Welcome to our blog!

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Welcome to our blog, my friends!  I say our blog because several friends and family members have contributed to the words on here!  I want to introduce myself in case you're new!

Hello New Readers!

My name is Emily and I love to paint.  In 2021, I experienced a traumatic brain injury that significantly altered my quality of life.  Two years later in 2023 I experienced a "stroke event."  Then in August 2025 I had a stroke.  All three events affected my body in different ways and each has been its own learning curve.  I experience a wide variety of symptoms that vary in intensity.  

If you are here because a calendar or other item from the shop, I want you to know that 100% of the proceeds go toward my medical expenses.  Right now that looks like physical therapy and occupational therapy happening multiple times a week.  Thank you for your support!  There will be a blog post at the beginning of each month that dives deeper into each painting in the calendar.  Even if you don't have a calendar, feel free to join us!  If you would like to be added to the email list, please reach out to me at emfwlr.paints@gmail.com 

I am loved and saved by Jesus.  He is the One who gets me through all the things.  I love my family, the ocean, my service dog, & sunflowers.  I also really enjoy painting.  I've lost the use of my arm four different times over the past few years, but through lots of therapy and Jesus, the muscle memory has returned each time.  In my past life (before all the health complications) I was an elementary school teacher and dyslexia specialist.

I don't think anyone ever anticipates their health to take over their life.  I certainly didn't plan on that when I got my TBI that changed everything.  But that is what happened and I have to choose to believe that God has known all along (even though that is a painful thought sometimes).  It has been a journey of learning to take therapy, health, and life one step at a time.  Jesus has been faithful all the way and has been teaching me to give myself grace.  It's frustrating to not be able to do the things I want to do because my body won't cooperate, but like I said: Jesus is always faithful.

To learn more about my story click on the links below or at the top of the webpage.

"My Story" tells what originally happened in 2021 and gives a few updates since then.

"The Bear" tells about my service dog, Winnie.

"PCS" tells about some tools I have found to be personally helpful when it comes to TBIs. 

"Artsy" tells about my personal story with art.  It also lists my favorite supplies and artists.

Thank you for being here!  Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Love,

emily

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