"Don’t count the days; make the days count." – Muhammad Ali
Happy happy New Year to you! As we enter another unorthodox year, I hope you're making plans to roll with its quirkiness and make it as fun as possible for yourself and your family. Some of the rituals I created last year to make more fun were:
Make pizza at home —an activity that kept us off the sofa, away from the TV, and me on my diet of no wheat and no cow's milk. Super easy with a cauliflower crust and goat's milk feta. My favorite toppings are spinach, onions, and artichoke hearts.
Set a reading goal—Mine was to read a book a month, and with the help of the library's "Libby" app, I made it by listening to the last two books while working in the studio finishing up the last of the custom Christmas orders. My two favorites were "The Book of Longing" by Sue Kidd Monk and "Too Much and Never Enough" by Mary L. Trump.
Keep your friends close and safe—my friends and I keep to one restaurant meeting once a week on half-price wine night.
Take a pilates class—the machines are naturally socially distant, so it's less pandemic feeling except for the masks.
There's so much joy to be found in books; they can literally take you away. A couple of hours with a good book is like a vacation.
I am fortunate that I have and love working in and at my studio, enjoying the company of my creativity in a space that lets the light shine from floor to ceiling. Gratitude fills me; I have this wonderful place to go where I don't have to listen to my husband's work calls. Please tell me what you've been doing to make your days count. Wishing you peace, health, and happiness in this new year.
Teaching has allowed me to share my fantastic studio with many others this year. The company of students has really helped to feed my soul and keep my spirits up.