It’s been awhile since I’ve done a blog post or sent out a newsletter. Lots of goings-on – family, travel, home and garden – have kept me pretty busy these last few months, with little energy or motivation for much else. And somewhere along the way, so subtly that I didn’t notice, I became apathetic; questioned what I was doing…what I wanted to do. Stuck in a rut.
I felt guilt and pressure from myself and others to “shake it off.” Right, easier said than done. Stuck is stuck.
September came and went. Then October…
Am I done? Maybe. Am I ready to move on? Retire? Hang up my hat? Maybe. And finally, being asked/questioned in my biz group, “Maybe you don’t want a business anymore?” Hmmm…was that true?
At a recent workshop, I read and distributed a passage from Richard Wagamese’ book, Embers. It’s about ‘Choice’ being the biggest power we have.
“What choices do I want and need to make, at this point in my life, to be happy?”
Since art and creativity have been the cornerstone of my life and work for so many years, I knew that turning to my art would bring the answers I sought.
When you turn to your art,
it will always help you find your way forward.
Turning – RE-turning – To the Art.
For me, that’s my journal practice – writing out my thoughts and feelings – a morning offering to the gods of paper and page. Collage and art journaling – laying down visual stories to express and bring what is inside, out. Making handmade books using reclaimed, repurposed, new and vintage materials.
So where did I land? After writing down and reflecting on the past year – my 2024 wins and disappointments – I realized I’d accomplished far more than I was giving myself credit for. And, that I had to let some things go in order to make room for other things. Things that bring me joy.
Here’s my list of goals for the coming year:
- Re-turn to my art. Do it daily. Some days it will be simple and easy, other days more involved. Either way, it’s okay. Be flexible.
- Track my accomplishments. Do it seasonally. Focus on the wins.
- Offer in-person workshops. At home or in community.
- Let go of on-line workshops. Planning is fun, but I really dislike promoting on social media. Most importantly, I’m just not confident in my ability to provide engaging EXA workshops from the other side of a computer screen.
- Work seasonally. Late spring, summer, and early fall are for gardening and travel.
- More time with the Grands; they’re growing up too fast.
- More in-person gatherings with other creatives who share similar interests.
- More bookmaking. Maybe sell my books? Something to explore…
- Play and focus on my own art.
- Whatever is good for my soul…do more of that.
2025 is going to be a year of big changes. I’m excited. Stay tuned…
