Looks like my cousin Kim has created a nice “constellation” of textured wall discs in her dining room. Different sizes & different textures all coming together into one art installation. Thanks for sharing Kim!

The new session of pottery classes has begun… and so have the class treats!!! And sure, Christmas might have past, but we can still celebrate with green & red OREOs!!! Which we all enjoyed tonight!!!

During these dreary winter days of the New Year… a little pop of floral color can help brighten the day! Even if it’s just a couple blooms in a couple cutie-patootie bud vases! Thanks for sharing your cheery collection Tiffany!

And part of the painting party was Merryn painting another mug. So fun to watch her process from “sketching it in” with sepia tones, and then adding color… then finishing with highlight details! Looks GREAT!!!… as does her hubby Will showing off another masterpiece!

Perfect for another Mugshot Monday!!!

What better way to celebrate New Year’s Day than a little painting party with a bunch of little painters!!! Each creating their own masterpiece. Including Kieran who was working on painting one of my holiday mugs!

Kickin’ it off with my first Mugshot Monday of the NEW YEAR!!!
All the way from Nova Scotia where this one landed to live with the rest of Shannon’s mug collection! Looking great out in the Canadian Wilderness!

Starting the week off right. My first sunrise of the New Year!
The long holiday break was nice… but it also feels good to be “easing” back into the routine!

More fun at ILLINOIS BEACH STATE PARK… with more folks out hiking & hunting! Another great note from a fortune finder!!!

From Stacy – “Out walking today with my hubby and I told him about this. I found one right at the beginning of our hike! We love going to the beach trails at any time of year but it’s just so magical in the winter. Your adorable and beautiful fortune cookies was the cherry on top of our whole day! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. Have a wonderful 2026!!”

Another fortune cookie claimed… with a great story that came with the photos!!!

“Not that I’m competitive, but when the ceramic fortune cookies scavenger hunt rules state that you take one/person to keep it fair, well – I couldn’t let my husband find one yesterday and not me. (Could I??… Correct answer is no… HA)”

“Back to IBSP today. Another 5.5 miles on different trails. Ta Da! Success!!! Actually found 3, but since we play fair, only took 1. So, locals, there’s more out there to be found. Thanks for another fun day at IBSP!”

Enjoying some leftover Christmas candy today! Minty fun while trying to pack away my Christmas decorations. Good thing they melt in your mouth, not in your hands!