We have a view of a solitary tree outside the large window in our new home. We are smack in the middle of downtown Everett so this tree is a joy…to gauge the change of the seasons, to watch the birds flitter and fly throughout the day, and to view the ever-changing expanse of sky to the south and the west.

It also provides a visual respite from the chaos here at home…our new digs are a work in progress but its coming along…I’ve been able to get my studio space organized enough that I’ve had time and opportunity to create. It has only been mildly irritating to not locate whatever tool/supply/item I’m looking for - I know its here…I just don’t know exactly where…

And now the calendar has turned to December…and another layer of chaos begins. Maybe its the state I’m in, but the craziness of the holidays seem already to be at a frantic, frenzied level.

I don’t think I’m alone with wanting to breathe and take a step back. I found this advice online and thought I would share it - I find it helpful to be reminded that you need to take a rest sometimes and this list of suggestions gives one an idea of what that rest might look like.

I’m thankful that life has slowed down a bit…gives me a chance to fine-tune my studio space (and maybe a little time to tackle the 10’x10’ storage unit where I stashed most of my art supplies during the move because it was too overwhelming to deal with all that stuff at the time!)

Which means I have been creating…and if you want to see what I’ve been doing, feel free to jump over to my Etsy shop…and I’ll make your holiday shopping a little easier…I’ll give you 20% off select purchases…good until December 15 (sorry - available only to continental US addresses - shipping overseas is still too unreliable and I keep losing orders that never get delivered.)

Wishing all a wonderful holiday, whatever you celebrate…and hoping that you’ll take time to stop, rest and refresh your spirit.