I'm sitting at my kitchen table this morning, coffee growing cold in my blue Molokai mug sitting beside me. The rose-ringed parakeets are squabbling and squawking at the bird feeder on our back porch while a handful of feral chickens meander hopefully underneath it, anxiously waiting for some choice morsel to get tossed out for them to gobble up.

I'm sitting here letting my coffee get cold because, like many of you, I'm sure, my heart is so very heavy right now, and I just can't seem find the right words.

Except for these:

Now is the MOST important time for you to keep creating. In whatever way it is that you create.

Keep seeking out joy and beauty in this world, wherever you can find it.

Be kind and compassionate to yourself and others.

Support your local businesses and community when you're able.

Give to causes that matter to you, if you can.

And remember that it's okay if some days the only thing you accomplish is getting through it.

Keep chasing joy and gratitude. Keep creating.

Because, as Amie McNee tells us, we may think that art "merely decorates the world. But it changes it."

Actually, if you haven't seen her TEDx talk, here's the link.

She's going to tell you that you should make art especially when the world is on fire.

So whether it's crocheting or putzing in your garden or making snow angels or baking your famous apple pie for a neighbor or maybe just having a mad scribble with a pen, I hope you'll go do something creative today.

As for me, now that it's after noon, I'm going to go reheat my cold coffee before it gets so late that I have to pour it out (no caffeine after 3pm), and then I think I'll crochet a little more on this new design I'm working on. (Inspired by wild passionflower blooms.)

Take care.

-Connie

P.S. Don't forget to look for small delights, even if it's unexpected guests with fluffy yellow butts who run away as soon as you open the door to say hello.

P.P.S. I just went and counted and I have ten moonflower postcards left. If you'd like a little pop of color in your mailbox, join me on Patreon by January 31st, and I'll send one your way. I know it's a small thing, but it's my favorite way to put a little extra joy out in into the world right now.