Hello 2024
Reflections
Did I accomplish my goals last year? A few!
I wanted to be able to get back into painting for a while now. I managed to create a few painting videos even though they weren’t big pieces like I wanted.
I spent quality time with my cats in the moments of THEIR choosing. It greatly improved our quality of life. We had so many moments I can’t even remember them all.
I spent what last precious time I had with my Grandfather.
I actually managed one piece of Artwork per month all year! Including Commissions of course. :)
I didn’t exactly get to one book a month, but at the end of the year it’s been pretty consistent!
In hindsight I did more than I thought I did. There was such a 50/50 split between Art things happening and Real Life things. The way everything was handled this year showed me that I’m a lot more capable than I think I am when times are tough. I don’t think I could have handled any of it better than the ways that I did. I accomplished so much that I wanted, and everything was memorable. In the years previous I chose key words for my life, and with intent. Happy 2021, Quality 2022, Self 2023. It’s weird to think that all of these things made up this year as a whole. And I hope they continue to do so until the end of time.
Major Events
May 10th, 2023 - Our goodbye was more than I could have hoped for. And I’m so thankful for everything he taught me. His words to me about how proud he was of me, and for how I came home to take care of the Mountain Property. It made him so happy to know that someone else cared for the things he cared out too. I shall miss my Grandfather with every fiber of my being, but I know he’ll always be close by.
Bedroom & Office renovations. One was completely out of necessity! But it gave me the space I needed to get everything back in order. As Dad says, everyone needs a zen space. The bedroom turned out to be just the thing. And the office? Wow. I love my giant peg board. It changed the way I can organize my workspace. I’m so grateful to have learned how to build these things from my Dad! There were new things to learn in every project. We even cut down those trees that were blocking the internet! I’ve been able to successfully be on games that usually would kick me off. I’ve been able to upload YouTube videos from home which is a MAJOR win! Now to try and see if the streaming will work. I genuinely hope it does!
Wrist Surgery was perhaps the most stressful. It was sudden. And I’d never been put under before. But even seeing the past video of me NOT having a great time I find it so hilarious! The process over all and with the incredible results makes it so silly. It was definitely not funny at the time. But now I can look back and be glad that it happened and went well. Was shocked to discover that I’m allergic to general anesthesia. Though it’s good to know for future reference! And kudos to my Mom for holding herself together. She didn’t need to be there, and I was emotionally fine to go through it. But it was her baby’s first surgery no matter how little and she did baby me the whole time. It was sweet and enjoyable. Thanks, Mom.
Looking Forward
Happy, Quality, Self, what will be my word for this upcoming year? Bold was my first choice, though I don’t think it gives much context. Perseverance? I feel as though that was last year, unintentionally. Productive? Getting closer, but I think the word I’m searching for is simply…Successful.
Successful
I think this word means different things to different people. And although I do feel successful in life as a whole, I’m going to focus more on the aspect of being productive. See what I did there? Haha! I feel much more comfortable in my ability to be consistent in my work, but now I want to be bold and work each project with pure heart. I want to dive into a greater set of goals. And guess what? 2024 is the year of the Dragon. Guess who’s a Dragon? I AM! Excited for Chinese New Year, and my year to shine!
Goals?
Sure there’s a few. I want to continue my Full Illustrations that make me happy to share. I want to spend more time and intention on YouTube Videos. I even want to do themed sets of prints and stickers. I wasn’t able to be home much of this year so I couldn’t make all that I had intended. This year while I’m there and in my new office I plan on breaking through and getting those things made! It is my wish to create more and enjoy everything that I do. I’ve already been on that kind of track for the last few months, but I wish to continue it forever.
In a quick breakdown, these are my ideas and goals I wish to create even if I cannot fulfill them all:
More Tutorials, Paint/Crochet/Digital
Consistent & Better quality YouTube Videos
Review on book a month, all year.
Ebook - Crazy Cabin Cookin’
Erion Illustrations/Concept Art
Coloring Book
Themed Stationary/Mail
Helping Mom’s Class (other age appropriate work since I keep getting swindled into doing it anyways.)
Year of the Dragon (one dragon piece a month) - Good luck to me!
IF I can Stream I hope to keep it to Art & Crafts.
It’s a mighty ambitious list wouldn’t you say? Yet I can’t help myself. Again, feeling a bit bold.
