End of year reflection

Even as I type the words "end of year", it is hard to comprehend that it is that time of year.  This year has gone quickly and been full of ups and downs (as years tend to).

This year has been full of adjustments. Some big life changes happened late in 2024 - getting married, moving, blending families, etc. With all of that, 2025 has been the year of adjusting to that newness. Sometimes I have to remind myself that there is new and just how much change/adjustments there has been. Cause...I'll be honest...this hasn't been the easiest year. There has been a lot of adjustments, relationship navigations, and such. 

My word for this last year was "grace". As I've reflected throughout the year, this word has challenged me potentially more than any one word that I've chosen. I've honestly felt that I've failed more often than not, but maybe the "word awareness" and effort has played a part in it, maybe it has been circumstances...all that to say that I also have to give myself grace for the grace efforts. One thing for sure is grace is a learning process!

This year brought writing and a love for creating "Oscar Books". I now have six of those books written! I've sold 25 books - several to a very supportive friend. I put my books "out there" in two local stores, and attended my first "book event". 

Over the year....
I turned the big "5-0" and celebrated with two other family members with the same monument.
My youngest started college! My oldest moved a little closer and back to the KS side.
We celebrated our 1st Anniversary with a trip to Missouri.
There were connections to resources made that have been lifelines. 
Closer relationships with some and stepping back from others. 
And I might just say...the shaping of a "new" me as the fog of change/transition begins to lift. 

What is coming in 2026?
Dandelion Designs will be coming back as Dandelions & Daisies! My daughter, my friend and I will be starting up a booth with arts, antiques, etc. I'm excited to have this adventure again! You will be able to find us at Craftee Crafters Craft Mall  in Topeka - we will be booth #107 (starting Jan 11). Look for a Facebook page for Dandelions & Daisies coming soon!

More Oscar? I'd think so! My goal would be to participate in some book pop-ups or vender/craft type events and write a few more. I also plan to combine some stories into a chapter book that would be a hardback option. 

I will celebrate being at my company for 5 years in June! I'm very thankful for my colleagues, the ability to work from home/anywhere and the flexibility of the position. 

And coming soon... a new word for the year!