Snowy Sunset

 

Relax and be still...like freshly fallen snow

I love the coziness and simplicity of the winter months, along with that magical feeling after the snow stops.  That moment when you walk outside, hear the crunch of snow under your boots, see your breath in the air, and look up at the beautiful blue winter skies.  It's quite the sight to see, and one that tends to give me feelings of renewed energy for all things in life.  January & February have always been my "blank slate" - which means you'll find me re-organizing, getting things in order, and planning for the rest of the year (and beyond).

Not sure where the last four years have gone - other then it moved fast and had a few moments of chaos, especially when we look back at the pandemic years, politics, and world & local news.  2023 went out with some tough stuff for our family, as in December - my Mom had a stroke, and my husband had open heart surgery (an aortic aneurysm that grew fast).  Thankfully both of them are healing and recovering well.  However, we are the type of people that keep a positive outlook, and appreciate that life is good, with lots of things to be thankful for, including our 2 and 3 year old Grandchildren that I watch on a daily basis.   

So happy to say, that 2024 came in with a different feeling and energy.  It's like a new perspective and knowledge that this is the year where I will have the opportunity to squeeze in more time for creativity, and make my creative plans a reality, with a re-design of my business and the ways I can impact others through my art, talents, skills and ideas/thoughts.  Speaking of impacting others, here's a tip for all my creative friends that might need to hear this...

If someone gives you advice to stop doing something, and that "something" is something you feel passionately about...please do yourself a favor and go into selective hearing mode!  Life is too short, to abandon any of your dreams, or to stop doing something that you love doing.  There is no-one that knows what's best for you, better than YOU.  Keep on - keeping on in all your creative endeavors and life!

Next month on the blog look for some new creative project shares, and possibly some changes to my logo, as I prepare to get back into the swing of things on the business side.

Have fun, be kind and creative!

Hugs, JLynn

2024 - the new "Happy Place"!

 

2024...Work in Progress - my new Happy Place (aka Studio)

 

 

It's been a while since I've posted here on the Blog...a few years to be exact.   In that time - a pandemic hit all of us, and on the personal side - our family had a household move in 2022, and since then have had a variety of health challenges and surgeries.  However, during this time, we've also made a LOT of wonderful and happy memories - so that's where our focus is - the good stuff!   LIFE happens and priorities shift - and you always need to go with the flow.

Currently, I'm working behind the scenes on finishing up work on the new art/jewelry studio.  Over the last year, my husband and I have slowly made changes to a sub-par builder grade Mudroom.  We overhauled the cubby and coat closet wall into an amazing wall of closed storage with reclaimed vintage doors on a barn door track, and a closed door, floor to ceiling storage shelves that leaves plenty of room for multiple art and craft organization.

Since these photos, more improvements have been made, and I'm hoping that 2024 will be the year to get back to some regular creativity.

 

In the meantime, we continue to make progress with home improvements and making the house our own.  Here's just a couple weekend projects we tackled this past summer...the upstairs hallway and the lower level landing.  Both featured Centennial wood reclaimed wood planks.  The upper level we created a bit more of a coastal feel between the colors and adding a lot of trimwork.  This made it a very long, dark and dreary hallway into a much more interesting, brighter and happier wall!  We still need to add some wall decor, but we're getting there.

 

 

 

And here's the lower level landing (just a few weeks ago decorated for the holidays).  It featured a small accent wall with Centennial Wood plans, along with a custom project we did utilizing extra wood to create a custom box frame, cut birch branches, and an art panel I painted using a dry brush, blending technique with acrylic paints. 

 

 

 

Stay safe and healthy everyone - and enjoy the New Year!