Life’s been going a mile a minute lately. Who am I kidding? Not lately: all year. In fact nothing this year went to plan. Not work. Not photo projects. Not travel plans. Not anything plans. Sometimes the unexpected happens though, and when it’s your turn to step up to the family plate, you go.

So that’s been my year. Which is funny, because when I wrote my first post this year, I remember grand plans of turning it into a year long theme. Oh well. I’m still listening to the sleep stories, and am happy to report that my Facebook feed remains full of mostly good things.

Despite the hamster-wheel-of-stress, there have been highlights. Small quiet wins. And some wonderful moments where I’ve connected, and reconnected, with friends, forged new relationships and became closer to my family.

Had to go to PT (physical therapy) and can now do a 4-minute plank. (Small wins!)

And there’s been appreciation, one small blurb at a time, every day in a nondescript journal jotting down notes of gratitude of all the subtle things, that despite the ups and downs, have made life grand. A beautiful blue sky. A hot bath. Central heating! How soft Gibby’s fur is to stroke. A small act of self-care, I turned into a daily habit acknowledging the good in my life before going to bed.

I’m still taking snapshots with my iPhone, occasionally with my cameras, and sometimes I feel like that gratitude shines through my lens. Nothing earth shattering. Maybe with a little bit of artistry, hopefully made with love.

So for the rest of this year, and into next, I’m sticking to these small things. As far as plans go, I think it’s a solid start. Wishing you all the best for the rest of 2025.

Until next year,
Holly ~ Soupatraveler