🍂 10 Things That Light Me Up Lately

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 — a kind of gentle “sifting” that’s helped me let go of what no longer fits and hold tight to what truly matters.

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 — quieter, more deliberate, but somehow more meaningful. There’s a peaceful rhythm to it, a reminder that even in slowing down, there’s 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, I’ve discovered a handful of “gold nuggets” — simple joys and moments of light that continue to inspire and guide me. Borrowing an idea from Holly Becker of Décor8, I’ve gathered 10 things that are lighting me up lately — reminders that beauty, creativity, and gratitude can always be found, even in times of change.

☕ 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 & Driftwood candle. Before I open the studio door, I jot down a few gratitude notes and a short list of tasks for the day. It’s a grounding ritual that helps me clear my mind and step into creative flow with intention.

🎨 2. Finishing My Latest Painting

This past week, I’ve 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 — quiet observers of this rich, abundant moment. As I worked, I found myself reflecting on the year’s changes, the gratitude that runs through each day, and the beauty that remains even as seasons shift.

I’m considering calling this piece either “The Gold That Remains” — inspired by Amy Poehler’s words about sifting life’s treasures — or “Seeds of Change”  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.

🌿 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 — it’s where ideas take flight and worries fade into the background.

🕯️ 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 — a paintbrush jar, a small vase of mums — feel beautiful.

🐦 5. A Hint of What’s Next

As soon as I finish my current piece, I’ll begin a new holiday wreath with bird — a playful idea that’s been hovering at the edge of my imagination for weeks. I’m gathering reference sketches and colours, and I can already sense that it will carry both festive cheer and my signature touch of whimsy.

💌 6. Letting Go of What No Longer Serves

I’ve recently begun the transition from my current Wix website to a brand-new Shopify home. Though it’s been a learning curve, the process feels freeing — like decluttering a studio shelf and finding new space to create. It’s another small act of faith in what’s coming next.

🌸 7. Inspiration in Small Things

The flicker of candlelight, the sound of rain, the rustle of leaves outside my window — 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.

🧡 8. Community & Connection

From the kind words of collectors to new friendships formed through art groups, I’m reminded daily that creativity thrives in community. Each message, comment, and shared story is a spark that keeps me inspired.

🌾 9. Listening for My Word of the Year

Each November, I start to “tune in” to the universe and listen for a word that will guide me into the new year. It’s a practice that blends intuition, hope, and a little bit of magic. I don’t yet know what my Word for 2026 will be — but I’m open and curious. I’ll share it with you in December.

🕊️ 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. I’m ending the year feeling grateful — and ready for what’s next.

🌼 A Little Sneak Peek

Below is my newly finished mixed media, floral and bird painting — a joyful burst of colour and pattern that feels like a celebration of growth and change. (Title coming soon!)

🌿 Closing Reflection

As I look ahead to December, I’m already sketching ideas for a new holiday wreath with bird painting — a design that I imagine will carry both festive cheer and a sense of peace. It feels like a natural continuation of this month’s 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 — one that invites us to pause, gather what shines, and begin again.

💫 What’s Lighting You Up Lately?

As the season shifts and we begin to look toward the holidays, I’d love to hear what’s bringing light and inspiration into your days.

If this post resonated with you, follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for daily inspiration and updates from my studio — and join my email list for early access to new art, seasonal gifts, and behind-the-scenes peeks.

I create whimsical, carefree art that uplifts your spirits and beautifies your walls with colour and joy all year long.