Sunday, December 30, 2018

December

December has been...chaotic, for the most part snowless, frustrating and sometimes overwhelming. Yet in the quite moments there has also been great joy.


We brought Atticus home on December 2. He has added to the house some of that chaos, frustration, and also great joy. I haven't threatened to send him back to the breeder this week, so things must be looking up. Somebody we met recently summed it up best, "You are training a puppy, but you are also retraining yourselves."


The mostly snowless December has been great when you have to bring a puppy outside every 15 minutes to go to the bathroom. Not so great because the snow would cover up the acorns he gets distracted trying to eat and forgets to go to the bathroom. Then 15 minutes later we are back outside to do it all over again.

We didn't put our tree up until the Friday before Christmas due to a curious puppy, and it is down already, even though he did learn to leave it alone. The bows on the Christmas presents never lost their appeal though.


Atticus loves the beach! Hallelujah! I know I have the right dog. December has had a fair amount of 40 degree days and a little sunshine, perfect for digging in the sand and running up and down the little sand dunes. One sunny, 45 degree afternoon when we were there, there was a boat cruising the channel, the stereo system blasting Oh Holy Night and Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow. I felt like I was in some weird time warp.

Somehow I got everything done in time for Christmas; the presents bought and wrapped, the food bought and prepared, the house cleaned, the traditional sugar cookies cut out and decorated, the family party hosted and cleaned up. I'm glad it's over though.

I got an Instant Pot for Christmas, I am excited to try it out. Mallory surprised me with a month of unlimited yoga classes for both of us. I can't wait!


We had a mini-reunion of the boys from Atticus's litter along with their mom. The boys all live in the area so it will be fun to have play dates every now and again.

I committed to doing the online Summer Studio video lesson on Art Journaling for Dirty Footprints Studio.

I am looking forward with anticipation to 2019...


Watching Atticus grow up. Hard to believe he will be 12 weeks already on Monday.

I am entering 1-3 collaged postcards in a Postcard Salon exhibition at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Deadline is January 13. I have one almost done.


On January 2, I will begin the steps necessary to start my long dreamed of art business. I am applying for a LLC, setting up a bank account and getting a business credit card and all the other things that come with starting a business. I have a friend that will be doing a logo and branding for me. I need a head shot done for my website and for Dirty Footprints Studio, so I will be seeking somebody to do that. I plan to open an Etsy shop once I have some art ready to post. The art most likely will be a combination of collage and my photography, similar to the postcards I am making for the exhibition.

I have no idea where any of this is going to go, but I am buckling up for the ride and trusting the journey on the twisting road before me.




12 comments:

Sandra said...

Atticus is beautiful. You have many shared years of loving fun in store for you. I like the family photo in your first shot!
Happy New Year, Sarah!

Ryoma Sakamoto.Japan said...

Good evening! !
It is 9:30 PM on 30th Japan time now.
It is the custom of Japan's year end.
In the year end, we say “Yoi otoshi wo” to each other wishing for the coming
year to be pleasurable.
The New Year season is the most significant season for the Japanese.
All the Christmas décor is switched to the New Year’s in a blink.
Major New Year icons are the pine tree, bamboo, plums and so on. All of them are symbols of good fortune and longevity.

Jeanne said...

How awesome that you are starting your art business. Such fun with Atticus... and it is good you have not yet threatened to send him back. I thought very seriously of giving Dillon to my daughter and her family during the first month or so we had him, but am so grateful that i hung in there... Love your shots and your post, and will look forward to more posts.

Ellen said...

2019 sounds exciting! Congratulations on starting your new business! Looking forward to watching your joy and success while you live what you love!!

Carol said...

How exciting! Best of luck in all your new adventures, it don’t stop writing to us!

Carola Bartz said...

Good luck with your business! I have a feeling that it will be successful and you will enjoy it. It's pretty exciting, and I wish you all the best for it.

Ahayes1225 said...

Hello my friend, sounds like you have a wonderful year coming up. I have had quite a few changes also... we need to catch up soon. Happy New Year.

Electric | Journal said...

You've been busy! Congratulations on setting your feet firmly on your new path, with a new puppy in tow. Here's to a great new year!

Cathy H. said...

Congratulations on your new business! I'm wishing you the best! I love how you challenge yourself! Atticus is such a cutie!

Karen Lakis said...

Oh - I love the family photo! I forget how much work puppies can be. Chessie was 4-months when we got her, so I we managed to avoid the house training part. But I do remember wondering if we'd ever have any quiet time to just sit down. Fortunately it came more quickly than I anticipated. I'm excited for you and your new business! I love the way your Dear Jane project came out. Mine is kind of a hot mess - lol... Way too busy for my taste, with too much going on - BUT - I do feel very connected to it, and since this is for a journal and not a gallery, I'll call it okay. I'm not quite done, yet, but have put it away until I'm able to get the pen I need to finish.
I'm going to be very excited to follow along on your twisty journey! Happy new year!

Jill said...

Wow, new art business! Yay for you! I've had one in my mind for years, but the focus for it hasn't come yet and maybe it never will, who knows? But I'm happy for you and you are submitting to a museum too?! SO EXCITING!! Congratulations on all of it!! and Happy New Year!

Michelle B said...

I am glad Atticus loves the beach! I'm sure he makes a great photography buddy, and so photogenic. :) It is very hard to train a puppy. It will be worth it, hang in there. I have had on my bucket list 'open Etsy shop' for ages. I was thinking of doing digital prints so there wouldn't be any packing up and mailing things. Will you be having prints or digital downloads? Good luck on the exhibition!