2023 I was worried about what was going to happen to my career after Twitter began its implosion.
2024 I was worried that my life and career had peaked and it was only downhill from that point on.
2025 is now right around the corner and oddly—chaotic, uncertain political climate of the US aside—I’m not too worried about starting the new year.

Last year, I wrote:

“I think a part of me feels like I may not be cut out or ready for what 2024 will bring, or maybe that I won't be able to keep up. Or maybe I'm afraid that there is no more magic for me.”

I wish I could go back in time and give 2023 Shirley a big hug, and tell her to trust and believe in herself more. Because looking back on everything that happened in 2024 I was absolutely ready and prepared for whatever came my way this past year.

Not only did I go on my first ever international flight/trip but I also created incredible work for an exhibition at Antler Gallery and Illumicrate;
I made the choice to finally dump Etsy and found my way back to riding horses;
I got to spend time with family and friends, experienced more of life, and accomplished so much!

Two of the goals I mentioned last year were:
A. Finally figure out how to throw a closed form lidded jar
B. Make an entry for the 2024 Breyerfest diorama contest (and hopefully win!)

In the end, I did not figure out how to throw a lidded jar (yet), but I did improve at throwing cylinders towards the end of the year! This improvement will allow me to accomplish this goal in 2025.

I did make an entry for the 2024 Breyerfest diorama contest, but I didn't win.

I made a lot of pottery and I'm tempted to actually count the exact number I made this year, but I think I'm going to abstain. I feel like in our modern world we get so wrapped up in numbers giving them so much weight and significance. I don't want to play the numbers game with my art when it never was about how many pieces I could make in a given year, or what got the most attention.

Honestly, I love everything I made this year and I'm so proud of myself and all that I've accomplished so far. Here's a look at some of my faves:

Last year, I struggled to believe in myself when the year started.
I think in 2025, things will start to go up a notch and though I feel a little scared, I don't want to downplay myself like I did in 2024. I may not know exactly how things will unfold next year, but I'm going to believe that I will continue growing and am capable of accomplishing—and experiencing—so many more wonderful things.