2025 passed me by in a blur and a breeze. So much happened which kept me from posting. I will briefly go over some of the moments that shaped my days and shifted my focus., not necessarily in the order they happened.

I lost two dear friends close to my heart, along with my cuddle-bug rescue dog, Banjo, who was my companion for eleven wonderful years. Then I ALMOST lost my little brother, who is on the spectrum. He was found just in time from a diabetic coma—we had no idea he was diabetic. For him to be here is a miracle, considering he lay unconscious for twenty hours before being found. Seeing how far my brother has come on his healing journey is truly remarkable. He has taught me many lessons about strength and resilience. He’s a hero to me.

Thankfully, the year also held some lighter moments. I was able to go on a few trips, one of them being an art assemblage workshop hosted by Michael DeMeng in Oaxaca, Mexico. The days were spent among talented artists, on excursions to museums, churches, and the pyramids of Monte Albán, and enjoying the region’s incredible food—including a taste of crickets. Other travels included a short trip to Vegas to relive my very first concert—Donny Osmond—and a tour through New England, where the fall foliage was nothing like I’ve seen in Arizona. My dad always told me, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, with his words ringing in my ears I had to taste the lobster ice cream. t sounds awful but was unexpectedly tasty—worth finishing.

The year was also hi-lighted by a long-awaited visit from my friend David Caspar who lives in Germany. The visit was way too short, but the years and distance between us always seem to disappear. David went home with my art journal, a work that took decades to complete through life’s many shifts. I couldn’t imagine gifting this reflection of my artistic progression to anyone else.  

Between life’s highs and lows, I found time to create art—some as memorials, others simply for play, plus I discovered the energizing spirit of drum circles.