Well hello there. It’s been a little while since my last email, so I thought I’d pop in and say hello. I usually send these on Saturdays, but today you’re getting a Monday note instead. It felt like the right time.

I hope you had a joyful holiday season and that the new year has started with at least a small sense of calm and possibility. For me, the first couple of weeks of January always feel like a recovery period. My body and brain crave rest and as little stimulation as possible, so I’ve been doing my best to slow down, relax, and remove as much pressure as I can.

This past week I packed away Christmas and did a pretty big clean out. I have six large boxes of decor heading to donation, and everything I’m keeping is now organized and tucked away. It definitely made the process take longer, but goodness does it feel lighter. I listened to an audiobook while I was de-Christmasing, which helped tremendously. The book was How to Solve Your Own Murder, and I really enjoyed it. I’m not a big reader and usually only manage two or three books a year, but I’m trying to change that. Maybe this is the year I aim for one a month.

While I’m not much for resolutions, I have been doing a lot of thinking about goals and what’s ahead. I don’t have a clear picture yet, but I do know that change is coming. Some of it by choice, some of it by necessity. Blogging has shifted so much over the past few years, and especially this past year, with AI and constant changes to Google, Pinterest, and social media. There used to be clearer ways to move the needle or at least keep things steady. Lately, it feels more like guessing and hoping something sticks while things still move in the wrong direction. I know many of you are feeling these same shifts in your own work and creative lives.

There’s a part of me that really mourns that. At the same time, I also know my heart hasn’t been in it the way it once was. Even when things look the same on the surface, the amount of behind-the-scenes work required to stay relevant has slowly chipped away at the joy. So while change feels scary and uncertain, all signs seem to point toward trying something different. And maybe that’s okay. Maybe it’s even time. Maybe it's exciting. Maybe it can be a good thing.

I don’t know exactly what that looks like yet. I see a lot of brainstorming, list-making, planning, and thinking happening this year. I have no intention of disappearing or returning to a traditional job. Perhaps it's just time to transition. Art has become such an important part of my life, and I’m hopeful there are opportunities there. Maybe teaching, maybe an online art group, maybe a monthly print club. I’m not sure yet. And I don’t think blogging will disappear either. I think it will always be part of what I do, just maybe not the whole thing.

And if you have thoughts, ideas or suggestions, I’d truly love to hear them. Feel free to send them my way. I may not be able to respond to every message, but please know I appreciate all the care behind them. Thank you!

I didn’t set out to write such a long note about all of this, but here we are. I could probably go on with other personal goals and plans, but I can save that for another time. My head is definitely spinning, and I need a little space to sort through all the chatter. Maybe I’ll explore this more on the blog and bring you along as I figure things out. We’ll see.

Speaking of the blog, I haven’t published anything new yet in 2026, but I have reshared a few longtime favorites that felt worth revisiting. I’ve linked those below if you’d like to take a look. New things coming soon! Stay tuned.
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And with that, wishing you a wonderful week and all the best in this new year.

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​Lemon Blueberry Bread​

This lemon blueberry bread is bursting with bright and fresh flavors. It’s easy to make too! This is a quick bread recipe, which allows you to whip it up in no time for a wonderful breakfast treat or afternoon snack.

​Fried Pickle and Ranch Dip​

Inspired by a popular and well-loved appetizer, this Fried Pickle and Ranch Dip is loaded with flavor and freshness. Perfect for any party or gathering, it combines the tangy crunch of fried pickles with a creamy, savory ranch flavor. Quick and easy to make, it’s the go-to appetizer that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

​White Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti​

There’s nothing like homemade biscotti, and this pistachio and white chocolate version is one you’ll want to make again and again. Crisp, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, these biscotti are perfect for cookie trays, everyday coffee/tea breaks, or thoughtful homemade gifts.

​Fruit Salad with Yogurt​

Dive into a bowl of vibrant colors and flavors with this simple yet delicious Fruit Salad with Yogurt. It’s customizable with your favorite fruits and flavors, making it a versatile option for any breakfast, brunch, or snack. It’s a healthy, satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes!