As the year winds down and the leaves fall around my garden, I find myself thinking about this quote often. 2025 has been a year of change ā a kind of gentle āsiftingā thatās helped me let go of what no longer fits and hold tight to what truly matters.
āI am a firm believer that every few years one needs to shake oneās life through a sieve, like a miner in the Yukon. The gold nuggets remain. The rest falls through like the soft earth it is.ā ā Amy Poehler
Most afternoons lately, my husband and I spend an hour outside raking the endless piles of leaves from our two old maple trees. He uses the blower to gather them into mounds, and I follow behind, filling the large bins we haul to the truck. His chronic back pain and heart condition mean he has to slow down these days, so our teamwork looks a little different than it used to ā quieter, more deliberate, but somehow more meaningful. Thereās a peaceful rhythm to it, a reminder that even in slowing down, thereās connection and purpose.
Between the shifts at home, creative pivots in my art practice, and learning new systems for my business, I feel both grounded and renewed. And through it all, Iāve discovered a handful of āgold nuggetsā ā simple joys and moments of light that continue to inspire and guide me. Borrowing an idea from Holly Becker of DĆ©cor8, Iāve gatheredĀ 10 things that are lighting me up latelyĀ ā reminders that beauty, creativity, and gratitude can always be found, even in times of change.
ā 1. My Pre-Studio Morning Ritual
Each morning begins quietly in my den with a steaming cup of caramel-flavoured coffee and the soft glow of my Sea Salt & DriftwoodĀ candle. Before I open the studio door, I jot down a few gratitude notes and a short list of tasks for the day. Itās a grounding ritual that helps me clear my mind and step into creative flow with intention.
šØ 2. Finishing My Latest Painting
This past week, Iāve been putting the final touches on a new mixed media painting that feels like a joyful celebration of the season. Small blooms in warm shades of orange, red, and russet dance across the watercolour paper, each accented with hints of gold that catch the light just so. Their glow reminds me of sunlight glinting off the last autumn leaves scattered across our lawn.
Within the piece are two birds with blue-tipped wings and a rose-and-gold belly perching gracefully among the flowers ā quiet observers of this rich, abundant moment. As I worked, I found myself reflecting on the yearās changes, the gratitude that runs through each day, and the beauty that remains even as seasons shift.
Iām considering calling this piece either āThe Gold That RemainsāĀ ā inspired by Amy Poehlerās words about sifting lifeās treasures ā or āSeeds of ChangeāĀ or "A Season Worth Celebrating" to honor how growth often begins in quiet, unseen ways. All of these titles feel true to its spirit: celebratory, reflective, and alive with warmth. This painting will be featured on my homepage and a version of it might even find it's way onto other products as I begin integrating new print options through my upcoming print-on-demand offerings.
šæ 3. The Gentle Rhythm of the Studio
After months of juggling new directions and website projects, returning to my easel feels like coming home. The hum of creativity, the familiar scent of paint and paper ā itās where ideas take flight and worries fade into the background.
šÆļø 4. Cozy Autumn Light
The shorter days bring a golden light through my studio windows that transforms everything it touches. It softens edges and makes even ordinary things ā a paintbrush jar, a small vase of mums ā feel beautiful.
š¦ 5. A Hint of Whatās Next
As soon as I finish my current piece, Iāll begin a newĀ holiday wreath with birdĀ ā a playful idea thatās been hovering at the edge of my imagination for weeks. Iām gathering reference sketches and colours, and I can already sense that it will carry both festive cheer and my signature touch of whimsy.
š 6. Letting Go of What No Longer Serves
Iāve recently begun the transition from my current Wix website to a brand-new Shopify home. Though itās been a learning curve, the process feels freeing ā like decluttering a studio shelf and finding new space to create. Itās another small act of faith in whatās coming next.
šø 7. Inspiration in Small Things
The flicker of candlelight, the sound of rain, the rustle of leaves outside my window ā these little sensory joys spark ideas for colours, textures, and new layers in my mixed media paintings. Sometimes the simplest moments hold the most creative energy.
š§” 8. Community & Connection
From the kind words of collectors to new friendships formed through art groups, Iām reminded daily that creativity thrives in community. Each message, comment, and shared story is a spark that keeps me inspired.
š¾ 9. Listening for My Word of the Year
Each November, I start to ātune inā to the universe and listen for a word that will guide me into the new year. Itās a practice that blends intuition, hope, and a little bit of magic. I donāt yet know what myĀ Word for 2026Ā will be ā but Iām open and curious. Iāll share it with you in December.
šļø 10. Gratitude for the Journey
Even with its challenges, this year has been rich with lessons and quiet blessings. My garden, my art, and the simple act of showing up to create each day have all been steady companions. Iām ending the year feeling grateful ā and ready for whatās next.
š¼ A Little Sneak Peek
Below is my newly finished mixed media, floral and bird painting ā a joyful burst of colour and pattern that feels like a celebration of growth and change. (Title coming soon!)
Ā šæ Closing Reflection
As I look ahead to December, Iām already sketching ideas for a new holiday wreath with birdĀ painting ā a design that I imagine will carry both festive cheer and a sense of peace. It feels like a natural continuation of this monthās theme: gratitude, creativity, and the joy of renewal.
Each painting, each change, each moment spent raking leaves or mixing color reminds me that creativity, like life, is a cycle ā one that invites us to pause, gather what shines, and begin again.
š« Whatās Lighting You Up Lately?
As the season shifts and we begin to look toward the holidays, Iād love to hear whatās bringing light and inspiration into your days.
āSometimes the smallest spark can brighten the whole path ahead.ā
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