Is it just me, or has 2026 felt like both twelve months long and barely two weeks at the same time? Somehowā¦ here we are in April.
Iāve always loved this month. It feels like new beginningsā¦probably because itās also my birthday month. Someone once told me that birthdays are our own personal New Yearā¦a fresh start and a chance to reset. This year ends in a ā5ā for me and Iāve always believed the ā5sā and ā0sā deserve a little extra attentionāespecially as I get older š„³, haha. So yes, Iāll be celebrating accordingly and embracing this next year with gusto ā¤ļøāš„.
Itās also shaping up to be a busy season, with nine shows coming up between now and mid-May. The behind-the-scenes work can get intenseāprinting, packaging, schlepping, early mornings, etc.ābut I always get it done. And truly, the reward is being out there, connecting with my customers. As much work as it is, those moments continue to inspire me and are a big part of what has kept me going for 25+ years.
This month is also been a quiet reminder of just how much the people in our lives matter, from the friends and family we see often and those to those we hold close in quieter ways. Time with the people we love is something I never want to take for granted.
3 Things Iām Loving This Month š
Copper Page Nibs by Levenger
A bit random, but this purchase has brought me so much joy. Paper-thin and shaped like a pen nib āļø (IYKYK), they mark pages in my work and personal planners in the most elegant, barely-there wayā¦great for bookmarks too! A small, thoughtful delight. On sale for $15 for a box of 50!
Needlepoint (Again!)
I picked this back up last summer in Chicago after stumbling into a charming shop called Third Coast Stitches. It brought back memories of my momās beautiful workāpillows, dolls, and ornaments I still treasure. Iām slowly working on a Christmas tree canvas with hopes of turning it into an ornamentā¦and maybe starting a tradition for my own kids. Stay tuned (I hope!).
Fresh FlowersāJust Because
Nothing fancy, but I love picking up a simple mix of flowers (Trader Joeās, of course!!) and putting them in a favorite vase. Itās such an easy way to brighten a space (and my mood), especially during busy weeks.
As we step into this new month (and for me, a new year), Iām reminded how much the little things matterāthe connections, the traditions, the everyday moments that make us who we are.
Maybe April is a good excuse to reach out to someone youāve been thinking aboutā¦a quick note, a simple hello, a small reminder that they matter. I challenge you to write a note to someone special this week š š!
With Love and Ink šā¦