“The best is yet to come.”

Frank Sinatra

This year is coming to a close today. As I sit and reflect on the moments of 2020, so much of it feels like a dream. I guess it is the “unrealness” of so many changes to our lives this year that makes it seem that way. In some ways, as an artist, for me 2020 was a gift. The ability to dig in and focus, as the distractions of life fell away, helped me to find clarity in my thoughts and the path that I wanted to take with my painting. It came with such a cost, though. We, as individuals and as a world, lost so much… so many lives lost, so many financial worries, so much precious time lost with loved ones, so many dreams that never materialized.

I feel almost nervous to get excited by the new year ahead. Trepidation. But life is not meant to be lived that way. It’s meant to be lived wide open and optimistically. All in. It’s time to appreciate the lessons learned this year, and embrace the year ahead. My dad always said that life is for living… not watching.

So here is to 2021! May we find love and joy. May justice prevail for all people. May we find common ground and tolerance for those that do not share our beliefs. May we give each day everything we have and not be afraid to take chances and learn new things. But most of all, may we find peace. Peace in the big and small moments of life. Peace in being uncomfortable. Peace in our souls. Happy New Year!