It’s a new year, as you’ve likely noticed. Here’s an arty shot from a past January, while David and I were on our year of adventure.

It’s likely a sunset, since that’s when we usually walked the beach, but it looks a bit like a sunrise, so use your imagination. I’m trying to give you a visual metaphor of NEW.

Speaking of which, I’ve already started new classes, with more to come. So much to look forward to. In the process, I’m trying to embrace the AND of life. In one of my poetry classes the teacher reminds us periodically  to acknowledge the existence of despair AND delight, like Ross Gay in his two books of delights that aren’t actually all about delight.  Grief AND joy. Differences of opinion AND unity in the things that matter most.

Last Saturday I drove down to Denver on a dreary icy day–I know, sounds terrible so far–but it was to see the Camille Pissarro exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. A cold gray day AND beautiful art.

It was absolutely beautiful and I loved it. Completely worth braving I-25. Besides the glorious exhibit, people were kind and considerate of others trying to see the art. Yay.

And up close:

Pissarro’s art reminds me of how lights and darks together are more interesting than either alone, how complementary colors–those on opposite sides of the color wheel, like red/green, blue/orange, yellow/purple–when used side by side, make each other appear brighter, more vibrant.

And up close:

I took my time studying his brush strokes, color placement, color choices, subject matter, even the fact that in the midst of all this beauty, there was rarely a sky without clouds. Can’t wait to experiment a bit myself. I haven’t yet tried painting Monet’s Japanese Garden in Giverny that I visited in 2019, but why not? I’m feeling inspired.

Wishing you all the best in 2026. Praying for you unquenchable joy to ease the hard parts. Grace and peace to you and yours!