Hello, Subscriber First Name,

We just passed the half-way point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. And yesterday the groundhog did not see his shadow.

The weather in Wisconsin certainly feels as if an early spring is possible, but right now I don’t want to rush it.

Lately, I’ve been making a point to pay close attention to the seasonal shifts while listening to my spirit and my body and responding to what I need.

Winter is a time of rest and I’m letting myself rest.

It feels good. Nourishing.

I started planning for my year in December, setting intentions and brainstorming projects. I continued to think and plan throughout January.

I’m taking my time with it and this, too, feels good. Nourishing.

For the first time in 12 years, I haven’t chosen a word for the year. Instead, I’m collecting words and phrases, thinking deeply about who I am as a person and what I want to bring to the world through my art and my business.

Even with taking things slow and allowing for rest, even with all my thinking and planning, January was a full and productive month. A good start to the year.

I’m excited by the projects I’ve already finished (you can see one in the p.s. down below) and those that are in the works.

One thing I’m learning (or re-learning), is that I can accomplish a lot by doing a little bit at a time.

A creative prompt:

One of the things I started doing in December is playing in multiple sketchbooks at once.

This has helped me to keep from overthinking what I’m putting on the page. It forces me to work quickly and instinctively. And it keeps me moving.

I’ve done this with collage, with crayons and with paint. Even if I don’t think I’m going to like the results, the process brings me joy.

Is there a process that helps free your creativity?

If so, keep going with it. (Or pick it back up if you haven’t tried it in a while).

If you’re feeling stuck, is there a way you can let go of expectations and just play with color or shapes or textures?

Don’t overthink it. Just show up for yourself and do.

And while I’m talking about sketchbooks… If you work in your own creative books, I hope you’ll submit to Strawberry Moon Magazine! I’m the guest co-editor of the next issue which is all about inspiration from the magic of the natural world. We’re looking for gallery submissions and Ask the Art Journalers Surveys. Go take a look!

Some inspiration:

• I’m not the only one taking a cue from winter to slow down and rest with the season. I keep hearing others’ stories of this, too. It makes so much sense, but why does it feel so radical?

• I’m loving the book Creative Wanderlust by Kasia Avery. It’s filled with sketchbook and art journal inspiration.

• Another fun book I’m enjoying is Journal Sparks: Fire Up Your Creativity with Spontaneous Art, Wild Writing, and Inventive Thinking by Emily K. Neuburger.

• Do you create and share mindfully? Here’s an interesting perspective (and a step back to film).

• Somehow I stumbled on PlantPop: artists and their relationships with plants. So affirming and inspiring! (the videos about Molly Reeder and Carol Woodin were lovely and there are many more to explore!).

• On my blog last week I talked about houseplants. I mentioned that I hadn’t fallen down the rabbit hole of houseplants on YouTube. But then I saw the cover for this houseplant tour and couldn’t resist pretty plants and a cutie pie pittie.

• And if you’re a dog lover, you’ll probably relate to this story of an aging canine friend.

• And since I’m on a roll here, this photo campaign to help dogs get adopted made me smile.

This week a flower opened on one of the impatiens plants I grew from cuttings I took at the end of the summer.

I’m grateful for the joy this little pop of color is bringing me right now.

I hope you’re finding your own pops of joy each day.

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