She’s a true artist, free-handing wild, whimsical designs on not one, but four out-stretched arms. she brought in an ipad for musical inspiration, and sang along to the tunes, turning the volume down only slightly when the adhaan sounded through the windows.

There was something about her confidence, her self-assurance, as she embraced a new canvas and created in the moment. A finesse that comes with experience, a groundedness, a simplicity of movement that was so impressive, even as she spun delicate designs.

In my 30th year, I hope to remain inspired by this scene, this spirit, this act of grace and confident, complex creativity.

Happy birthday to the June bugs and the summer babies.

[Hargeisa, Somaliland]