Bits and Clips for January 2026
I hope you find something among all this artwork, photography, memes, links, and quotes that spurs you on, informs, inspires, supports, educates, or motivates you.
Month: January 2026
Recalibrating (New Painting in Pastel and Ink)
A swirl of making mental adjustments, adjusting to external factors, assessing and abstractly adapting. That’s what’s being expressed here.
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (Series Book Review)
Compare this series to a cross between Pride and Prejudice and Anne of Green Gables; it is at once lighthearted and substancial.
Lentil Soup with Rosemary, Butternut Squash, and Chard (Recipe)
This soup has all the sustaining coziness of winter in a bowl.
Joy Cometh in the Morning (New Pastel Painting)
To counter the oppressive darkness of the news, this new painting of mine refers to a phrase from Psalms 30:5: “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
Snow Photos
The snow is up now over the wheel wells on our cars in the driveway, and shoveling out will commence later today.
Today’s Scriptural Selection from the Message Version of the Bible
My scriptural Selection today from the Message version of the Bible for the lesson on Truth:
Blog is Back Up After Technical Difficulties
Thank God! The blog is back up! Yes, we are still alive and well over here! My absence was only a technical glitch!
Clementine Cake (Naturally Gluten Free Recipe)
This recipe was a hit – so moist, simple, and flavorful…
Flaky Biscuits (Recipe)
This is your purely perfect, simple, no-skill required, straight-forward, always welcome, everyday but company worthy biscuit, especially delightful when eaten with our easy homemade jam…
Sunset Over the Gulf of Mexico (New Painting in Oil)
While praying about Venezuela, I remembered this unusual sunset looking south over the gulf of Mexico from Corpus Christi after our nephew’s wedding.
The One Recurring Response (Poem by Susan McBride Els)
All prayers– even the wild and savage ones– point to the one recurring response: Yes, its always love.
Janet Fish (Featured Artist)
I have long adored the artwork of Janet Fish. I was saddened to hear of her passing last December, but proud of what she accomplished, by being true to what she was interested in and making a name for herself, especially when the way there was so steep for women. She was tenacious in following her vision, and consistent in working toward it.
Don’t Ruminate, Activate (James Clear Quote)
I find it is difficult to think my way into a better mood. When I sit and stew, the problem usually grows larger in my mind.
Time of the Child (Book Review)
It is a story about an unexpected baby arriving at Christmas time, and what a miracle that can be. It centers around the town doctor as the main character, as well as his unmarried daughter.
Be the Light in the Darkness (New Painting in Pastel)
I thought of expanding opportunities like the northern lights but more exaggerated and with complex light coming out of darkness. There are lots of reasons to believe in darkness and limitation these days, but light and effulgence always win out.