And somehow it’s almost the end of January. Hello 2025, Hello Substack!
How is it even possible for one month to last soooo long, but simultaneously vanish in a fog of germs, chocolate overindulgence, and a flimsy tower of receipts? I don’t know, but here we are with just a handful of days of this frankly awful month to go.
With the tax stuff out of the way I’ve finally had a chance to sit down and think about what I really want for this year. I’m using a new Christmas present diary for lists and planning because without fail I only manage to fill proper diaries for the first six weeks, and feel sorry for all the sad empty pages from the middle of February onwards (also, I mainly use an online calendar for important dates and reminders now.) The first couple of pages were devoted to what I want more of and less of. The later is just a bit too depressing to share but here’s an edited selection of my more page:
MORE
Drawing, painting, mending, living within my means, early nights and early mornings, reading books, planning, living intentionally, keeping on top of paperwork, budgeting, finishing craft projects, exploring new places, appreciating the familiar, walking, being curious, asking questions, playing with cats, writing it down, newsletters, sending cards and letters, Substack, Bluesky, using what I already have, home cooking, making clothes, selling and decluttering unused possessions, fresh air, collaboration, championing art and artists, taking action, self-expression, mindfulness, radio and records, keeping things analogue, weight training, supporting local enterprises, deeper communication, prioritising real life friendships.
Nothing too much to ask for there, just a basic foundation. Will I stick to it…? Who knows, but writing it out seems like a good way to remember what I appreciate in life.
With these intentions in mind I’ve picked 10 reminders and written them inside the cover of my book of lists (above). Looks like I’ve already failed at ‘be mindful’. Thankfully, perfection isn’t something I aspire to ;-)
There’s no new painting happening yet, but I’m getting back on track. The scrappy, vintage fabric patchwork I started years ago is growing and if I add a little more each week it won’t take long to finish - I’m so determined to get it finished! I’ve also resumed making daily sketches. It doesn’t really matter what they’re of, these quick observational drawings are great for improving hand eye coordination. I’m thinking of making February a month devoted to drawing. It’s another foundation, which can underpin any area of visual art, so I’d like to push myself to explore drawing to a greater degree.
RIP David Lynch
And finally, this clip of David Lynch mending his trousers is probably the most wholesome thing I saw online last week. It’s either genius or completely crackers, but either way I wish I could thank David Lynch for giving me something to genuinely laugh about in a week when news has been almost too unbearable to watch.
Thank you dear readers, new and old!
Wishing you a happy and creative 2025.
What does 'be plaf' mean?! 😀
Thanks Julie, I could have written this with regards to how I feel about January and sad, abandoned diaries. It's like you're in my mind! I particularly like your description of 'a flimsy tower of receipts'. Brilliant. I'm about to look at intentions in a bid to gain control of my mental health. Good luck!