My that was a truly lovely holiday season. I’d be counting my blessings, but, truly, I can’t count that high.

The gouache above is a “picture in my head” from our 5 days in the Alaskan Interior in early November. We went chasing the Northern Lights with dear friends. We failed, but we had the most lovely time together. However, I do not need to be in <0° weather again any time soon…

I realized my vision of building a community Thanksgiving in my apartment complex — and it was everything I could have hoped for. People came and had a great time (someone brought a niece was had concert piano skills and entertained us during appetizers). There was too much food and just enough good will. It felt like the type of extended family I grew up in, where “Uncle Jimmy” might have too much to drink, but the in-laws-to-be were graciously engaging him in conversation while the kids waited to see how soon they might escape.

December was a blur of gatherings and events – some big, some small, and, of course, the most important being those times we gathered in our own home to share food and love and gratitude for the friendships, the people, the time we have together, however short or long that may be.

And after all that busy-ness, we are back in the redwood forests enjoying days of quiet, holiday leftovers (how many types of stew can I make?) and torrential, life-giving rains.

I am enjoying some time to gear up painting again and am feeling good (not great) about it. I am contemplating the many observations I am taking away from the past 8 weeks and wondering in what form they will mature and blossom. And I am looking forward to all that this year holds in store – so many wonderful gifts, so much of it about time together with those we love and hold so dear in our lives.

So while 2025 had its emotional challenges and 2026 is starting off with a bang (for some dictators, not all), I am ready to embrace the days and weeks ahead, each one a precious moment I hope I can fully savor.

Best wishes to you for the year ahead — only you can make it rich and rewarding. Happy 2026.