Holly Pennington Art

07/07/2026

We’re reading Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt this month. You don’t have to be an artist, just curious about creativity. Join us at the Substack link in my bio.

06/16/2026

06/06/2026

I have one word for this first picture: forgiveness.

Hard, slow forgiveness that could never have happened without decades of work, prayer and wise, loving people.

Grief like this is incredibly complicated - for the loss of a grandpa the girls never met, the dad that was not able to be there for Drew and all of the other things that never happened.

But I have no words for how special our time in CO was last weekend. To laugh at the dinner table in the Airbnb with friends and family from all different parts of our lives, spend slow mornings with Drew’s friends from elementary and middle school and share heartfelt words about Drew’s dad before spreading the ashes…these are precious gifts.

I could write a book of all the things I have learned and emotions we have experienced, but here’s what seems most important to share:

I am incredibly proud and lucky to be married to a man who has dedicated his whole self to breaking family patterns.

Living this story over the past 27 years has taught me a lot about forgiveness that no one talks about. Things like this: sometimes you do it not for yourself but for others…your kids and the generations that will come after them.

Thank you to every single person who has helped us through the hard times and loved us long!

We would be nowhere without our people. ❤️

05/23/2026

Life lately, outside of Maycember crazy - making stuff whenever I can squeeze it in, fun trips to Leavenworth & Portland, learning to weave, good books (this one is A Rebellion of Care by ), Ube Matcha, and the best dog buddy.

And now, a long weekend! 🙌

05/09/2026

New letter to creatives in the book club is on Substack. Join us!
(Link in bio)

04/12/2026

SHE’S A ZAG!!!

And we could not be happier for her! Everything about this school fits her so well. She had the best time yesterday, found her roommate, made new friends and powered through our crazy travel schedule to make the most of every minute she had there.

We are so proud of Maya - not only for all of her hard work on applications and scholarships but also for the way she has thoughtfully taken her time to make the best decision possible!

A really special thank you to for going there first 🤣, going above and beyond in supporting Maya through this and being an amazing mentor and friend.

And to .tori and ALL of you who have shared your experiences and sung the praises of Gonzaga to us and to Maya!

Go Zags!

03/30/2026

Day 36/100: The calabash (a gourd) is an African symbol of “womanhood, fertility, and resilience, representing the nurturing, creative, and transformative power of women.”

A round vessel, it is representative of the womb. Today, women in many parts of Africa use the calabash shell to carry water, serve food and as a material for kitchen utensils. It can also be used as a natural bra. When consumed, it helps alleviate coughs, colds and menstrual cramps.

Dried calabash shells are decorated with intricate patterns and art by engraving, carving and painting.

Historically, African women held prominent roles in society, but scholars believe colonialism instilled religious patriarchal norms that oppressed and diminished the status of women. 😭😡💔

Let this symbol remind us all that patriarchy, women’s “roles” and gender-based violence/oppression are not the “natural order” of things and have not always been part of human society.

03/20/2026

Next stitched symbol: the circle.

The womb, Mother Earth, equality, gathering, life cycles, lunar cycles, resistance - the circle has been associated with women since prehistoric times. In fact, the rise of patriarchy and its linear nature FOLLOWED that of egalitarian societies 🤯

Because of its reliance on competition, individualization, and a clear hierarchy (e.g., boss over employee, husband over wife), the patriarchy is associated with linearity. In contrast, the feminist circle challenges the need for hierarchy and emphasizes communal care and collaboration.

Day 27/100 of
100 Days of Stitching Feminist Symbols

handstitching

03/16/2026

Day 23/100: the scallop shell

100 Days of Unraveling the Patriarchy