Art by Marianne Monto

Originally published 31st of December 2022

Now at the end of the year I’m supposed to look back and I don’t know, contemplate how I feel about stuff that happened?

Health: 

Definitely good stuff, the biggest injury in the family was one broken wrist. One kid got a diagnosis and proper meds, so not many nights spent in hospital after that. Some persisting flu’s, but that’s what you get when choosing to live in the land of the ice and snow.

Job: 

I’m actually changing my day job, so right now I’m excited and worried at the same time. I had been with the same employer since 2011, so I think it was time for a change. I started catching myself going into this lull, state of non-chalant comfort (or discomfort, depending on a day).

Art: 

In this year I have pushed myself to do new things, learning new techniques and painting things out of my comfort zone…kinda. I still feel that landscapes need to have these hidden gems, subtle jokes that you notice maybe years later. 

I have opened myself more to the public, I have ramped up social media use and this website. I have made my first real art sales (like, I received money from people I don’t know in exchange of art). Still feeling giddy every time someone wants to buy my piece (well, to be honest, I feel giddy also when someone other than my parents wants to hang my work on their walls).

Money:

There have been some setbacks, so some actions had to be made. Am I as comfortable as I would like to be? Hell no. But I have so many luxuries, my family doesn’t feel hunger, I live a safe, warm and cosy life (again, land of ice and snow so as warm as it gets).

Friends and family:

I have made some new friends that I am so happy to have in my life. People who have seen the weird in me and want to be part of my life regardless (or because). I have had chances to spend time with some of my old friends. I miss dearly some friends I haven’t had a chance to see lately.

So all in all, I’d say things are quite nice. When life gives you lemons you crack out the tequila and invite friends over. Happy New Year, may 2023 be kind to you all.