Day #16 Journal Prompt

Details: Practice drawing a giraffe face. (P.S. Disregard last part of tutorial, this is NOT the final tutorial. We have 14 more days to go yet!)

Message: Did you know giraffes have a highly-specialized cardiovascular system that starts with an enormous heart. An adult giraffe’s heart weighs up to 25 pounds at about two feet in length. Now that’s one BIG heart! Additionally, the jugular veins contain a series of one-way valves that prevent excess blood flow to the brain when the giraffe lowers its head to drink.

Who do you know with a big heart? I have a friend named Dennis that oozes with kindness, encouragement, and confidence. I’ve never heard one nasty word come out of her mouth about anyone nor herself. She’s constantly serving, volunteering, and caring for her children, and yet she makes time for herself too.

Because she was my next door neighbor growing up, I spent a lot of time with her and her daughter Victoria. I admired how she treated others, her selflessness, her joy, but also her humble confidence and self-respect. She always put others before herself, but not if it lead to her feeling burnt out, depleted, or overwhelmed.

Sometimes I think we assume having a big heart means being a doormat, always getting hurt, and never getting time to ourselves. Well, I think Dennis demonstrates the opposite. I think a healthy BIG heart is one that operates with more energy, focus, and joy because its given regular (not long, but short bursts of) exercise, time to unwind, and rest. Dennis would often say with a smile, “You gotta work with what your mama gave you!”

Paint Colors: Feel free to paint your giraffe if you feel inspired!

Other Supplies: Graphite pencil and pen. Micron 05 pen is what I used. All materials and brands are listed HERE.

Instructions: After you complete this creative prompt, use the left side to write down the questions shown below this tutorial. I encourage you to write inside your art journal using your favorite pens, pencils, or markers. Once you’ve completed both sections, post/send just your drawing/painting for a chance to win. NOTE: If you’re left handed, switch the side you plan to paint and write on.