Passion, Growth, and Rediscovery
As someone who’s always future-focused, I often forget to pause and appreciate the path I’ve already traveled. To change that I took a moment to take a look at a year in review 2024. This year has been transformative in many ways. I want to take a moment to reflect on what I’ve learned and accomplished.
Revisiting My Passion: The Passion to Profit Course
The year started with a course called Passion to Profit. It helped me revisit the heart of my creative journey. I focused on what I’m truly passionate about and where I want to take it. The course focused on laying the groundwork for success. The biggest takeaway for me wasn’t just about strategy or goals. It was the friendships I made with other passionate creatives. Their support and shared enthusiasm continue to inspire me.
A Creative Detour: Gardening and the Digital Garden Journal
Of course, being the multi-passionate person I am, I couldn’t resist exploring one of my other loves—gardening! This led me down an unexpected detour, resulting in the creation of a Urban Garden Planner. I integrated my artwork throughout the planner. This approach allowed me to combine my love of nature, creativity, and design.

Stepping Into Teaching: Lessons from My First Watercolour Class
Eventually, I found my way back to my true calling: art. A local community group invited me to teach watercolour, and that opened a completely new chapter for me. Teaching budding watercolour artists has been so fulfilling, but it also taught me two important lessons. First, I need to charge my worth—my time and skills are valuable. Second, I realized the importance of keeping my class sizes small. I limit the number to no more than 10 students. This way, I can give each person the guidance they deserve.
A New Creative Path: Discovering Surface Pattern Design
Midway through the year, I discovered another exciting avenue for my creativity: surface pattern design. The inspiration? A skirt! I bought a beautiful RipSkirt and, while admiring it, I realised the fabric’s pattern was created from watercolour art. That revelation sent me down a thrilling new learning curve. I have started experimenting with creating my own designs. I have made online friends in the process. My artistic horizons have expanded in ways I hadn’t imagined. Surface pattern design has opened up a whole new world of possibilities. I am eager to see where it takes me next.

Seven Weeks in the Greek Islands: Travel as Inspiration
In reviewing the year, I recognized a major highlight. It was spending time in the Greek Islands. I spent seven weeks there with my best friend of over 40 years. It was an unforgettable adventure. I enjoyed long, sun-soaked days by the deep blue Mediterranean. There were warm sea breezes. A big green sea turtle swam below me in a quiet little harbor. Even the little things, like tiny fish nibbling my heels in Kalamata, made it a trip full of memories. Beyond the experiences, it also fuelled my creativity. The colours, textures, and serene beauty of the islands inspired my Marine Mosaic collection. This collection consists of watercolor-painted seashells. They are arranged into sea creatures like a whale, turtle, and seahorse. This trip reminded me how much travel feeds my artistic soul.
Ending the Year with the Valla Expressions Art Show
To round out the year, we held our annual Valla Expressions Art Show. Fourteen local artists came together. They put on an incredible exhibition. It featured a stunning collection of wall art. This includes watercolor, acrylic, pastel, and oil paintings. There was also beautiful pottery, upcycled art, and sewn products featuring native Australian art prints. Art prints and cards were very popular. This success was a rewarding way to close out the year.
Looking Ahead: A Caravan Adventure to Tasmania
And now, looking ahead, another adventure is calling. Soon, we’ll be packing up our caravan. We will bring our dog along. We are heading to Tasmania for a road trip full of new discoveries. I can already feel the inspiration bubbling—rugged coastlines, wildflowers, and the quiet beauty of nature. These journeys, whether overseas or on the road, fuel my creativity. They remind me why I do what I do. I aim to capture beauty, adventure, and the essence of nature in my art.

Lessons from 2024 and Hopes for the Year Ahead
This year has been all about rediscovering and aligning with my passions. I’ve explored art and teaching. I’ve also pursued pattern design and travel. These steps help build the creative life I’ve always dreamed of. This life inspires others and brings beauty into the world.
As I look ahead to the new year, I’m carrying these lessons with me:
- Stay true to what lights me up.
- Value my time, skills, and worth.
- Lean into the joy of creativity, even when the path takes unexpected turns.
Here’s to a year of growth, new adventures, and the continued pursuit of what makes life beautiful!
