Great start to 2026

 

As the snow blows hard and heavy this morning, it is a good time to reflect on the first weeks of 2026. We have passed the halfway mark in February already. That means that I'm into week 5 or 6 of my Ideal Protein program. I've lost track of when I started. I'm doing a slow but steady approach this time and lost another couple of pounds this week. Overall, I'm down 15 pounds since jumping in. More importantly, I am able to cinch my belt up several notches. 

I am also off to great start with my 52 Week Landscapes and Landmarks painting challenge in support of Bracelets For Buildings. We have sold six of the eight paintings created so far.

Things are absolutely humming in Birdsong Studios with daily auctions, vibrant workshops and commission requests that come in on a regular basis. 

Additionally, our Airbnd suite - the Bird's Nest - is occupied about 60 percent of the time. That extra income helps in so many way. We also love hosting people from all over the world. 

I am in the final leg of my commitment as President of the Okotoks Arts Council.

We have a fundraising casino this Sunday and Monday and then the Annual General Meeting on Saturday, February 28th. At that meeting I will officially time out (according to the bylaws) after six years and pass along the reins to someone else. That said, my intention and commitment is to stay active and involved, helping as much as I can in the background.

I'm excited to plug into the High River Performing Arts Foundation and THE VENUE as their Gallery Director for 2026. Our application deadline is coming up at the end of the month for a paid exhibition opportunity at THE VENUE this summer. You can find the link to apply on the website or click here.

In addition to all of the above, I've begun volunteering for the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation, mentoring new Canadians who are artists. It's been fascinating to hear stories of fellow creatives who have chosen Canada as their new home. 

Our association with SEED Homes continues to be strong, hosting regular tours of our home and studio. We had a wonderful group from Siksika First Nation visit the other day. Now that SEED Homes is operating out of Aldersyde, 15 minutes north of High River, it is super easy for interested developers to do a manufacturing facility tour and pop out to see the first and second completed SEED Homes buildings at our property. We enjoy the visits and sharing our SEED Homes story.

Finally, Heather and I have been given an exciting opportunity to do an artist residency at a new fishing lodge near Coal Harbour on the north end of Vancouver Island. We'll be painting and enjoying the great outdoors for a blissful week in March. 

While things are humming for us, we recognize that others are struggling right now. Family, friends, and strangers are dealing with myriad things, many of which you read about in the news. We continue to do what we can to help others through regular donations, painting contributions, live paintings, and more. It is our responsibility and honour to lift others up as best we can and contribute to our local communities and other causes near and far.