This is a space devoted to creativity in everyday life—where ideas, stories, and small acts of making become a way of paying attention and finding meaning; to explore creativity not as a talent, but as a practice—one that shows up in work, relationships, problem-solving, and the ongoing art of being human.

    2026. My focus word this year is MUSCLES.

Muscle Categories; Body, Mental, Creative, Emotional, Disciplinary, Social, Spiritual.

There are subsets in each category and my list is specific to my wants and needs. Each of us is motivated in different ways. I do set goals but I’m less motivated by goal setting than I am by creating something beautiful or unique/new to me, learning a new skill, getting more proficient in a skill already learned, inspired by a new project that shares my favorite combination of beauty and function.

Muscles is a broad term and within my listed categories, I’ve chosen only one or two that need the most study and attention. I know myself well: start small, set reachable goals along my way. I also work on praise. Giving myself rewards for excellence definitely stokes the fire to continue to improve. Often, the reward of seeing my improvement is enough.

If you had to narrow your New Year’s Resolution to one word, what would it be? What do you want most to experience this year? Is it a What or a Where or a Who or a How?

What’s your focus word for 2026?

Life is an Art Party! Let’s get busy and Color our world!

WEATHER!

It has always been of interest and right now, it's BIG. We hear about global warming and about weather being a reflection of the current mass consciousness. Scientists are constantly conjecturing and just when they find a connection, nature finds a way to humble. 

We deal with weather as best we can. We check it before we leave the house or go on vacation. We dress accordingly, drive a different route or just stay home. We relish the times when it shines kindly upon us by going on picnics and to the beach, sitting outside at lunch, snow skiing in fresh powder, running through the neighborhood instead of at the gym. For some a momentary shower is a blessing. For others, a break in the clouds lets a sunny vitamin D day heal the body and soul. It is a fact that the weather affects us. There is logic in the theory that we also affect our weather. We are a part of nature. Our gorgeous planet, the untamable universe mirrors our energetic rages and smiles. Whether or not this is true, you can see how it might work in the climate of our personal experience.

Weather is defined as the atmospheric conditions that surround us. We are in control of our own behavior and we get to choose how we react to the storms that brew and finally burst into our lives. Plenty of "weather advisories" are available to us when we are paying attention. We have a personal barometer - ways of measuring our moods and feelings and attitudes - that give us a chance to prepare for the floods and dry spells and even warn us of the earthquakes and tsunamis in our lives.

Are you a weather watcher? Do you adjust your day according to the atmospheric conditions that surround you? Do you know what circumstances are optimum for you and choose the climate in which you live? Are you able to predict a storm in your life, preparing yourself mentally and emotionally so you can endure and thrive beyond it? Are you equipped with plenty of courage and honesty and creativity and compassion? Are your cupboards filled with the food you might need for nourishment during difficult times? Could you weather an emotional flood or a financial drought? Do you have enough ingenuity and courage on hand to change when needed? Will you get swept away or will you summon creativity and find the challenge of a personal storm invigorating, an exercise in personal growth?

It's a great metaphor for living, the weather. I'm sure you can think of better and more personal comparisons than I can. Notice the weather in your life. Outside, yes, but your internal atmosphere can directly affect how you approach and cope with the external weather vortexes in an ordinary day. Weather is a group activity. Each element is important and in charge of itself. We are one of those elements. Be in charge of yourself. See if you can affect your personal climate. Gather the tools you need. Choose to appreciate the weather, rain and shine! 

Life is an Art Party! Let’s get busy and Color our world!