoxo!!!!
Karen

Posted by: Karen Mowrey | Nov 9, 2010 at 1:48 pm |

Just seeing the drawing before reading the happy news, it was clear . Blessings and congratulations to you and hubby.

Posted by: donna peach | Nov 9, 2010 at 1:48 pm |

Congratulations! I got the chills when I saw NolwennP’s tweet about your big news. I am so happy for you, Leah. I know you’ll be a wonderful mother. And your sweet baby will be so lucky to have such an artistic mama!!

Posted by: Melissa Prell | Nov 9, 2010 at 1:51 pm |

so super happy for you and your husband! i can’t wait to see the influence that pregnancy and motherhood has on your artwork!

Posted by: aimee | Nov 9, 2010 at 1:51 pm |

Congrats Leah! It’s a crazy-wonderful adventure.

Posted by: Kat | Nov 9, 2010 at 1:55 pm |

Congratulations and best wishes! *little cyber hearts float around the screen*
Now that explains a whole lot about your latest creations, adding a new dimension.

Posted by: Paula – Buenos Aires | Nov 9, 2010 at 1:58 pm |

Well now, aren’t you the over achiever for AEDM this time around? hehe, congratulations! what exciting news. I wish you and you little family all the best!
Great piece of art for the occasion, as well.
~Dawn

Posted by: Dawn | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:01 pm |

Oh, yes! What great news Leah! Congratulations to you and your husband!

*smiling with a big grin*-smile.

Posted by: iHanna | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:03 pm |

YAAYYYYYYY!!!! I Love you Leah .. I CANNOT WAIT to be the best aunt you will ever know. I’m going to spoil the living daylights out of this boy or girl!

xxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxo <3

Posted by: Leslie | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:05 pm |

Wow, congratulations! And what a creative way to post your news on your blog.

Posted by: Carolyn | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:08 pm |

Leah!!! This is better than Christmas! I am totally available as a fairy grandmother! I am so excited for you & your beloved. How exciting that we can be here to share the next 7 months, and beyond, with you and the tiny flutter beneath your heart~

Posted by: Lille Diane | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:10 pm |

Congratulations to you and your husband!! This picture makes the perfect announcement.. wishing you love and blessings.

Karen D

Posted by: Karen D | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:11 pm |

Yay Leah ! So happy for you and glad you are feeling well I wish I could stand inside the tree you described, sounds very cool!

Posted by: Andrea | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:12 pm |

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Leah Piken Kolidas and NolwennP, germana viana. germana viana said: RT @leah_art: My art for Day 9 of Art Every Day Month and my big/little announcement: http://bit.ly/8Xi5nB #aedm2010 #ced2010 [...]

Posted by: Tweets that mention In the Hollow Tree and my Big/Little Announcement | Creative Every Day — Topsy.com | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:13 pm |

CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS!!! SO VERY VERY HAPPY FOR YOU~!~

Posted by: ELLIE | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:17 pm |

What exciting news! Congrats!

Posted by: Verna | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:18 pm |

Wonderful news. And I love the way you’ve expressed it in today’s piece.

True story: I have always been wistful about hollow trees. They seem so romantic, so full of possibility. But, until we moved where we are now, I had never found a hollow tree in the wild. It hardly seems possible that that is so, but there it is.

You have been thinking I should photograph the three or four I have in the woods around me here in VA.

Posted by: Lisa Firke | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:20 pm |

Leah I am so happy for you and Andrew. BIG, BIG hugs all around!!

Posted by: Connie | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:27 pm |

Happiness! So excited for you, Leah.

Posted by: amanda jolley | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:28 pm |

Aww Leah Congrats! What a lucky baby to have such a magical mommy. Blessings, Love, and Light to you and your hubby.

Posted by: Julie | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:33 pm |

Yay! Congrats and nice painting, I love the tree.

Posted by: Melissa Liban | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:46 pm |

Congratulations!
It’s realy a magical stage of life… I’m blessed with two such periods!
Your picture was spreading the news before you! It was so clear! Unbelievable!!!

