17 Comments
User's avatar
Sharifa's avatar

Joy bubbles up through this, so potent, so beautiful.

Expand full comment
rose j. percy's avatar

it is REAL, Sharifa. I just want to testify. I feel like I have been lit on fire but I am not consumed. Whew.

Expand full comment
Ajani Brannum's avatar

Ohhh this resonates so deeply with where I am on my creative journey. I'm especially keen on the bit about finding models as an artist-minister -- that path *can* feel so lonely. It's always great, though, when your life reveals itself to be the best testimony, and the best work of art. Thanks for sharing!

Expand full comment
rose j. percy's avatar

Thank you for this, Ajani! I took a peek at some of your work on your website and subscribed to your substack—looking forward to witnessing your creative unfolding, too!

Expand full comment
kamil's avatar

this made me have all the smiles, Rose and this haircut?!!! you snapped! reading this inspires me to want to revisit the artists way, I've done it before, but it's due time to sit with it again. everything you said about it being a journey and having the possibility to change your life is sooo true. i need that refresher of energy! kudos to you and shoutout to the artist being back on duty!

Expand full comment
rose j. percy's avatar

Thank you so much, kamil! I feel so powerful with this cut.

I hope your next journey through TAW is a fruitful one! If you write about it, I'd love to bear witness to your journey with it.

Expand full comment
Marla Taviano's avatar

I love this with everything in me and will be reading it again.

Expand full comment
rose j. percy's avatar

Thank you, Marla! I definitely enjoyed writing this—I was playing around!

Expand full comment
The PhD Mamma (Dr. Quanny)'s avatar

I am in always awe of your natural beauty…physically and emotionally. Thank you for inviting us into your life!

Expand full comment
rose j. percy's avatar

Thank you Quanny! Thank you for seeing me, in so many ways. And for being here, as a voice of affirmation, continually.

Expand full comment
Brian Tervo (he/him)'s avatar

I had Vans shoes with skull and crossbones on them in high school 😆😳.

Expand full comment
rose j. percy's avatar

I probably would've coveted those shoes! LOL

Expand full comment
Jamal Robinson's avatar

This was such a wonderful reflection/testimony/experience family!

Reading the renewed joy you’re experiencing with your crafts put a huge smile on my face 😊

Also, the cut looks AMAZING!

Expand full comment
rose j. percy's avatar

Jamal! Thank you for bearing witness!! I've got a huge smile on my face, too. :)

Expand full comment
Marla Taviano's avatar

Hi. I just came back to read this again. I love it so much. I feel creatively alive right now too, making art like I used to make when I was a kid/teen. I also chopped off my hair and I'm growing out my gray. And I had an orange phase in college. I only wore orange and I decorated my side of my dorm room with all orange things. I'm so happy for you, friend.

Expand full comment
Julene Tegerstrand, Ph.D.'s avatar

So glad to read that you are acting on dreams you've had since you were a child. And that FUN is in you and your child's vocabulary. : )

Expand full comment