Rejoicify

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Rejoicify
Acrylic and Oil on Wood, 2025 (26x26)

The title Rejoicify is a playful nod to Glinda from Wicked, whose unshakable optimism reminds us that joy is a choice—one worth making, even in the face of darkness or disappointment. This painting is an invitation to embrace wonder, to surrender fully to joy, and to find light even when the world feels heavy.

At the heart of the composition are pink roses, symbolizing gratitude, admiration, and the quiet beauty of love, alongside red lily of the Incas, which represent devotion, friendship, and perseverance. These blooms intertwine, celebrating the resilience of the heart and the joy found in deep, meaningful connections.

Bubbles appear once again, echoing the ephemeral nature of all things—delicate, fleeting, yet radiant. They also serve as a reminder of childlike joy, the kind that children so effortlessly access and that we, too, can choose to nurture in ourselves.

Bluebirds, a recurring personal symbol for me, playfully drift among the bubbles in the background. Traditionally, bluebirds symbolize happiness, hope, and renewal. For me, they carry an even deeper significance—a personal connection to a song my father wrote when I was a child. I remember him singing it to us as he played his guitar, and years later, my husband, Darin Starr, arranged it for piano while I wrote new verses. When the time came to record it, I invited my two young nieces into Lakeside Studios to sing with me. The song has since become a family treasure, a bridge across generations, and a lasting connection to my father, whom we lost recently. It holds a simple but profound message: to stop, to notice, and to rejoice in the wonder that surrounds us.

Rejoicify is a celebration of that message—of choosing joy, embracing beauty, and allowing ourselves to be fully present in the fleeting moments that make life extraordinary.