Art & Life Lately

90 Days Focus over New Year's Resolutions, Goals & Words

Hey there!

I hope 2025 has been good to you so far! Did you make a resolution? Or choose a word of the year? Those practices may be so very helpful, and I’ve participated in the past. I have done neither for 2025, however. But I am trying something new (to me). That is, simply looking at the year in 90-day blocks and planning what I'd like to focus on in that time frame. It's more of a focus over goals orientation. For example, in the first 90 days, one of the things I want to focus on is more museum visits. In March, we are going to the Tampa Museum of Art. Art exhibits are a source of inspiration to me. So are botanical gardens and a visit to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota (Florida), is on schedule for April, though that is in the second 90-day block. My encouragement for you (if you need some) is to think about what places inspire you and plan an upcoming field trip. Inspiration is something that fills my cup and with all of the negativity we face on a near daily basis, who doesn’t need their cup filled with truth, beauty and inspiration.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

Philippians 4:8 NKJV

Below are three things that have filled my cup, lately.

In December, my husband and I went to the Museum of Fine Art in St. Pete to see the Audubon exhibit. Some of you will know my primary subject for painting, especially watercolor, is birds. Birds and florals are probably a tie. If all I could ever paint or draw for the rest of my life were limited to two things, it would be birds and flowers. So, to go to the exhibit was a treat!

From the Audubon exhibit

Quite literally filling my cup is this new tea my daughter gave me. I like my coffee in the mornings but lately, hot herbal tea or this tea, iced, have been on repeat throughout the day. It’s felt very cozy this time of year to sit, unhurried, with a cup of hot tea. Sometimes, I journal. Sometimes I just sit. And stare. Haha.

I highly recommend this specific tea! Delicious!

The church we attend has just begun a Sunday sermon series on the book of James which begins with this well-known passage.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

James 1:2-4 NKJV

my notes from Sunday

One of the things that really struck me from the sermon was the pastor explaining that the word “count” in the phrase “count it all joy” is not an emotional reaction because “counting has nothing to do with feelings.” Honestly, if that is all I heard Sunday, it would have been enough! Another thing that really resonated was this quote he shared from Mike Tyson.

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” - Mike Tyson

I am a witness to that. Aren’t we all? But time and again, God has prepared me for the storms. I “count” it to be His kindness to me to give me an inner head’s up that dark clouds are approaching. Even though when the “punch lands,” the pain is almost too much to bear, yet He has always sustained me, and I know He always will. I am not alone—even if I feel like it—for I am in Christ and on Christ the solid rock, I stand.

I started this with a first 90-days focus (more museum visits), and I’ll end with another. I’ve not been as consistent as I’d like in making art. We did have two hurricanes followed by the holidays, plus some health-related things I chose to prioritize, so I’ll give myself grace. However, getting back to making art on a more consistent basis is another 90-days focus.

first art made of 2025 - trying out a new sketchbook with a watercolor bird inspired by Audubon - P.S. This sketchbook will be reserved for dry media, as you can see it is not watercolor paper. It was a lovely Christmas gift and the cover is delightful!

Friends, that’s all for now. I truly do hope to be more consistent sharing “happy-mail” with you. I know you are not holding your breath for it, but sitting down and putting some thoughts together, sharing art and other things helps me. It’s good for my health and my creativity. I do hope you find a bit of value in the reading!

Until next time, I remain Creatively Yours,

Melanie

“And if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

James 1:5 NKJV