On possibilities, creativity and an occasional sprinkle donut

One of the things that I think I am absolutely terrible at is writing. So I avoid it at all costs because it’s always a struggle. There is something about the twisting and stretching of the words that eludes me. This, plus the fact that as I get older (shhh, don’t tell anyone!) I seem to be losing my nouns. When I want to think of a word, I just can’t, it’s like it's filed in the wrong place with no road map to find it. Not sure what’s up with that, but I do know you can’t write without nouns. And I also tend to ramble, as you can clearly see.

Anyway, as I sit here one day after the beginning of the new year (I did take the day off from all forms of work yesterday and loved every minute), I am both reflecting on the past year and looking toward the new one ahead.

2020 was a unique one to say the very least. It was filled with unknowns  and challenges. For me, it was also a year filled with growth. I launched “Art in Bloom,” my online floral oil painting course which I had wanted to create for a long time. Thanks to my long-time, dear friend Glen, who said he would help to create it with me, after countless hours of planning, filming, editing and marketing it finally happened. And it was even better than I had imagined. I had the absolute best group of artists join me on this journey, you know who you are and I am so glad you joined me on my maiden voyage! I will be opening up the course for enrollment again in March and I really hope you will join me. Hop over to find out more about Art in Bloom and get your name of the waitlist, plus there’s a free mini class to get you warmed up. And please spread the word to anyone you think would enjoy and learn from this course.

I don’t have all of the numbers yet, but 2020 was also a banner year for my art. More paintings were shipped off to new homes all over the world and I am honored! I had my best holiday season ever, which far exceeded my expectations with original paintings, prints, calendars and ornament sales. And a big thanks to my husband Mike who is now my shipping expert. This past year I also designed websites for four fellow creatives, and my design business, TCG Design, also thrived through the crazy year. The point is, I want to thank each and every one of you for your love and support through the year, whether you are a collector, a student, a friend, I am grateful to have you in my world.

To be honest, it was a crazy busy year. And there were moments I thought about giving up because it can be very exhausting. So this past week I tried to rest and recharge and do some of the things I never find the time for (you can check out my fun to-do list here). But when I look back I know it was all totally worth it, and I am feeling more refreshed, not quite ready to take on the world, but getting there.

So as I look toward 2021 a few of my short-list goals are to get my membership group, Inspiring Art Collective, up and running (you can find out more at the link below). This creative space will be a monthly subscription curated to nurture your creativity and confidence, and have fun creating art in the process. The goal is to inspire each other to shine and be our best creative selves. I also want to grow my painting practice and paint more donuts. Well, not exactly donuts, but to paint outside of my comfort zone and challenge myself to take risks and learn and grow. And did I mention writing? That thing that I struggle with…well I’m adding that to my list, too. When I started my daily painting practice that was out of my comfort zone. And by making the commitment to paint every day, now I’m confident and I can’t imagine life without it. I hope that’s how it works for me and writing. We shall see.

So what about you? What on your list for this new fabulous year ahead? I would love to know!

My wish for you is a year filled with endless possibilities, creativity with a sprinkle donut mixed in for good measure!