Weekly Round-Up
Welcome, dear readers, to the weekly round-up of blogs. This week’s reflections
Beth shares how she’s staying faithful to her art through a difficult stretch of winter. Instead of forcing productivity, she adjusts the conditions around the work: rethinking her studio set-up, investing in a more supportive workspace, and continuing to learn from master artist webinars. As she revisits a mountain landscape in progress, she leans into patience and experimentation, reminding us that a piece doesn’t have to be “better” to matter; sometimes it’s enough that it’s evolving and that it continues to soothe.
Barbara reflects on celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, shifting focus from holiday busyness and material expectations to values that feel deeper and more sustaining. She writes about embracing presence, connection, gratitude, and faith — finding joy in simple traditions, meaningful gatherings, and intentional moments rather than perfection or pressure.
Nancy offers a compassionate reflection on grief at Christmas, especially for those facing a first holiday without someone they love. She gently challenges the cultural insistence that everyone should be cheerful, reminding readers that grief doesn’t take a holiday—and neither should honesty. Her message is simple and deeply affirming: tears at Christmas are normal, human, and allowed, and joy and sorrow can sit side by side without one cancelling the other
And Connie closes the circle with a warm Advent reflection on love—divine love, remembered love, and the everyday love we choose through attention and priorities. She writes about the lights and objects that hold meaning, the people she misses, and the quiet realisation that time is not recoverable. Her focus is both practical and tender: as Christmas approaches, the most important preparation is deciding where your time and energy go, and extending that same love inward through self-care.
Until next time,
May the week ahead bring you moments of steadiness, the comfort of what matters most, and love that feels close—however your season looks.
Much love always
Marie xxx
Thanks so much, Marie for pulling together another Round-Up. You do such a nice job of summarizing and highlighting the meaning and message of our posts. Sometimes, actually, often times, I hardly know what I’ve written. I need another person’s perspective to see what I’ve created–at least from their point of view which I greatly value.
We’re all in different locations and different emotional spaces. But we all share the need to feel love and grounded.
Best to everyone as we journey through this holiday season.
Connie
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