Posted by: Christiana – Knitting my life | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:49 pm |

What a beautiful image to go along with your news! Thinking of you as you continue your journey

Posted by: curlsofred | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:50 pm |

Congratulations!!! That is wonderful I am due April 4th so I can definitely relate to your feelings right now.

Posted by: Alisa | Nov 9, 2010 at 2:53 pm |

Congratulations!
What a wonderful time. Enjoy it!

Posted by: Rennata | Nov 9, 2010 at 3:13 pm |

I love the art you created to share your delightful news! Congratulations!

Posted by: sYda | Nov 9, 2010 at 3:24 pm |

Congratulations! This is such a beautiful piece!

Posted by: Tiny Stone | Nov 9, 2010 at 3:36 pm |

Leah, there is not a more beautiful work of art to go along with this announcement. It is magical. You are magical.

I’m so happy for you and proud to be your friend. I am sending you so much love.

xo,
j.

Posted by: Jessie | Nov 9, 2010 at 3:55 pm |

Leah! Congrats!! Beautiful painting too!!

Posted by: Tracy | Nov 9, 2010 at 4:07 pm |

That is a big little announcement! What a lucky baby to come into such a creative art-filled environment.

Posted by: Marie Young | Nov 9, 2010 at 4:28 pm |

Fantastic news! Congratulations to you both! I’m ery happy for you )

The hollow tree painting is a wonderful way to express feelings and compliment your amazing news.

BIG hugs
Kat X

Posted by: Katina Wright | Nov 9, 2010 at 4:36 pm |

Congratulations! Perfect picture for the news

Posted by: Sam | Nov 9, 2010 at 4:50 pm |

Whaaaat!!!?? Congratulations, Leah!!!

Posted by: miz katie | Nov 9, 2010 at 4:51 pm |

Oh my dear girl….it is indeed a portal into another world that you are standing in and I am so happy for for you and your honey! This couldn’t be better news from you. Congratulations Leah!
many, many hugs….

Posted by: Maron | Nov 9, 2010 at 4:53 pm |

Congrats! When I saw your beautiful drawing I immediately thought of a baby. Wonderful news!

Posted by: Gina | Nov 9, 2010 at 5:31 pm |

Happy, happy news, congrats! I suspected this kind of thing would crop up not long after you settled into married life & your new home Have fun antipating your youngster’s arrival! What a super special time for you two.

Posted by: Henniemavis | Nov 9, 2010 at 5:49 pm |

Congratulations! My DD20’s birthday is May 8.
I posted another picture to flickr and will be blogging later, so then I’ll post my linky.

Posted by: Trece | Nov 9, 2010 at 5:50 pm |

Congratulations, Leah. What amazing news. You really have been creating something magical every day!

Posted by: Angie | Nov 9, 2010 at 6:08 pm |

Congratulations, Leah!!! From what I’ve observed of you and your view of the world, you will be a wonderful mom!!! Lovely news, and a very lovely painting!!!

Posted by: Judy Hartman | Nov 9, 2010 at 6:14 pm |

magical, magical. congratulations on the magic.

Posted by: rowena | Nov 9, 2010 at 6:16 pm |

Leah,

I am so thrilled for you. You will surely be a great Mom. I can’t wait and hope you will add to your posts how you are feeling and how you progress. When is your due date?

Gotta love the magic of a growing person,

xoxo

Posted by: Vicki | Nov 9, 2010 at 6:21 pm |

What a sweet painting to capture such a sweet time in your life. You are embodying creativity at its finest!! So very thrilled and happy for you and Andrew. Sending you lots and lots of love!!!

Posted by: Jennifer Lee | Nov 9, 2010 at 6:39 pm |

Congratulations, My first child was born in May!

Posted by: Fourborne | Nov 9, 2010 at 6:46 pm |

Oh my goood! Reading only the title of your post gave me the chills!! Congratulations, Leah, this is such wonderful news. It’s magic at its purest!

Wishing you and your little family lots of love!

Nele

Posted by: Nele | Nov 9, 2010 at 6:53 pm |

Congrats! How exciting!!

