The Artist Was Always There
On remembering your creative self—and the community that helps you believe it’s real. Featuring local artist Morgan Boszilkov.
This place hums with creativity.
If you’ve ever wandered into a Serenbe home—or walked a trail here—you’ve likely felt it. A sculpture tucked into the woods. A mural on a wall. A flower arrangement that makes you pause mid-step.
There’s no official Art Gallery anymore. The Paint Space in Grange closed, too. And still, art is everywhere.
The old spaces may be gone, but the creating hasn’t stopped. If anything, it’s picking up. It just looks a little different now.
It’s in the ceramics studio at Minro. The kids’ theater shows. The open mic nights at Halsa. The Art Farm is dreaming bigger. The music at the parks. The spark hasn’t gone out—it’s evolving.
And it’s not just inspiring. It’s contagious.
I don’t think I’d be creating again if it weren’t for this place. Because when you’re surrounded by people who are doing it—publishing, painting, filming, writing—it stirs something in you. At least it did in me. That quiet whisper: Maybe I could do that too.
Starting Life at Play has felt like a homecoming. But if I’m honest, I don’t think I would’ve taken the leap—or kept going—without the people around me. The ones who live like this on purpose. Who remind me: it’s not just allowed… it’s kind of the point.
One of those people is Morgan Boszilkov. A dear friend—and one of my biggest creative inspirations.
In today’s issue:
🎨 We are all artists. And life is the canvas.
❤️ Meet Morgan - All is love: Ceramics on canvas, murals, and spiritual coaching
🍄 Plant medicine, curiosity, and a safe place to talk- Because I can’t just casually mention it
🫵 Your Turn: Let out the artist within
For the Locals – Events this week + In Case You Missed It
🎨 We are all artists. And life is the canvas.
Most people in Serenbe know Morgan as an artist. The one who stitches ceramics onto canvas. Who paints wild, intuitive layers of green and blue that feel like they grew straight from the forest floor. And her murals—don’t even get me started. Her work is stunning.
But what moves me most is how she became one.
Because she didn’t start there. She returned.
This isn’t just Morgan’s story. It’s a reflection. A reminder that we’re all artists in our own way.
And when we’re surrounded by people who reflect that back to us—who believe before we do—we start to believe it, too.
Morgan’s art is her language. Her healing. Her way home. Mine, for now, is stories and videos and gathering moments like these.
Yours might be in movement. In motherhood. In the way you decorate a room or tend a garden or write a really good text.
“We are all born makers. We move what we’re learning from our heads to our hearts through our hands.” — Brené Brown
It all counts.
You don’t need a studio. Or a following. Just a spark—and a moment to follow it.
So here’s a glimpse into what returning to your creative self can look like—through the story of someone who’s doing it in the most raw, beautiful way.
❤️ Meet Morgan Boszilkov - All is Love
Morgan now lives just south of Serenbe after living in the neighborhood for years. One of the first times we met, we were hiking in the woods. And I yearned to know and understand the forest like she does.
She’s grounded. Wise. She believes deeply that all is love. And whenever I’m around her, I see the world differently—slower, softer, more present and alive.
Over the last four years, I’ve watched her expand. From ceramics to murals to coaching and intuitive, unfiltered expression. I’ve learned so much just by witnessing her live fully as herself.
She designed one of the most beautiful homes in Serenbe (HGTV agreed), then went and built her current home and studio where she enjoyed rolling up her sleeves and helping in its construction. She tapped into a childhood, fort-building playfulness when trenching the 500 foot waterline, building an outdoor shower, and stuccoing the foundation.
There’s even a story of her scaling an 8-foot ladder without using her hands—because she was holding a massive sheet of wall paneling.
That’s Morgan. Damn she’s wild. Damn I love her.
She started as an accountant in Boston. Lived in Japan. Designed eco-friendly wedding dresses. Won a reality TV fashion design episode. Survived breast cancer.
She eventually found her way to calling herself an artist (thanks to an Art Farm director that gave her a sweet nudge).
And then—she healed.
It wasn’t one thing. But part of her journey led to plant medicine—yes, mushrooms, ayahuasca, the whole realm. (More on that in a bit.)
As Morgan puts it: “Not just going through it, but alchemizing it.” God, I love that.
Now she lives in full color.
And these days, she doesn’t just make art—she guides people through transitions, through awakenings, through the wild and beautiful process of remembering who they are.
“I believe that I’ve made it through these challenges for a reason: to help others find their own path to healing. My goal is to inspire, guide, and remind you of the love and beauty that exist within and around you.”
If you want to learn more about Morgan’s spiritual coaching or see her art you can do so on her website, Instagram or this weekend—she’s hosting an art show in Serenbe to the public for the first time in over a year.
Also, you can snag her free digital art for your TV, computer or phone here.
Morgan’s Open House
Friday, June 20 | 4-6pm
Saturday, June 21 | 1–5 pm
500 Augusta Lane in Selborne
Come see the work. Feel the energy. Sip something sparkly. Say hello.
You might just leave with a little more permission to create something of your own.
