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In just a few hours, we will leave 2024 behind us. So it's time to write the last blog of 2024! You didn't think I was going to stop blogging, did you?
How quickly a year passes. When I look back, it has not been the easiest year but it has also brought important insights and moments of hope. I want to take this moment to put everything in perspective. It feels good to reflect on what was before we look ahead again.
Two heavy losses
This year'sbiggest and most difficult part oas saying goodbye to Lana and Myla, our two dogs. In February, we had to say goodbye to Lana, our playful, self-assured Dutch Shepherd. Less than a month later, Myla, our social and carefree Belgian Shepherd, followed. Two losses, so close together, it is almost impossible to comprehend.
The house immediately felt different. Quiet. Empty. Lana and Myla had such a great presence. They brought energy, warmth, and that bit of chaos that makes life vibrant. Now you notice how big their impact was.
It was also difficult for Skipper, our German Shepherd. Myla in particular was important to him. She gave him confidence, something he needed because of his insecurities and fears. Without her, he had to find his place again, just like we did. It wasn’t easy, but we slowly built up a new rhythm together. Still, the loss is palpable.
Finding a new direction
Fortunately, this year also brought new insights. My partner decided to work one day less, and that finally gave us the space to do something with our shared dreams. We had been thinking about starting something with woodworking and art for a while, but now it finally came to life.
Perhaps the loss of Lana and Myla also helped us with this. It reminded us how important it is to have tangible memories. How valuable it can be to create something that helps people cherish the bond with their beloved pets.
We are now focusing on handmade memorial products. Think of wooden urns, small houses for ashes, or portraits of pets. It feels good to create something that not only has meaning for us but can also bring comfort to others.
I also want to free up more time for my painting. I find animal portraits particularly inspiring to do. There is something special about capturing the soul of an animal in a painting. It almost feels like you are capturing a piece of their character forever.
Lessons from 2024
This year has taught me a lot, even though those lessons were sometimes painful. Losing Lana and Myla has shown me the importance of memories. How you can relive a moment with a tangible object, like a photo or a painting. That is something I will never take for granted.
I have also learned that progress takes time. Building something new is done in small steps. Sometimes it feels like you are not making much progress, but when you look back, you see how much you have done. That gives me the courage to continue.
Plans for 2025
We have clear goals for 2025. We want to focus on further developing our wood and art projects. In addition to wooden urns and memory houses, we are also thinking of personalized items. such as key rings, wooden ash jewelry, and other things.
For me, painting remains an important pillar. I want to continue working on animal portraits and perhaps also explore other forms of art. Pyrography, for example, where I burn drawings into wood with fire, offers so many possibilities. It feels like a beautiful way to combine my creativity with something that has meaning.
In addition, I want to try to find a better balance between work and free time. Working for yourself is great, but it also requires a lot of discipline. There is no one to tell you what to do; you have to take the steps yourself. That is sometimes difficult, but also a nice challenge.
Gratitude and looking ahead
Looking back on 2024, I feel a lot of gratitude. For the beautiful moments with Lana and Myla, and for everything they have brought us. For my partner, who always supports me, and for Skipper, who makes our lives a little more beautiful every day with his eccentricity.
I am also grateful for the steps we have taken this year, no matter how small they may seem. It feels good to build something meaningful, for ourselves and others.
For 2025, I wish everyone a year full of growth, health, and beautiful moments. I am curious where we will be at the end of next year, but I am sure that with the steps we are taking now, we are on the right track.
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