Welcome to the New Year!

Hard to believe that it’s 2024…my head is still stuck in the 1990’s some days…it does indeed take me a moment to recalibrate at the start of each year.

Which leads me to my word for the year…Ponder. Do you choose a word for the year? I started this practice a while ago…I liked the idea of choosing a word for guidance and consideration rather than the weary practice of setting resolutions that seemed too rigid and often times unattainable.

There was quite a bit of change in my life in 2023…and as the new year begins, Ponder is utmost in my mind…what lies ahead, what do I want to consider, how will I approach this year…

I came across two quotes in prepping for this newsletter that summed up what I was facing…

Determining the direction of one’s life is really up to creation…the old adage of “you can be whatever you want to be” is true. I don’t need to find myself - I’m not lost…but I do need to craft a different life and I’m pondering options.

Since we moved out of the big, old house we lived in for over 20 years…and moved to a much smaller home with much less work (minimal maintenance, no yard work, no more landlord responsibilities), I have more time and freedom. Since I stopped doing large art festivals, I have conserved my energy. But what do with with more time, freedom and energy is at the crux of my pondering.

I know…it’s a problem so many would love to have! But I want to be conscious of what I create of my world and not be aimless in daily activities. I’m on the back stretch of my life…is there more I want to do…something different, challenging, fulfilling, joyful…

To give myself space and time, I am going to change up the intent of my newsletters. I’m going to get off the monthly schedule and post more random notes that I’ll send out to subscribers…thoughts, ideas, updates, inspirations and of course peeks of art.

I’ll still be posting on my Instagram account, studiofourcorners, and you can still purchase my art in my Etsy shop. In fact, there’s a great sale going on now until January 7th - including 50% off my 2024 calendar, a year of inspiration.

I am appreciative of your support of me and my art…let’s all move into 2024 with a willingness to take each day as it comes and make the best of it.