Wake
Well, 2021 sure went out in a literal blaze. After months and months (and months) of drought, fire flattening neighborhoods just sixty miles south of us. The news, the photos, the smoke reminded me so much of California…heartbreaking and terrifying at the same time. I was, quite literally, up all night on the 30th, researching firescaping strategies and making a plan to keep us, the horses, and all of our buildings safe when (not if) we see fire here.
Last year ended with me realizing that I cannot treat Colorado like Colorado any more. Instead, I’ve got to treat it like a cross between Arizona (with VERY little water) and California (ready to catch fire at any time). Humbling. Saddening. But that’s where we’re at.
Thankfully, 2022 arrived dressed all in white. We all ran around like hooligans as the flakes fell - Eric and I, the dogs, the horses…it’s funny how a few inches of snow can put hope back into the world, just like that. I’m crossing my fingers for a whole lot more in the coming months…but whatever we get will be an absolute gift.
For the first year in many years, I don’t have any big intentions for myself in the coming months. I’ve got a couple big goals I’m working towards this year (and the jokey promise that we’re going to make and eat oat flour waffles every Saturday till the end of next December), but other than that, nothing. And it actually feels pretty good. There’s no day-dreamy honeymoon feelings about this new year - just calm and solid resolve as I point my feet up the trail.
Which, largely, is leading towards more art.
What I have to share at the moment is mostly previews…a glimpse of the hat pattern I’m finishing up, the first pass at my paper luminary project. Those two are getting so, so close…but it’s always the final details that take the longest. At this point, those details mostly lie in learning how to use a new software so I can build printable tutorials that are as lovely to use as the artwork they produce. So, if I’m slow, blame technology. That’s what I always do!
But then there’s also the new jewelry I’ve got going on.
From sketchbook (not pictured!), to digital, to printout…
…to silver!
More on these little beauties in the few days - they should be finished by the time my sixth (sixth!!) shop anniversary comes around next week, but I’ll keep you posted!
And so the year wakes -
Blanketed in cold
But also with the promise
Of light.
