Looking back on 2024, I'm filled with gratitude for a year that wove together personal growth, deep connections, and transformative adventures. My commitment to physical wellness remained strong through consistent home workouts, gradually building strength with my trusted weights. Our garden became a source of both nourishment and joy, providing fresh greens and vegetables that made healthy eating a natural part of daily life.
The heart of this year beat strongest in moments of connection. Game nights became a cherished tradition, bringing together friends and family for laughter and play. These gatherings weren't just about rolling dice or playing cards – they were about strengthening bonds and creating memories. I also took intentional steps to rebuild and deepen relationships with family members, discovering new layers of understanding and appreciation.
Bali emerged as a soul-stirring highlight of my year. For three weeks, I immersed myself in a world where Hindu temples stood beside Buddhist sanctuaries, where jungles whispered ancient secrets, and emerald rice fields stretched to the horizon. The absence of television and modern distractions opened space for genuine connection – both with my travel companions and with myself. Evening game sessions under tropical skies, guided explorations with local friends, and moments of spiritual reflection created an experience that continues to resonate.
British Columbia offered another kind of magic with its majestic landscapes. Alongside fellow artists, I wandered through pristine forests where trees touched the clouds. The laughter echoing through those green cathedral spaces and the awe inspired by towering mountains reminded me of nature's power to bring out our most authentic selves.
Our Colorado land became a sanctuary of its own. Playing amateur lumberjack, getting to know our neighbors, and simply being present in our personal forest patch brought a different kind of fulfillment. This connection to land and community has rooted us more deeply in what matters.
Through it all, my art continued to open doors to new friendships, experiences, and opportunities to spread joy. Each show, each new acquaintance, and each journey reinforced that creativity isn't just about making art – it's about making connections that enrich our lives and the lives of others.
This year has been a masterpiece painted with broad strokes of adventure, detailed brushworks of personal growth, and the vibrant colors of meaningful relationships. It's reminded me that life's richest moments often come when we open ourselves to new experiences while staying grounded in what truly matters.
