As We Close Out One Year and Begin A New. I know I Have So Much to be Thankful For. Goodbye 2024.

As we turn the page to 2025, I can’t help but feel a wave of gratitude for an unforgettable year. I know it’s a bit cliché, but looking back, I realize how much I achieved, often without the recognition it deserved. 
One of my proudest accomplishments has been the artwork I created. At the start of the year, I promised to engage more with social media while staying true to my artistic vision. And I can genuinely say I delivered on that promise. When the temptation to chase trends and pay the bills loomed over me, I stayed focused. I revisited my sketchbook, embraced regular drawing sessions, and began to observe the beauty around me—plants, flowers, and fields that had previously gone unkept. The result? My artwork is finding its way into more homes than I ever imagined. This year, I participated in five markets, which have opened doors to exciting opportunities for the year ahead.
Alex and I tackled a year full of hard work on our farm. Between the mud and the infrastructure challenges, we became well-acquainted with the highs and lows of our land. After dealing with floods in July and again in the fall, we finally made headway against our water woes. Once a leaky mess, the old barn is a place of promise. We buttoned up the old place with a stunning glass door at the entrance. While my studio may not be moving anytime soon, seeing the barn take shape according to my vision is incredibly satisfying.
Although Alex’s pumpkin fields didn’t yield fruit this year, they became a wildlife sanctuary. On any given day, I spotted an incredible array of creatures: rabbits, turkeys, groundhogs, chickens, deer, a curious fox, and, of course, our English lab Augustus! We gained two little kittens, Julian and Ricky, who never seem to sit still and continuously get involved in mysterious situations. My garden flourished like never before, producing more harvest than I knew what to do with. Sharing the bounty with others was a true gift, and I found myself cooking with ingredients I grew—a whole new world of cooking delight! This experience was an unexpected high that breathed new life into my art. 
Inspired by my bountiful harvest, my pottery evolved as well. I crafted larger and broader serving bowls, whipped up butter bells and trays, and even threw oil bottles and sea salt containers. My herb stripper bowls became a must-have, significantly since I grew so much rosemary and thyme that I needed a quick way to harvest it all. They were a hit among friends, and I loved sharing summer supplies of herbs with them. Creating something from scratch has always been a part of my identity, and this year made that more evident than ever whether it’s through my pottery or my gardens.
As I enter the new year, I know change is on the horizon, but I’m filled with hope and excitement for what’s to come. My heart is whole because of the unwavering support of my wonderful husband, my amazing sisters, and my parents. I can’t wait to see how we continue to flourish together.