As 2021 Comes to a Close

I sit here adding to my blog in the week between Christmas and New Years and I can hardly believe that another year is almost over. 
As 2020 came to a close there was hope that we would see more "normal" times in 2021 - sigh - however, this was not to be.  I was hopeful that we would be able to participate in some craft shows but that didn't seem to be in the cards.  I continued to work away in my home studio and at Loretta - it's hard to stay away when glass and fire is a driving force in your creative life.  
For a while there seemed to be some relief in sight as far as Covid was concerned and to my surprise I was invited to participate in two craft shows!  The first one was the outdoor event in Cedar Hill Estates.  It was an opportunity to wade back into the craft show waters.  It had been so long since we were last out selling to the public and this event gave us the chance to brush up on our skills and ready ourselves for the big show!  I was so honoured to have been selected to show via FreeWheeling Craft at a one-day Christmas craft fair at the National Arts Centre on November 28th.  What an incredibly beautiful venue and the sale was a huge success.  I broke a record for sales as did a number of other vendors.  People were happy to be back out shopping, they were ready to spend money and support local makers.  It was such a wonderful experience.  
The next weekend I participated in a show and sale at Loretta Studios and Gallery where I have a part-time torch space. It was also a great success.  Again, the people of Ottawa showed up to support the local maker community.

​I see my name!!
​👈

​This year was a banner one for me.  I am so blessed to have a loyal group of on-line followers who have faithfully supported me through the pandemic.  This along with the three shows helped me have one of my best years ever and I am indebted to all those who bought, commented and encouraged me on a daily basis through my social media pages and showed up at the shows.  
Just when we thought we were coming out of it, by early December it was apparent that Covid was, once again, rearing it's ugly head in the form of a new variant called Omicron and as Christmas approached the shutdowns were ramping back up.
Although this variant of Covid isn't as deadly, it is very transmissable and we are seeing record numbers of daily cases right across the country.  With  1st and 2nd doses of vaccines in arms and a big push to get everyone in for boosters, we are trying to keep ahead of what seems like a never-ending and sadly, history-making time in our lives.  Here is hoping that 2022 brings some relief.
But, enough about that!
My plans for 2022 are:
To get back to painting - sadly I have neglected my water colours and I'm missing them. It's time to spend some time with my paints in the new year.
To continue learning new skills in glass.  I hope to be able to choose a few classes and add to my skill set.
I leave you with this - when I first saw it, it inspired me and I hope that, if you are a fellow maker, that it will inspire you as well.