Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at us, doesn’t it? Josh and I have been navigating through a particularly challenging month, filled with missed connections and an accumulation of small issues that have taken their toll. It’s in times like these that we often find ourselves craving simplicity and connection.
I had initially planned a beach day for us, hoping to break free from the daily grind. But when Josh softly suggested, “Could we just stay home?” I couldn’t help but smile. There’s something beautifully comforting about ditching plans and embracing a day of quiet togetherness.

Our day unfolded gently – a mix of productive work and indulgent binge-watching (I’m currently hooked on “24”). As evening approached, I posed the age-old question: “What do you want to do?” With our energy reserves depleted and my screen time quota maxed out, I tentatively suggested, “Want to art?” The way Josh’s face lit up with a resounding “YES!” was all the confirmation I needed. There’s something magical about watching someone you love become excited about their passion.
Now, I should mention that our artistic approaches couldn’t be more different. I’m a digital artist at heart, reveling in the safety net of ‘undo’ buttons and ‘delete’ options. Josh, on the other hand, is an analog artist extraordinaire. He meticulously curates vintage books and magazines, carefully selecting and cutting out intriguing elements for his collages.
As we settled into our creative space, I found myself reflecting on the parallels between art and life. In the physical realm of art – much like in life – there are no true ‘undo’ buttons. Once something is glued down, it’s there to stay. But here’s the beautiful part: those perceived “mistakes” often become the most interesting elements of the piece. It’s a poignant reminder that in life, while we can’t undo our actions, we can always find ways to incorporate our experiences into something beautiful.
My artistic process is quick and intuitive. I chose a color theme (green), cut out various elements, and started pasting. Before I knew it, flowers were added, and voila! My piece, aptly titled “Green,” was complete in about 90 minutes.
Josh’s approach is a stark contrast. He meticulously analyzes each piece, trying different placements before committing to anything. While I had glue on my hands mid-cutting, Josh wouldn’t dream of reaching for the adhesive until everything was perfectly placed.
I won’t pretend to be a master artist, but that’s not really the point, is it? The joy was in the process – the mindfulness of cutting, the visual pleasure of color coordination, the tactile satisfaction of gluing. There’s a sense of pride in creating something, regardless of its artistic merit.
Emboldened by my first creation, I decided to go “free and crazy” with my second piece. The result? Well, let’s just say it might serve as a life metaphor – a reminder that sometimes things don’t work out, and that’s okay. The beauty lies in the attempt, the willingness to try, to create, to express.
At the end of the day, art isn’t just about the final product. It’s about the process, the thoughts that flow through you as you create. For me, it’s an occasional indulgence that brings me joy and, more importantly, makes Josh happy. For Josh, it’s a daily practice, seamlessly woven between writing trivia questions – truly living life as he was meant to, creating art and spreading smiles.
If you’re intrigued by Josh’s artistic world, I highly recommend experiencing it firsthand. He’s hosting a workshop on August 29th, and for just $25, you’ll get a complete collage kit and the full “Josh Hayward experience.” Trust me, it’s worth every penny. You can register here.
In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, there’s something profoundly healing about sitting down with someone you love and creating something together. Whether it’s a masterpiece or a hot mess, the act of creation itself is a beautiful reminder of our capacity for joy, connection, and growth.
So, dear readers, I encourage you to find your own “art night.” It doesn’t have to be collage or painting – it could be cooking, gardening, or even rearranging furniture. The medium doesn’t matter as much as the mindset. Take a moment to create, to connect, and to remember that even in the midst of life’s challenges, there’s always room for a little art and a lot of love.
Josh’s piece below!

1 Comment
Jen Collins · July 30, 2024 at 2:50 am
You guys rock – that is all. Art is definitely healing – I love that you’ve created poly kindred. Keep it up. Get messy – Be creative. One day at a time 🙂