Would you do this?
Fine Art Friday #37
You’ll never guess what happened to me at Whole Foods last week, friend…
I was walking into the grocery store, juggling my toddler, trying not to forget the ONE thing we'd come for – Bob's Mill Organic Creamy Wheat Cereal – when a woman walked up and handed me an envelope labelled MAMA.
This is for you, she said, with just a quick smile before she disappeared into the crowd.
Honestly?
My first thought was, this is odd.
Who hands out notes at the grocery store? But I opened it. Inside:
Jeeps have ducks,*
but Atlas moms need
Starbucks…
*Is this a thing?
a Starbucks gift card lay there in the open card.
I was stunned. Completely floored.
Right there, standing outside the store, surrounded by grocery carts and the smells of fir and cinnamon, I felt this unexpected wave of gratitude.
It wasn’t just the gift card—though, let’s be honest, a peppermint mocha on someone else is always the sweetest gift—it was the kindness behind it.
The thoughtfulness of a stranger taking a moment to say, you’re seen.
It reminded me that this season isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about small acts that spark joy in ways you don’t see coming.
To the kind stranger, thank you. You turned an ordinary shopping trip into something I’ll carry with me for a long time.
So now, I’m passing this story to you, hoping it inspires a little magic of your own.
art tip
LEARN TO PAINT.
So now I've got a gift card in my bag to give to any other Atlas moms I see – it was the sweetest gesture that absolutely made my day, and I want to pay it forward too.
This also got me thinking about my own small gestures, like the goal I set this year (literally in November): reaching 50 subscribers for my Watercolor Wednesday Substack.
Every week, I share watercolor tutorials – for WAY less than a cup of coffee – designed to spark creativity, celebrate art, and create connection. It’s my way of giving back, one brushstroke at a time.
And I'll also be adding videos to each tutorial from here on out so you can WATCH the painting happen and make it yourself.
Kindness inspires kindness, just as art inspires art. If you’ve been thinking about trying watercolor or want to explore your creative side, I’d love for you to join me.
Subscribe to Watercolor Wednesday here.
Here’s to surprises, goals, and the small things that make life even more beautiful.
I couldn't be more THANKFUL for you this holiday season. I'm so thankful to be invited into your inbox weekly, and so honored for your support. Every bit goes to our family and means the world to us.
And if you want a portrait like this one above, this listing is going away after Christmas. Grab yours today before it's gone!
Let's do more with less this holiday season.
MAKE YOUR OWN ORNAMENTS WITH THIS TUTORIAL
And I’d absolutely LOVE it if you’d consider becoming a paid subscriber to my Substack. I’ll be adding at LEAST 52 Watercolor Wednesday Tutorials (+3 in 2024) in 2025, and it averages out to be about $2 per tutorial which is WAY LESS than a gas station cup of coffee. If you’re wanting to get creative in 2025, this is for you!
I'll be OOO next week (really, just trying to make the magic happen for my kiddos and family), but I'll likely have something good to share on Fridays.
Hope you have a very merry Christmas!
xo, courtney
What's your favorite Starbucks drink?! I'm always looking for good recs!
ICYMI
LOOKING FOR HELP WITH YOUR ART FOR YOUR HOME?!
I'm currently booking commissions for 2025 – click here to inquire about custom commissions! Or if you'd rather find something already made, check out my latest art collections at The Scouted Studio.
PHOTO TO PAINTING MINI COMMISSION
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