Authenticity…My Top 3 Priorities In 2026

I didn’t share my 2026 Vision Board on the blog this year, and aside from mentioning The 100 Day Project and Whole30, I really haven’t talked much about my goals. Now I’m ready—and my top three priorities for 2026 are crystal clear:

1. Prioritize my health and reach my target weight — I already have my doctor appointments lined up for the first week of June.

2. Stay committed to the Whole30 lifestyle and work on getting my iron and hormone levels balanced.

3. Shift into full savings mode and focus on building money instead of spending it.

4. 
   

Three simple, powerful priorities—and I’m going to CRUSH every single one of them.

My Journey...

The 100 Day Project Weekly Routine - Kicks Off On Sunday, March 1st

Sundays

A full reset day: focus on self-care, meal prep, supplements, an hour-long walk, and reading. Complete at least three #The100DayProject pieces.

Mondays

Look for beauty in the ordinary—take photos of things you’d normally overlook. Go on a morning walk, take a lunchtime walk while reading, and hit the gym after work. Complete one #The100DayProject item.

Tuesdays

Catch the sunrise and capture shadows and reflections in photos or video. Walk, read, and collect found objects for inspiration. Complete two #The100DayProject items.

Wednesdays

Midweek lift: take at least three photos of your favorite things. Walk, read, sketch, and watch a movie you’ve never seen. Complete one #The100DayProject item.

Thursdays

Walk, read, and gather magazines or newspapers for reading and junk journaling. Declutter at least one item from your home. Complete one #The100DayProject item.

Fridays

Walk, practice self-care, and prep a good meal. Get out of the house—visit stores, galleries, the library, and other inspiring places. Complete two #The100DayProject items.

Saturdays

Walk, practice self-care, and prep a good meal. Spend time exploring—stores, galleries, the library, and other outdoor spaces. Complete three #The100DayProject items.

My Journey...

The Future...Where….Currently…

Oh, what a night!

I’m still a little speechless tonight. I went to an open forum about building an artist community in Las Cruces, and I already knew it was going to get heated. The presentation itself was fantastic, but in true Las Cruces fashion, a few people just had to air every negative opinion they have about this town. And listen—I’m not always the city’s biggest cheerleader either. I can admit that moving here wasn’t the best decision for me, and I know this isn’t my forever home.

Which brings me to tonight’s writing prompt: the future.

My future feels wide open right now. I know I’m here until 2028—seven years total, with two left to go. After that? I’m torn between a handful of cities, but I’m not naming a single one. Just like my quiet move to Albuquerque back in 2009, I’m keeping my next destination completely under wraps. What I do know is that I’m leaving Las Cruces in 2028.

In the meantime, I’m exploring everything I can in southern New Mexico and letting life play out. As for tonight’s event… it was funny, but also sad. So many people move here from big cities and instantly resent the small-town mentality. And honestly, I get it. The limitations are real—healthcare, services, crime, homelessness, addiction issues, and the lack of transportation options. Trains, planes, buses… we’re missing a lot.

But even with all that, I can feel it: I’m ready for the next adventure.

MY journey….

Dried Flowers…

Another CRUSH-IT day. I finally made it back to the gym, and guess what—I walked at a fast pace on the treadmill for a full hour. An hour! I still can’t believe it. I felt amazing the whole time—no pain, no being out of breath, just steady and strong. I even squeezed in a 40-minute lunchtime walk and read a few chapters of my current book, Shameless.

Today’s writing prompt, Dried Flowers, doubled as tonight’s creative project. A little pink card, a dried rose, and a few things that make me smile came together beautifully. Here’s the finished piece:

I’m not even going to get into work today. I’m home now, unwinding with a few of my favorite YouTube creators. I still need to check off today’s 100 Day Project, write in my 5-minute journal, and get some yoga in before bed. I’ve jumped headfirst into my Whole30 life, and honestly—I feel happy, energized, and fully in it.

If you want to follow along with all my creative projects, check out my 100 Day Project Tracker page.

Off for now!

Turning Negative Into Whole 30...

I did it—I really did it!

I kicked off my Whole30 reset today with an hour‑long walk, soup for breakfast, and veggies with sausage for lunch. Dinner is already planned: roasted chicken with a veggie blend, plus cinnamon‑lemon water to sip on.

And according to AI, here are a few perks of cinnamon and lemon:

“Blood Sugar Regulation: Cinnamon is known for its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. It can enhance insulin sensitivity and improve glucose metabolism, making it beneficial for individuals managing diabetes or those looking to stabilize their blood sugar levels.

Digestive Health: Both cinnamon and lemon can aid digestion. Lemon juice stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, while cinnamon has been shown to reduce bloating and improve gut health by balancing gut bacteria. 

