How Lucky Am I? A Year of Gratitude, Growth, and Art

As I look back at the past year, I’m feeling deeply blessed.

What a year it was.

In January, our son and daughter-in-law were married—an unforgettable way to begin the year. Since then, Izzy graduated college, our family has grown again, and now we are the proud grandparents of two grandsons. That still feels surreal to say out loud.

This year also carried me far beyond home. I traveled, I taught, I shared my work at art shows, and I watched my paintings find new homes through galleries. I grew an inspiring art group filled with creativity and connection, and I continued to deepen my own painting practice—listening more closely to what my work wants to become.

And as I look ahead, I’m filled with excitement. More travel. More teaching opportunities. More adventures already unfolding for 2026.

How lucky am I?

A few years ago, I never would have dreamed this life was possible. But I knew one thing: painting was something I had always wanted to do. And when I began—back in my 50s—I was acutely aware that time is precious. Some days truly do become more limited with every year that passes.

Before art took center stage, I poured myself into my marketing and design business. I worked two jobs, alongside two incredible business partners, for many years. I built that business while pregnant with my first child—and later, with this art business, I found myself doing the same thing again: balancing two full-time commitments, side by side. It was a big leap. A big commitment. A lot of long days.

And now, here I am.

As of the end of 2025, my business, TCG, is officially finished. That chapter has closed with gratitude and pride. I’m now completely focused on my art—hoping for many happy, healthy years ahead filled with new adventures, new friends, and plenty of fun along the way.

This season feels like both an arrival and a beginning.

So I’ll leave you with the question I keep asking myself lately:

What are you dreaming of?

And what might happen if you gave yourself permission to begin?