Posted by: Rae (Ravenous Rae) | Nov 9, 2010 at 7:15 pm |

Congratulations

Posted by: Evelyn | Nov 9, 2010 at 7:28 pm |

That is exciting news! Congratulations! I am so happy for you:)

Posted by: Bobbi | Nov 9, 2010 at 7:48 pm |

Congratulations!!!!!! Wonderful news and beautiful painting.
Stay inspired!

Posted by: Michelle | Nov 9, 2010 at 8:17 pm |

i love your painting, leah, and couldn’t be happier for you. look what you are creating now!! woohoo

Posted by: Sue O’Kieffe | Nov 9, 2010 at 8:19 pm |

Congratulations Leah on such amazing news. I love the painting that celebrates this. You will have to see how the pregnancy affects your creativity too and the imagery. Blessings!

Posted by: amy grennell | Nov 9, 2010 at 8:41 pm |

Congrats to you and family! I was so happy for you when I read your post and saw your sweet painting to go with the news!

Posted by: Gulfsprite | Nov 9, 2010 at 8:47 pm |

Yay! I’m so happy for you. Congratulations and blessings on you and yours.

Posted by: Melissa | Nov 9, 2010 at 8:48 pm |

wonderful news and wonderful painting Leah!
the painting seems to perfect to go with your news – like the tree is gestating you!
congratulations and thank you for sharing your joy with us
~♥~

Posted by: Libby | Nov 9, 2010 at 8:53 pm |

Leah, Yay! Congratulations to you and your hubby, what exciting and wonderful news! Best wishes for a smooth pregnancy!

Posted by: Tammy | Nov 9, 2010 at 8:55 pm |

Congratulations on your wonderful news and the magical time ahead. Can’t wait to see how your little creation influences your art creations.

Posted by: Sandy/Creations by Coleman | Nov 9, 2010 at 9:06 pm |

congratulations! How wonderful for you and your hubster! that is cool that you thought about the tree and it’s magical womblike quality when you were thinking about this piece. Fun. I wish you all the best!

Posted by: Diane M. McKnight | Nov 9, 2010 at 10:14 pm |

YAAAAY! Congratulations! I love the painting! I am sure you will treasure it for years.

Posted by: Abbi | Nov 9, 2010 at 10:56 pm |

Congratulations and warm blessings to each of you.

Posted by: Deb | Nov 9, 2010 at 10:56 pm |

Congratulations – such wonderful news

xo
Kristin

Posted by: Kristin Dudish | Nov 9, 2010 at 11:39 pm |

Oh what wonderful news! Sending you wishes for no morning sickness and heartburn

Your painting is a wonderful way to celebrate.

Posted by: Nelly Eisenhower | Nov 9, 2010 at 11:43 pm |

Oh, what wonderful news! Congratulations to you and your husband!

Posted by: Karen Koch | Nov 10, 2010 at 12:23 am |

Congratulations!!!
and painting has a wonderfully peaceful feel “)

Posted by: Jehanne | Nov 10, 2010 at 12:31 am |

Congratulations Leah! best wishes for a comfortable pregnancy. I love this picture, how wonderfully expressive of a snug little soul.

Posted by: sophie_vf | Nov 10, 2010 at 12:34 am |

Congratulations! that is very exciting to hear. Wish you and your husband the best!

Posted by: Karen | Nov 10, 2010 at 1:13 am |

Beautiful painting! Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Posted by: natalyn | Nov 10, 2010 at 1:20 am |

That is beautiful and congratulations!!! Your greatest work of art is in process!

Posted by: Candace | Nov 10, 2010 at 1:32 am |

Oh that’s wonderful news Leah! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you – love love love – Kathy

Posted by: Kathy | Nov 10, 2010 at 1:41 am |

Congratulations, Leah. I can tell how happy you are. Everything will change now. And new art and new stories will emerge, just like that new baby, or the little once sitting in the hollow of that tree.

Posted by: Bleubeard and Elizabeth | Nov 10, 2010 at 2:21 am |

wonderful, wonderful news – what a gift to be carrying life! Congrats

Posted by: dthaase | Nov 10, 2010 at 2:40 am |

I am so excited for both of you! Welcome to the world of parenthood! I love the painting. The female figure inside the tree reminds me of the little one in the womb. When I was pregnant with my first son, I kept making creations with oceans and other bodies of water in them. I was in an art therapy course at the time and learned that water is a universal symbol for motherhood. What an exciting time for you! Congrats!

