Yes, indeed we made it through the holidays in one piece. I must say with all the prep, packing, driving, meeting friends and family, the hugs, the laughter, and the fun it was all worth it. Even in some cases the time was limited but you got to hear their voices and hear their stories. It is all about the stories and experiences – good, bad or indifferent. Hopefully you had a little time to reflect and ponder things in your life and establish maybe a new track or direction in the coming year.
If you are still thinking about your resolutions for 2025 try what Julia Rothman, an illustrator, does as mentioned in a Wendy Macnaughton article More or Less.
Two ways to show your resolutions for the year. Make it easy.
Food
Landgraf Farms is a 75-year-old pecan farm and orchard in Madill, Oklahoma and only opened November – December. Was gifted some pecans from the farm and tried their Olive Rosemary Dijon Mustard. It appears you can mail order but might have to wait until next November. Wonderful products.
Artist resource
Wendy Macnaughton in Paris art store
Read Wendy ‘Dispatch from Paris’ Art Stores’ story where she gives the history of a couple of art stores and her experience of her purchases. She would have bought more but the staff broke for lunch and the store was closed mid-day. And yes, a delightful recount of her time at a pastel store that sells each handmade stick of pastel starting at $20 each.
Home Design
Intrigued with this short video that shows the history of the mansion and projections into the future.
Witness the remarkable transformation of mansion architecture from 1500 to 2100 through the power of AI! This reel, by @multiverso.ai, explores how design has changed across the centuries. Which era is your favorite?
Gadgets
This mini printer was recently ordered and I have really enjoyed discovering what all it can do. Phomemo M02 Mini Printer- Inkless Bluetooth Thermal Pocket Note Printer for Work List, Study Notes, Photo Printing, Home Organization, Gift, and Receipts. I have been using it with my sketchbook. Give it a try. It has a peel off back to apply where you need it.
Friends
The newsletter is a little shorter this week as I learned yesterday (1.2.2025) that the Executive Director of the Rockport Art Center submitted his resignation to me, the new incoming board president. What a way to start the year. Hard to accept the resignation of a key figure at the art center, this city and on a state level as well. Even though we have him to the end of May/November I must say replacing such a pivotal person will be an extremely hard task. Still in shock, however we all knew this day would come sooner than later. Luis Puron has been a dear friend here in Rockport that introduced me to numerous incredible people and that I am forever grateful for. He will be missed by many but has taken the art center to new heights and we as an organization need to continue his legacy. The link below is the announcement that went national yesterday. You will see the contributions that he made and put in place. We wish him well going forward and we will continue the legacy he established. But now we have numerous projects to complete and two more Paella dinners to make! Luis, I am not done with you yet – I mean it. Get to work Cinderella!
RCA Executive Director Luis Puron to Step Down After Decade of Leadership
From one of last paella cooking classes at the center.
We now do the experience in the home of the winning bidder.
Will miss my buddy!
Happy New Year!
Happy new year Lucy! You and that Paella look fabulous!