Great Expectations
As 2023 draws to a close, I hope this newsletter finds you in high spirits and good health. December has been a busy month for me with three separate group art shows winding up, and me presenting my From Art to Zen slideshow at the Third Age Learning Cooperative for their monthly guest speaker series. Brian and I, with long-time poet friend Scott Alderson, also participated in this month's Parkland Poets' Society online poetry reading session. Click here if you'd like to view and listen to the recording of our poetry readings.
Rather than reflecting on 2023, I'm focusing forward. My vision for 2024 comes with some big dreams and great expectations plus a lot of unfinished business to work through. I'm referring to art projects on the go and the chaotic state of my studio. There is stuff everywhere - yikes! Not much is currently being accomplished vs what I would like to see myself doing.
I've now set up a wall display of some of the 30+ unfinished works that need completing, I fully expect this visual reminder to light a fire as I'm an out-of-sight-out-of-mind kind of person.
Enough waffling about how to resolve these, time for action! And paper-making, I have big plans for that as well! Lots of possibilities dwell in my studio waiting for my attention. 2024 needs to be a year of action and completion - finished, not perfect!
I recently received a bunch of pet tags from friends - thankyou so much, keep them coming! The first two hand-braided pet-tag necklaces I made last month sold quickly and the proceeds were donated to our local animal rescue in loving memory of our sweet Hershey (aka The Bat Dog) who passed earlier this year. I will be making more of these with the sales proceeds once again being donated to the Brandon Humane Society.
2024 is also gifting me with a fun trip to Calgary, and an amazing painting holiday in Italy with friends! Exciting stuff - lots of creative ideas and opportunities and adventures await. Bring on 2024!
In closing, may your holidays sparkle with moments of love, laughter, and good will, and may the year ahead be full of contentment and joy. Wishing you and yours all the very best!
Acknowledgement: I respectfully acknowledge that the land on which I live is Treaty 2 territory and the traditional shared land of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene Peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.