Fresh when it gets here from
Julie Barrett
Monday, December 30, 2024
It's been quite the year at the Manor. I wish I could say it was all good, but then life isn't all good all the time.
I guess the biggest news this year is impending retirement! Paul is set to retire in early February, and I've made the decision to semi-retire starting January 1. It's not as though I can stop creating. I am going to shift a few gears, though. I'll still be doing art shows at conventions, and I plan to keep the YouTube channel, but I've shut down subscriptions on Ko-Fi (the tip jar is still open!) and have put my Etsy shop on what may be a permanent vacation.
So, what are we going to do? Well, we have Plans. And they're cunning plans, so you know what happens to those! There will be a small vacation of sorts to celebrate. I like the idea of having an event to mark the new chapter in our lives. Next, some rest. Then the work begins! Work, you say? Well, we're doing half of the retiree downsizing. We plan to keep the house, but we want to downsize stuff. We want to keep making things, and fiddling around with fun projects. No deadlines (except for the occasional convention art show), no pressure. In terms of creativity, I'm hoping it will be a fun time.
Speaking of such, Steam Cat made another small profit this year. In fact, it was a bit more than I'd expected. I won't spend it all in one place.
There are other personal/family things on the calendar. Nothing terrible, just stuff that needs to be done.
Of course, things can change. That seems to be the only constant in life, eh?
But for now, this is my story and I'm stickin' to it!
We hope you have a safe and happy New Year.