Once I pack up the decor and wrestle our Christmas tree carcass out to the fire pit, I feel like I can get myself back on track. But, not exactly the same as the year before. I like to use this time to reflect and reset– start new good habits and modify those that aren’t really serving me.

And this is true for all areas of my life, both physical and otherwise. But this blog is about my progress in the arts, and so for the purpose of this post, I’ll corral my thoughts and musings toward my creative endeavors.

My concerns here are threefold: the physical space of my studio, the linear space on my calendar, and the self-reflective/self-judgemental space in my head. All three categories are ripe for cleaning up.

Longhouse Studio

My workspace is very important to my artistic production, and the mad rush of holiday creation and gift-giving can really do a number on it. On the upside, it’s times like these that I notice what’s not working. When I get into the holiday rush, it’s hard to know what to do with numerous items lying about on tables and work surfaces that aren't kept in a logical place. Art supplies, tools, and general junk clutter my drawing table, rendering it unusable. The mess shows me exactly what I need to modify.

And if the space wasn’t in enough chaos already, I was gifted a great studio easel. It will come in quite handy because I like to keep more than one painting going at a time. But it doesn’t fit the space in my current setup. My actual painting area is cramped, and that is another problem. I need more space. I can’t really bust out a wall and add some additional square footage, so I’m going to have to think my way out of this one.

The To-Do List

She’s hard to manage. When I retired from my day job a year and a half ago, I imagined vast expanses of time on my hands, where I’d accomplish all that I'd ever dreamed of, with downtime for reading and reflection to spare. Richard started keeping a mental list of all the things I stated I was going to do… when I retired. The list grew long and robust. And each new pronouncement of “When I retire, I’m going to…” drew raised eyebrows and a look of disbelief from my sweet husband. I figured all I needed was a running to-do list.

In a way, the to-do list is liberating. For instance, on Thursday morning, while writing this section, I knew I had lots of things to complete before I got out the door for my errands and appointments. But I wanted to write. To allow myself to do both without stress, I set the time I had to leave, then worked my to-do list backwards on the things I HAD to do before I left. That process results in 30 minutes available to craft these words in my pajamas with another cup of coffee.

But sometimes the to-do list becomes my horrid taskmaster, and I feel disappointed at day’s end when I haven't checked off all my boxes. It’s a classic Jekyll and Hyde situation.

My Head

The biggest problem of all is the haranguing that goes on in my own head. I am the meanest person I know. I would never tolerate someone talking about a friend or family member in the manner in which I talk to myself. My work isn’t good enough. My ideas are dumb, etc. And I chastise myself because I’m not out there writing lots of protest songs or creating protest art. I do my part in other ways, but it’s just not coming on the creative side. But I often tell folks I believe one important job for each and every one of us is to keep being happy, keep producing, and keep doing the things that give us joy. Just that act defies the intentions of those in power right now.

So the self-critisizing... I’ve heard it called Pig Parent. I kinda dig pigs, so I think it’s not quite fair, but the idea is that when no one else is giving you shit, you take up the job and give it to yourself.

STOPPING. THAT. NOW.

2026 Plans and Intentions

The Studio Redo

My old dining room table is available for many services. It is here I cut mats for prints, frame paper pieces, cut tags for art sales, and prepare cardboard for shipping. But this doesn’t occur on the regular, and the table cuts right into the middle of my workspace.

I have various pets in the studio, and they take up about a third of my space. I have a rabbit that is good company and works hard providing nutrition for my garden. There’s a big, calming fish tank that is a joy for me. Plus, I have several tree frogs living in a vivarium, and they are near and dear to my heart. The point is, I need more space, but I am not willing to remove any of these inhabitants or infringe on their space.

After a lot of middle-of-the-night thinking while not sleeping and work-time ruminating while not painting, a resolution evolved, and it’s a win-win! Rabbits like to have quiet, cozy places they call their own, you know, like a rabbit warren. I moved the mailing and matting prep table into the bunny run. He likes the seclusion the table offers, and enjoys me being inside the run. I made a maze out of boxes for him, and he seems to have taken nicely to the remodel.

I now have the space the table took up in my working area. I can set up two large easels and even hang a piece behind me on the wall. Moving from piece to piece, as is my tendency, is easy and joyful. And bonus, the rearrange left enough room for my photo shoot area. Previously, I had to move furniture and lighting just to snap some shots.

I couldn’t be happier with the new setup. I’m deeming “Operation: leverage more space” a success!

Calendar Dos and Don’ts

How do I push back on this monster?

As is often the way with the Universe, I was given a little lesson just where I needed it most. Due to cataract surgery, I was forced to spend a week being fairly sedentary. The recovery period gave me permission to slow down and just do what comes before me, or pass altogether. No task list, no boxes to check, no impending deadline. It was nice.

I’ve enjoyed the slow pace. I’ve done more reading, I’ve let myself indulge in periods of relaxing, and I’ve performed more of the self-care rituals I frequently forego in lieu of finishing one more item on the list.

Don’t get me wrong. I think schedules are great, but each of us has a strong characteristic that is at the same time our virtue and our vice. Mine is organization and planning. My intention in list-making is to empower me to be the boss of my own life– not the other way around. For instance, hurrying to tick the yoga and meditation task off my to-do list is counter to the whole idea of why one might make yoga a priority.

I’m very hopeful I’ll bring some of the ease and contemplation with me to the other side of my recovery. My intention moving forward is to focus on doing, and not on getting things done, which reduces stress and makes the doing much more fun.

Get Out of My Head

In a way, it’s comforting to know that “Imposter Syndrome” is a real phenomenon and I am in the company of others who really are amazing and talented.

I’ve done some poking around and found a couple of resources helpful. I’d like to share them and I plan to revisit both of these and ferret out more as I move through 2026.

how to believe in your own art, music, and writing
https://youtu.be/as4I6XY7gjI

Why the world needs your art
https://youtu.be/CDs2d3dJtYk

I know I’ve paid my dues. There is no denying that, and believing it helps. You don’t make it through 66 years of life without learning something! Listening to and believing in my own inner wisdom will be my mantra for 2026.

January is Reset Time