OK, seriously, how is this year almost over already???? I've been joking with some friends that since April, I've either been traveling internationally, deathly ill, or deathly ill WHILE traveling internationally. This year, y'all.....! I feel like it was a good four months shorter than I'd planned for. I was kind of floundering with that thought for a while, but I've been able to put that behind me and instead I'm focusing on being super, SUPER excited for what next year is going to bring. I have seasonal ceramic plans. I have new ceramic plans. I'm breaking down and taking a class on video, since I struggle with that a lot. I have lots of laser engraving plans! And I chatted with a friend this last weekend and am making a plan (with his help) to make a new anvil stand, so I can get back to blacksmithing. 2025 is going to be an amazing year!
But meanwhile, what's going on in the here and now???
Honestly, not too much other than recovery from GLAM this week. Not just resting when I need to rest, but I have a handful of appointments in Gainesville that folks wanted me to make last week as soon as I got back from my travels, but that I put off until after GLAM. So I'm only in the studio about half the time this week that I'd like.
In ceramics, I'm unpacking from GLAM and making two piles; stuff that was new for GLAM that I'm going to put up online (like the mushrooms), and stuff that didn't sell that I'm going to reevaluate and mark down for in-person sales (an Open House or two next year, anyone?). And I'm getting my hands in the tiniest bit of clay and making some things!
In soap, I have bars to wrap, and as soon as I get them done I'll have a soap update!
In laser cutting/engraving, i did order that larger unit on their Black Friday sale, but I haven't had time to set it up yet. I'm definitely going to have to move a few things around in my studio because it's HUGE!
In Patreon, by Saturday I will mail out both the yarn and the postcards - and I need to draw up my plans for yarn club next year! I'm thinking of building it around my travels this year, but I'm on the fence between one year with inspiration from all three countries, or diving in fully and making a three-year plan, one year per country.... I'd best decide soon!
Behind the scenes, I'm enjoying what is practically a new house. The guys got all the carpet torn up and all the wood flooring put down while I was in England, both showers and one tub replaced, and overall it just feels like a completely different house. I really just want to rearrange furniture and organize things!
In HaldePets, the dogs have been Velcro Girls ever since I got back. They do not want me to leave for any reason.... Honey Butter even hopped in the car when I was unloading from GLAM on Monday and wouldn't get out, just in case I thought I was going somewhere....!
I haven't had time/energy/ability to concentrate to start reading anything new this last week, but I have been listening to a couple of new-to-me podcasts; Morbid, and Conspiracy, She Wrote. Morbid is a true crime, creepy history and all things spooky podcast hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist... and Conspiracy, She Wrote is hosted by someone who's other podcast, Unladylike, I've listened to for a while. This new, second podcast of hers focuses on breaking down conspiracy theories about women, mostly in pop culture and politics.
So, that's me this week. What about y'all? What are you working on? Do you celebrate the holidays? What are your plans? Are you ready? What are you reading, watching, making? Tell me what you're up to, friends!