I am not a resolution kind of gal, never have been.  However, I am a list maker, it’s the truth.  This is one way I nurture my soul. Life is hard enough, I don’t need the pressure of not being successful too. One way I combat this idea of not living up to some expectation I have set for myself is to well, make a list. For whatever reason, this is reasonable to me. I know sounds a bit hokey but it takes the pressure off and I meet mini resolutions all the time instead. So this year I plan on spending my time in three ways: creating beauty, listening to beauty, and recognizing the beauty already around me.

Years ago I created a series of classes called Making Lessons~The Art of Making Meaningful Things. These were classes for adults and kids they were simple and a way to make a connection for a couple of hours on a winter’s evening. I love this tag line. I really enjoy making things that are meaningful to me. This year I will be practicing the Art of Making Meaningful Things.

Creating Beauty ~ The Art of Making Meaningful Things

During the cold months to come, I plan to create handwritten letters and send them to my pen pals. Need some letter inspiration check out these curated websites: The Postman Knock thepostmanknock.com. If I were to get a subscription this one is high on my list history and letters be still my heart! Historic Mail historicmail.com. Here is a couple of sites for letter writing The Lost Art of Letter Writing~blog post, Free Pen Pal Resources. And if you know me I can’t resist a book about the subject either To the Letter A Celebration of the Lost Art of Letter Writing The Jolly Postman.

I will grow some beauty indoors this winter too. I look forward to planting some narcissus and terrariums. I have already gathered up some second-hand glass containers and repurposed materials and have them ready to go and I have checked out a couple of books on the subject too. If this sounds wonderful check out these sites for inspiration Terrarium supplies, How to Make a Terrarium, Bulbs and seeds I want to create some beauty for my home and make some rope baskets like these Crochet Basket 1 and Crochet Basket 2 and finish off some crochet and sewing projects, too.

Listening to Beauty ~The Art of Connection

I sometimes feel I don’t do this as well as I should so I am going to be more intentional. I am going to listen and connect with my students. I am going to listen and connect better with my spouse. I am going to listen to music more too!

Recognizing Beauty~ The Art of Seeing

This one involves rediscovering my home and what I really love about it. Getting out into the forest to see the beauty of nature (one of my favorites!) and seeing beauty in the everyday people and places around me. Also, recognizing beauty in the Word of God and creating this beauty in my Bible.

Are you in need of some soul-nurturing in 2021? I've got an idea! Make beautiful things that are meaningful.

Can't wait to get gesso on my hands with you in the New Year! ~Heather