A Silly Little Ritual
What it takes to feel rested. Also: recommendations, links, and more to kick start your year.
Over the last week, I keep starting to write this newsletter, and then find myself with a case of writers block. Little glimmers of ideas sparkle when I’m doing other things: showering, making dinner, paying for groceries; but when I sit down to flesh them out- nothing.
There isn’t really anything to be said this time of year that doesn’t feel cliche. And while I don’t believe in “new year, new you” (we’re ever shifting humans who stumble forwards, and fall back, to our own rhythm), I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I too have my own new years rituals. In fact, I actually love the time between Christmas and New Years.
This year, like the previous two years, I went to my favourite place with some of my favourite people (my partner, my sister and her family, and a friend).
For 8 days, I got to wake up to the pitter patter of tiny footsteps on the stairs, swim in the ice cold pacific, run shrieking around a house with two small humans playing freeze tag, and watch movies late into the night. It is one of the only times where it feels like a real vacation. No agenda, no “must see”, or “must do”- and thus, no guilt around “missing out”.
And over 8 days, I could feel my shoulders softening, my breath lengthening, my body unwinding. I would say 80% of the “vacation-good-times-vibe” is due to being unplugged in a beautiful setting with zero expectations. 10% lies in communal care.
My sister and I share a lot in common. Anticipating needs, apparently, is one of them. It was a relief to not be the only one tidying up stray cups or emptying the dishwasher every day (and not have to ask anyone to do it either). It felt supportive to have someone pre-boil extra water in the morning because she knew we both like our morning hot drinks. There is a magic that occurs when everyone gives a little bit of time and a little bit of consideration. It costs almost nothing and yet the returns are exponential.
As for the other 10%? Another thing my sister and I share is that we are both sticklers for a clean home. We unanimously decided to let little dust bunnies collect in the corner. We let the oil spatter while we were cooking. No coaster? No problem!
It. Was. Liberating.
And somewhere in the week- between the surfing and the crafting- I sat down to look back on my year. I flipped through my daily doodles and my monthly reflections to eke out the important lessons. I picked a word for 2024. I set a vision, then intentions, then tangible goals, neatly breaking them down into monthly action items as I filled in my agenda for the year.
I know. I’m a total cliche ,and it’s probably uncool to be so earnest, and it’s giving 2016 yoga retreat energy, but I don’t care. It is particular and comforting- like some semblance of control in an unpredictable world. My silly little ritual on this tiny spinning planet.
Here’s a peek at what is coming up in The Picture Patch:
A poll on what resources you’d like me to create this year
Some insight into my goals for the year
Printable Valentines Cards❣️
Plus the usual:
Download files for some new artwork
A bonus Soft Sunday comic
The latest sketchbook walkthrough
Want access to the items mentioned above? You can join for as little as $3/ month below.
I have a video coming next week that will break down my aforementioned silly little ritual.
For now, please consider giving your gal a follow (like/ subscribe/ etc) 🤗 . I’m trying to break free from relying on one corporate overlord for all my socials and would, as always, appreciate any support.
I’m still working diligently on the Sketchbook Challenge and I feel like I’ve gotten into a really good groove/ it’s firmly become a part of my morning routine. This past month, I played around with using only one material (oil pastel/ chalk pastel/ charcoal/ ink— in order of appearance) and there was a lot of ornament-drawing since they were an easy still life to focus on.
This drawing was a bit of a turning point for me. Before going on the trip, I stopped by Urban Source to pick up a small bag of assorted random craft materials and there was a lot of gold foil/ sparkly paper and cellophane. This image of my sleepy niece wearing my pink jacket and a new years headband felt like a perfect opportunity to play with materials.
While I don’t loveee the face I drew here- something about teeth in illustrations creeps me out but I felt it important to denote that she’s in her “missing teeth” phase- I DO love the slouchiness of the sweatsuit. The angle of her turning away is also something I don’t explore often so it was fun to try!
Andd this one is definitely not my favourite BUT it was the moment I learned that now, on the other side of 30, I officially get car sick. 😭😭😭 (A bit of a shock for the person who used to read for hours on family road trips.)
Lastly, there are two pieces I loved so much from the sketchbook, I’ll be turning them into downloadable prints later this month (sneak peek above). If you’re in The Picture Patch, you’ll automatically get them! Otherwise, stay tuned here and I’ll share when they’re ready to go.
Not sketchbook related but every December I start felting again and this year I turned this cute lil guy into an ornament gift. Maybe I’ll keep up my fabric arts practice throughout the rest of the year? 🤷🏻♀️
So I’m still making my way through The Guest Cat but managed to read The Guest over the holiday break. It’s exactly as gripping as everyone says and who doesn’t love a scam-the-rich story?
As for picture books, I picked up Once Upon a Fairytale before the trip and it was a total hit with my nieces. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure book where the reader gets to be the hero in charge. They also thought Whose Poo was hilarious (as did I).
My partner got me hooked on the Search Engine podcast by playing the episode about whether or not airplane water is safe to drink (!!) I’ve also started listening to Ghost Story after seeing it on this list of top podcasts of 2023.
Everyone’s talking about Saltburn and it was honestly one of my favourite movies of the year just because of how outrageous it is. If you haven’t watched it yet, I’d recommend doing what I did by going in to it with zero knowledge. It’s quite the ride (and so aesthetic!)
Before the holidays, I binged Fisk which was a really nice, light, comedy. Think: Kim’s Convenience but instead of a corner store, it’s a suburban legal firm specializing in probate and wills. I can’t usually get into TV shows because they take over my life but Fisk was one of those where you can pop it on for a breezy 20 minutes while you’re waiting for dinner to cook.
Just sharing some articles, links and other things on the internet that I found interesting or delightful.
A friend has created this excellent resource/ crowd-sourced website highlighting all of the places with change tables in Vancouver. Parents rejoice!
I haven’t hit “go” on this yet but I so want to. I’m trying to be more creative with my closet and a friend who is a stylist shared this resource with me.
Love the idea of a collaboration cookbook. Everything from How to start a choir to How to get to know your neighbours.
I have been ON THE EGE OF MY SEAT every Friday, waiting for the latest Ann Friedman newsletter to drop. She’s writing a 10 part essay about a woman who has always “not wanted kids” but, at the age of 40+, finds herself pregnant. Pstt the woman is her.
I’ve been really into the Culture Study podcast and enjoyed this episode on Paw Patrol. As a non-parent right now, I have no skin in the game but still found the conversation interesting!
This reminder of right time, ripe time.
This isn’t quite in my budget right now but maybe it’s in yours. An animated umbrella!