Let's have a chat about really being present this year

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hello, dear friend ~

We are venturing bravely into this new year together, aren't we? Well, grab yourself a cup of something hot, and let's sit down for a chat!

This January, something that I have noticed repeatedly when listening to friends, reading magazines, and perusing my favorite accounts on Instagram is that we all want to slow down this year and be present.

We want to really pay attention the world around us, really BE and EXIST in it, and to do things that make us feel real and have a positive impact on others.

To that end, in 2026, I plan to invest in myself. That sounds funny to my ears. Doesn't it sound self-centered?

Have you thought the same? Do you want to learn more from, do more with, and just BE more to all those around you?

Then it's not self-centered at all!

Here are a few ways to get started on this path and add joy to your own life while positively affecting the lives of those around you:

READ

Look for opportunities to carve time out to read, even if it's a coffee table book full of photos to get lost in, or even a magazine that interests you. Of course, novels offer a chance to visit other places without leaving your home!

Currently, I am enjoying this month's selection for my book club; therefore, I'll be able to contribute to the discussion when we meet in person later this month! {My track record last year with regard to that wasn’t great — so I’m really looking forward to a lively conversation that I’ll actually be able to participate in.}

We're reading State of Wonder, a book by one of my favorite authors, Ann Patchett. You may have read it or Ann's The Dutch House, Tom Lake or Bel Canto. Set in the Amazon rainforest, it is an exciting and intriguing escape.

And, I am delighted to say that last month I savored one of the top 5 books I've ever read! I can't wait to share it with you in an upcoming email. {I'll be recommending it to my book club too.}

Are you currently reading something you recommend? Ooooh, I'd like to hear ~ hit "reply" to this email and let me know!

TAKE A CLASS

Find something you are interested in and take a class or attend a workshop to immerse yourself in it.

Yesterday, I learned more about flower arranging at Garden Club. (I am no expert, so I desperately want to get better at it!)

And, because our home was built circa 1850, it has stirred an interest in historic preservation in my heart. So a few weeks ago, I attended a training on Historic Preservation here in Thomasville.

JOIN A GROUP

Become a member of groups that focus on topics you are passionate about and align with your interests and knowledge.

It's easy to have an impact on your community when it is something close to your heart!

Because our home and our shop are located in the historic district, I've joined the boards of Thomasville Landmarks and Thomasville Main Street.

Both organizations align with what I like to think about and want to support in my daily life, so they are a joy to participate in.

NEXT STEPS

What are you interested in?

Is there an organization that could benefit from what you have to offer and would bring you joy by being part of it?

Are there classes you can take that can rekindle an interest, or even stretch you in new ways?

To help you get started, we have workshops and classes in our Atelier at The Hare & The Hart that offer a variety of topics and things to explore.

From Chalk Paint Open Studios (facilitated by yours truly), to Gelli Plate Printing and Collage Making with Liz Snowden, and of course the ever-popular Art Journaling with Suzanne Conner we are just getting started!

We would love to have you join us as you invest in yourself in 2026. Our schedule is HERE and and it's easy to sign up!

xo,