I’m on a mission. Many readers know I have a daily practice, a meditation of sorts, honoring our late daughter Bailey. My Butterfly Effect series realigns me and gives me a sense of agency in a world where each new headline delivers another jump scare like some low-budget horror movie with no end in sight.
With any passage of mourning comes the impulse to preserve the memory of those who have shifted into what Shakespeare’s Hamlet termed “the undiscovered country.” So I’m releasing these butterflies to keep Bailey’s vibrant spirit afloat for as long as possible.
Process
I cut failed work hogging real estate in my flat files down to postcard-size (or thereabouts.) Then I rework them into a new composition using butterflies, ephemera, graphic pens, and papers I’ve collected over the ages.
Thanks to your love and support, I donated my first 10k—from Substack and direct studio sales—to Blue Rising, a Colorado bipartisan 501c3 committed to education, advocacy, and policy to protect young people from our national fentanyl scourge.
Now I want to keep going. My butterflies will turn up virtually in your inbox once a month. If you want an analog butterfly of your own, follow the directions below.
Upgrade to Paid
Anyone who voluntarily pledges to my Substack at the $60 annual level can get an original butterfly. All funds from this Substack are then redirected to the Bailey Shaw Memorial Fund, where they will be distributed to raise awareness about fentanyl poisoning, LGBTQ vulnerabilities, and social justice. Bailey had a keen sense of justice and empathy, and giving in her memory is another way to honor her eighteen years on earth. All you have to do is upgrade and follow the directions in the welcome email.
Next Stop, City of Angels
I’m also raising money for the Wildfire Recovery Fund in Los Angeles, a city my family considers a second home. Bailey was a junior member of the storied Magic Castle there and loved the diversity, arts culture, and energy of her father’s hometown.
A Particular Butterfly
If you want a particular butterfly, check the caption first to see if it says SOLD. If it isn’t claimed, let me know the number (1-10), and it will be sent to you. This is first come, first serve. I will post new butterflies in the Studio section once a month. Please note that color calibration varies from computer monitor to computer monitor, and sizes are in the captions.
And now for the remaining butterfly rollout below. As always thank you for being part of this growing community. Truly.
My day slows down, as does my breathing when I put a placeholder in the day (or night) to read your latest. It is so beautiful and full of warmth and fantastic insight into your hearts and the hearts of others (me in particular).
As always, I love every word of yours and you with all my heart.
You look phenomenal! The scarf look is it! Alex
The original Bailey butterfly, is on my desk, next to my grandchildrens' photo. It holds Baily in my heart and is a daily affirmation of love and of life's fragility. To me, butterflies are one of nature's most magical transformations. I defenitly would love to bring more of beautiful Bailey's butterflies into my home.
Love you, Dearest Isa, with all my heart.
Alex