When I first started posting on this blog in 2009, I posted every single day.  I enjoyed it and was excited to share, but I also saw this blog as a commitment.  I wanted to take it seriously.  I posted when I was sick, when I traveled, when I had surgery, when I worked at an antique fair all day, and on Christmas Day.  Finally, in 2015, after six years of posting daily, I took time off between Christmas and New Year’s Day.  Naturally, I learned how good it is to take a break!  Ever since, I have taken that time off, sometimes extending into January to give myself additional time to plan, play, and create without feeling like I need to share.

So, I will be carrying on that tradition and will take off until January 5, 2026.

Of course, I’ll be “doing Christmas” with my family with all of the usual activities – Christmas Eve service, watching Christmas movies, baking, opening presents, Christmas brunch, and all the good stuff.  After the festivities, here’s what I’ll be working on…

Daily Painting – I am planning to continue painting every day.  I get lost when I’m at the easel, and I’ve enjoyed seeing and feeling the growth from painting regularly.  I hope to do some experimenting and maybe a few master studies mixed in with paintings for clients and to sell in my next original art sale.

Planning for 2026 – My business has experienced a pretty significant shift in 2025 (I’ll share more about that in the New Year), so I need to adapt.  I’ve already been conducting research and working on some new ideas, but I am looking forward to having long stretches of time to formulate a more detailed plan.

Filling my tank – Creative work requires a lot of output, a lot of pouring myself into whatever I’m working on, so it’s essential for me to spend time regularly on quality input.  I need to read, get out in nature, go on field trips, listen to podcasts, play with my tools and materials, and seek out inspiration.  While I do that daily, I like to take these breaks to be even more intentional about filling my creative well.  I asked for a couple of books for Christmas that I am very eager to sit with for a few hours.

I always try to fit ten pounds of plans into five pounds of time, so I’ll leave it there.  If I do those three things and watch a good historical drama series, that will be a win!

Thank you so much for joining me in 2025 as I shared my home, art, and bits of life.  I hope you’ll join me again in the New Year.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

PS – I’ll be sending out a few old posts during my break that might encourage and inspire you if you’re also resting and filling your creative well.