Posted by: Kelly | Nov 10, 2010 at 6:41 am |

Congratulations! What wonderful news. What a lucky baby! What lucky parents! My son is the light of my life. I don’t blog about him much, as I try to keep his privacy in mind. You will find that you are now part of the parent club. You’ll connect with other people you never thought you would connect to. You now have a common denominator with so many people in the world. It is like waking up and seeing a tribe that you didn’t know was in front of you until now crossing the threshold. You are in for a wonderful adventure and you have a lot of love and support around you. I know you will savor and embrace the journey. I look forward to seeing how your new experiences show up in your artwork. It will be beautiful! I love your painting and it so perfectly YOU.

Posted by: Kathryn – Collage Diva | Nov 10, 2010 at 7:14 am |

Congrats – wondeful news!

Posted by: Julie | Nov 10, 2010 at 7:18 am |

Congratulations, Leah! What wonderful news!
Liz

Posted by: Liz Romero-Kibiloski | Nov 10, 2010 at 8:35 am |

Dearest, dearest Leah,

That is just so amazingly wonderful!! And I’m so happy for you. I know how much you have wanted this and I’m thrilled for you and your hubby that your dreams of creating a baby together are now coming true!!

Sending much love and many blessings to your growing belly and family,

Chris

P.S. Beautiful, beautiful painting.

Posted by: Chris Zydel | Nov 10, 2010 at 9:19 am |

Oh Leah!!! Congratulations!! How wonderful! I don’t know what else to add that someone hasn’t already said, but I wanted to add my voice to the chorus of loving friends and fellow artists that are thrilled for you! You will make a wonderful mommy and I am so happy for you. Much love – xxxxoooo

Posted by: Arlene Holtz | Nov 10, 2010 at 9:51 am |

Congratulations, Leah!
Blessings for you and your little one.

Posted by: Anya | Nov 10, 2010 at 9:59 am |

Congratulations Leah!! That is wonderful news!! I am sure you are creating someone very beautiful!!

Posted by: EVA | Nov 10, 2010 at 10:59 am |

So many hearty, holy, soulful congratulations to you and your husband and kitties…. YES! YES! YES!

I always say my children are my finest creative projects!

Posted by: Julie Jordan Scott | Nov 10, 2010 at 11:07 am |

Congratulations Leah! Exciting news. Love your painting and the hollow tree story about a portal into another world. There’s a great feeling of power when I look at it.

Posted by: Leah Virsik | Nov 10, 2010 at 11:11 am |

Wonderful sweet news! I’ve been following along as a newbie to your AEDM so I don’t know you that well, but congratulations. The person above me is right, you will feel like you suddenly belong in to a special group by having a child. Also, you will finally “get it”. I waited a long time to have my son, but I am so thankful I was finally blessed with my wild child. You’re painting immediately reminded me too of being in the safety of the womb… so fitting for how you are feeling right now and how you are keeping the little life inside you safe within your womb. Get ready for floods of emotion to be coming, more than you ever thought possible and it never stops, and for me the waterworks are open at the silliest things.. part of being a mama. I think that painting would be so wonderful in the nursery and forever remind you of the special moment you shared this tremendous news with the world!

Posted by: Jaime Haney | Nov 10, 2010 at 11:16 am |

Congratulations! And welcome to the crazy

Nutty
(parenthood teaches you about yourself)

Posted by: Gumnut | Nov 10, 2010 at 3:32 pm |

Thanks for sharing your good news!

Posted by: Rebecca Stees | Nov 10, 2010 at 5:54 pm |

Leah, I’m so happy for you and your hubby Congratulations, its got to be exciting for your family!! You’ll make a WONDERFUL Mother!!

Jodi

Posted by: Jodi Ohl | Nov 10, 2010 at 8:48 pm |

Oh wow! Huge congrats
(I’m slow with checking in rofl)
May 10 is a great day for a due date btw… I’ll be 30-something that day

Posted by: Mousey | Nov 10, 2010 at 11:13 pm |

Awww! Congrats! I am so happy for you and your husband! *hugs*