So, it’s been a minute . . .
2023 was probably the worst my family has had to endure. It rolled in with serious health issues, cancers and cancer treatments (family, not myself), and sudden unexpected losses . . . I am fortunate that I was able to step away from work and completely focus on family when they needed me most. As I write this post, I’m sitting in a waiting room while a loved one undergoes another surgery . . . Being a care-giver can be mentally exhausting and emotionally draining; grief also takes its toll. For any of you going through, or have gone through something similar, you are not alone. ❤️
In the midst of some of the worst heart-aches last year, there was the gloriously bright spot of my son at long last completing his degree at the end of August and landing a job as a project engineer with a company based right here in our state, doing all the independent young adult things. My daughter’s husband (Navy) was re-stationed, after nearly 4 fantastic, precious years of having them live just down the street from us, and so their family has moved back to Japan for the 2nd time! We officially became “empty nesters”, but I am missing my grandbabies somethin’ fierce . . . I think a long visit to Japan is in order, once the Mister retires; he is coming with this time.
Other changes have also happened. My dear friend Ellen Hutson, who produced stamps and craft dies from my illustrations and design work for so many years, retired last fall—well, sort of. She did close her online store and warehouse, but moved her exclusive line of Essentials by Ellen stamps and dies to Amazon. I think she is truly enjoying this new phase of life immensely—which she most certainly should! Good news for those of you that have been inquiring with me about the availability of my designs: except for those products that sold out or were retired prior to that move, I’ve corralled my existing designs onto an Amazon page, which you can visit and follow HERE. Or just visit Ellen’s Amazon store! (affil.)
As I ease back into my creative work, I’ve been tinkering with changes to my own website; I have archived my old blog (links to the archives are in the siderail on the right) while debating the pros and cons of beginning a new one, and am going to be adding more digital files to my digital shop.
2024 may have come in dark and stormy, but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting a little brighter as each month passes. I am so thankful for that.