Unboxing the Year (#141)
What fills your creative cup? A look at what filled mine in 2024.
The theme of 2023 was a series of painful but necessary changes.
As I’ve been reflecting back on 2024, though, it doesn’t feel like there’s a singular clear theme.
What I have noticed is that, amidst the (less) painful but (still) necessary changes (e.g., the beginning and the end that comes with moving), I found myself gravitating to others’ creative outflows to fill my cup. This wasn’t just overcoming blocks in sharing my own ideas, but a deep-seated need to surround myself with the warmth of others’ light. And the need continued to grow as the year progressed.
So today, on Boxing Day, it only made sense to me, then, that I unbox some of these “candles in the dark” with you. Please settle in around the Campfire with me (ideally, with a cozy blanket and beverage) and enjoy my little selection box for you.
Read.
- creates a map from feeling.
Danielle wrote an incredible poem called “If Adam Picked the Apple”.
- shares the deliciousness of a scoop (or two) of ice cream.
- asks us to consider the importance of finding quiet as artists.
Anthony published an intimate piece of Biblical fiction (which I reviewed here).
- published science fiction rooted in beautiful humanity (which I reviewed here).
- considers the meaning of words in our artwork.
Seen.
- creates an illustrated panoramic book of a crow’s nest.
- gives sneak peeks at her WIP of embroidered ME symptoms.
Dr. Laci Brock makes beautifully hand painted planet ornaments.
- takes emotional portraits of his life with a chronic illness.
Amy paints and hand-glazes celestial pottery. (I bought one and it’s just as stunning in person.)
Claire illustrates the most delightful animals, including puffins!
Heard.
These new takes on Beethoven, Metallica, and country.
What did I miss? What has filled, or continues to fill, your creative cup?
After reflecting on all the beautiful art around me - and more importantly, the folks who I’ve met as they share their art - it occurred to me that I wanted to set an intentional theme for 2025. Specifically, I wanted to set this thread of meaning-making though purposeful creative connection, as the anchor for the coming year.
Making space for mindful creativity.
With that in consideration, a programming note. The plan for 2025 is to dedicate more time to poetry writing that I can share more widely in “the meat space” via publications or readings. To support this, Campfire Notebook will be switching to biweekly publication - so the next time we’ll assemble around the Campfire will be Thursday, January 9th.
I hope you are finding warmth and comfort in the holiday season - however and whatever form your celebration may take. I appreciate your continued readership and connection, and look forward to sharing more writing and art with you in the New Year!
Wow!!! Thank you so much for so kindly including my work in your list!!! I'm honored and delighted to have inspired you!! 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚
I guess what fills my creative cup is people like you, Bryn. I'm not much of a creator myself (beyond websites), so I rely heavily on others to add creativity in my life, whether it's a book review (or a book), a Substack here and there, a song, a CD. I suppose I require inspiration more than creativity, but they do go hand in hand.