I had one bag of frozen breast milk left. Three ounces of a drink, but it represented a year of breastfeeding my first babe, and two years of breastfeeding my second babe. All the emotions. Lots of moms make jewelry from milk to commemorate this achievement. That’s not quite weird enough for me. In fact, the paintings I make with breast milk aren’t even weird enough. What’s weirder than milk jewelry and painting with breast milk? I made glue with the proteins from my last bag of milk. Milk that my body made to feed my beautiful babies. Then used the glue as papier-mâché to build a topographical map of Soldier Hollow in Midway, Utah. The place where I discovered my strength.

In July of 2013, I ran the Spartan Beast. 13 miles. 30 obstacles. I was pregnant with my first little girl. At the midpoint, seven glasses of water in, I was ON TOP of the mountain in every sense of the phrase. Looking at this BEAUTIFUL world. A little person growing INSIDE of my body! I was completely overcome with the amazing-ness of this world. So grateful for everyone that had helped me get to that point. So grateful that my body could grow another person! Overjoyed that my legs could take me to the top of this giant mountain. And also grateful that I wasn’t puking all over. I was untouchable. Everything was perfect. I’ll never forget that moment.

Feeling a little vulnerable putting this out there, but I’m so happy with how it turned out, and so happy I have a keepsake from this emotional journey. Be gentle with your comments! ❤


How to make your own topographical map:

  1. Get a board – like this one.
  2. Print out your map the same size as your board.
  3. Make glue – here’s a tutorial – or buy some.
  4. Papier-mâché time. I mix half flour, half water, then drag strips of paper through the mix. Crinkle up the paper to make ridges and hills, then lay it on top of your map. Only do 2-3 layers at a time, let it dry for a day between layers.
  5. Paint as desired.
  6. Mix epoxy or art resin, pour a very thin layer on top of your piece. Let dry for a day.

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