January 2024

“Rabbit, Rabbit,” friends.

I’m borrowing that little chant to invite good luck into our new year. And what a new year! I’m mulling over the new focus I set for myself in the studio and over plans for my garden this upcoming spring.

The recent snow proved, with tracks and droppings galore, that the rabbits are in my side-yard, awaiting gardening season, just like me. Those rabbits aren’t going anywhere. They are an ever-present metaphor. Each year we shift our gardening approach to defend against them: we chose different crops and added a scraggly fence. Similarly, I face the same challenges in my creative life year after year. I have an ache to make things and ambitious plans to do so. I wobble as I attempt to balance all my responsibilities, shifting tactics, building routines and trying again.

I am noticing a new benefit in trying again over and over. Reflecting on the cycle of year after year, I’m paying a little more attention to winter, and lifting my head to see my surroundings and opportunities. Slowness and attention seem to be offering gifts in return. My imagination is getting wilder, I’m giving myself a little more grace. I’m so excited to paint and garden this year.

I am sending you “Red Noodle” pole bean seeds for your garden, and a print entitled “I ate your pole beans.” this month.

Happiest New Year to you all, dear friends. I hope you enjoy the mail.

-Liz