All is Love
🍄 Plant medicine, curiosity, and a safe place to talk
Okay—I can’t just casually mention mushrooms and ayahuasca and not go a layer deeper.
Morgan shared that part of her healing came through plant medicine. And I know for some of you, that may raise eyebrows—or curiosity. The first time she told me, I leaned in a little closer, questions swirling—not because I wanted to sign up right away, but because it’s rare to meet someone who speaks about it so openly, and with so much care.
Side note: I haven’t personally explored plant medicine, and I don’t have plans to. But I’ve also learned to never say never. And if I ever did consider it, Morgan would be the first person I’d call—to prepare, to integrate, and walk me through all the ins and outs.
She’s not just experienced—she’s certified. And the way she talks about it is grounded, thoughtful, and deeply respectful.
It’s worth saying: plant medicine isn’t for everyone. And it’s definitely not something to leap into blindly. These are powerful tools, not shortcuts. They require intention, preparation, integration, and serious discernment. And that’s what Morgan helps people do.
“I coach those on spiritual journeys in their daily lives (because life is the ceremony) in addition to transformational journey prep and integration.”
More and more people are turning to these therapies to process grief, trauma, or reconnect with themselves. In fact, psilocybin has been granted FDA “breakthrough therapy” status for its potential to treat depression faster than traditional meds. But again—this is deep, sacred work. And it’s not for everyone.
If your new to this and want to learn more - I recommend watching the Netflix documentary, How to Change your Mind.
If it is something you’re exploring, though—Morgan feels like a safe and wise place to start, as she is grateful to share her own experiences with the medicine and is knowledges on a wide range of resources out there.
🫵 Your Turn
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start that project, write that thing, try that new chapter—maybe this is it.
You don’t need a ceremony or a studio or a perfect plan. You just need to remember.
Maybe your medium is words or dance or photography. Maybe it’s the way you braid your child’s hair, or how you cook when you’re in the zone. Maybe it’s your garden. Your voice. The way you tell a story.
It all counts.
Being around creators reminds me that creativity isn’t a niche thing. It’s our birthright. Our natural state. And it’s not about being good—it’s about being alive.
So here’s your gentle reminder: You are creative. You are allowed to return to that part of yourself. You don’t need to monetize it or share it or prove anything with it. Just follow the spark.
Serenbe, Chatt Hills, this community is the nudge.
If you’re craving a little inspiration, go see Morgan’s art this weekend. Let it stir something in you.
Her story might be just the reminder you didn’t know you needed. It was for me.
📍 For the Locals: Events & In Case You Missed It
The Life at Play event calendar is live at lifeatplay.co! You can browse what’s happening around Serenbe + Chatt Hills, add individual events to your calendar, or subscribe to sync the whole thing to Google or Outlook.
Have something to share? Email hello@lifeatplay.co.Morgan’s Art Open House – 6.20 from 4–6PM + 6.21 from 1–5PM | 500 Augusta Lane, Selborne. Ceramics, canvas, color, and conversation. Stop by to see her latest work, sip something sparkly.
LEGO Sumo Tournament: Watch the Final Battles! 6.22 | 3:00 PM | 515 Augusta Lane | Hosted by Jeff and Lisa Smith | Eight robots. One ring. Come cheer on the final 4-bot and 8-bot LEGO Sumo battles in this fun tournament.
Sunday Summer Music at the NEW Mado Amphitheater Bring a blanket, a bottle of wine, and settle in for live music under the stars. Art Farm’s free pop-up concert series Sunday nights at 7:30PM. Next dates: June 29, July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3.
Fast Bananas Trail Race – Dates Announced + Early Bird Pricing Save the date: Sat, 11.15 - Serenbe’s beloved trail race is back! 5K, 10K, and a 1-mile fun run for kids. Early bird pricing ends 7.30. More details.
Austin’s Summer Solstice Party 6.20 Celebrate the longest day of the year at Austins with summer snacks, special cocktails. All white outfits + flower crown flair are encouraged (but not required).
Back-to-School Drive with Brickworks (Now–Mid July) Help Brickworks support local families by donating school supplies—backpacks, lunch boxes, and essentials. Shop Amazon Wishlist or drop off at 1020 Loliver Lane.
New Class at The Gym: StrongHER Sculpt A circuit training class designed for women 35+ to build strength, energy, and confidence through hormonal shifts. Mondays at 11:30AM + Tuesdays at 10AM. More details.
All is love, in Morgan’s words. And I feel that more than ever today.
If this piece sparked something in you—shared memory, curiosity, inspiration—I’d love to hear. Hit reply, forward to a friend, or better yet… go make something.
See you around town,
xx Gina
this is a beautiful piece of art, thank you for sharing morgan and her work and life so poetically.
Great podcast Gina. I’ve lived in Serenbe’s since 2013, drawn to the infusion of art into the fabric of a supportive community. I doubt I would have dared try spoken word poetry and storytelling had I not been surrounded by neighbors who encouraged me to express myself. The Open Mike Night audience loves all who dare to share who they are.