Detoxification: Starting your day with warm lemon water and cinnamon can support liver function and detoxification. Lemon contains citric acid, which helps improve liver function, while cinnamon has hepatoprotective properties. 

Immune Support: Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, while cinnamon has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help protect against infections. 

Weight Management: Some studies suggest that cinnamon may aid in weight loss by increasing fat burning and regulating appetite. Lemon also contributes to weight management by improving metabolism and controlling cravings.”

While I was out walking, I grabbed a small coffee—my warm cinnamon‑lemon water was the only thing I’d had all morning, and I was sleepy. The walk itself was great, though. Cool, sunny, and beautiful here in Las Cruces.

I also kicked off Day Two of The 100 Day Project. I finished two creative tasks today: a Bingo Board of goals I want to hit and a few new entries for my Memory Box.

Now I’m off to drink some water and get ready for dinner.

My Journey...

Open Mind…Whole 30 Reset…

Oh my… today was long, but in the best way. Sunday marks the kickoff of two major commitments for me: The 100 Day Project and my Whole30 Reset. So what does that actually mean? For the next 100 days, I’m creating something every single day and following the Whole30 lifestyle plan. One hundred days of eating right, writing, creating, moving my body, and intentionally turning my life around.

I’m stepping into these challenges fully ready. I’ve already knocked out two creative projects today and finished all my Whole30 meal prep. I’m proud of the momentum I’m starting with.

Here’s a look at my day…

MY journey….

Happiness Is Found…Moonlight at the Museum...

Oh what a night...

I had such a great time at tonight’s Museum of Natural Science ‘Moonlight at the Museum’ event. I sipped a Moonlight Margarita, snacked on beef tenders and spicy meatballs, and soaked in some incredible jazz.

Here are the pictures...

A Cozy Blanket and…

Mid‑week, and it has been a lot. I loved having Monday off, but coming back on Tuesday felt like getting shoved into a moving train. I haven’t walked at all this week, so tomorrow I have to get myself moving again and rebuild this habit. Most of my energy has gone straight into work, and I haven’t really poured anything back into myself.

So for Thursday and Friday, the plan is simple and non‑negotiable: walk during lunch, read my current book, and take my vitamins. I’m still on my testosterone booster, still taking my iron, and still drinking water. I really need to get back to my cinnamon water tomorrow—I’ve been slacking hard on that one.

Now for the fun stuff: I’m working on a series of space‑themed shadow boxes, and they’re going to be part of my office makeover coming up in late May. I’m excited to see that whole vision come together.

Oh—and I finally scheduled my yearly doctor visit. I’ve got a whole list of body goals I want to crush before that appointment. I swear, I’ve got this.

For now, I’m grabbing a blanket and resting a bit before diving into a shadow box project.

MY journey….

The Day…

Happy Saturday!

I’m riding a high today, and honestly, it feels amazing. I kicked things off by taking my little Honda Fit in for an oil change. I was going to replace the battery too, but the oil change ended up costing more than I expected. So the battery is going on the “buy now, install later” shelf. Nothing like an expensive oil change for a car I basically only drive to work and the occasional event. I swear, I cannot wait to pay this car off.

Now I’m heading out to a few art openings, doing a little shopping, and then heading home to clean and dive into some house/me projects. I fully plan to stay up late tonight working on scrapbook and junk journal stuff. Yesterday—Friday the 13th—I did absolutely nothing except crawl into bed and scroll TikTok, and it was glorious.

Health Update: I finally grabbed some Testosterone Booster. It’s time to get my hormones back in order, and I found a good, affordable option. I’m also starting the hormone-friendly diet that naturally supports testosterone levels. Small steps, big wins.

And with that… I’m off to enjoy life and CRUSH some things.

MY journey….

Reinforcing…

Mid-week check-in… this week has been busy but good. I went on two walks today and got a few “me” things done, like reading and transferring money into my other bank account. I’m finally building my savings back up, and I’m so happy about that.  

I’m still doing my 5-minute journaling and loving it more every day. Journaling daily can be tough, but short entries make it manageable. Other news, I can’t wait for the weekend—I’ve got art shows to attend, an oil change for my car, and plenty of fun plans. But my main goal is to finish the book I’m currently reading.  

As for my latest writing prompt, “reinforcing,” I’m reinforcing my Whole30 life journey. I’m reinforcing finding happiness even when I feel like being upset, and keeping my cool even when I want to take on the world. So far, I’ve managed to stay calm, only losing it twice last month. Wish me luck.  

Well...until tomorrow...

MY journey….

Money, Phone Calls, Plans…

Happy late Monday! It’s been a busy but good day, starting with waking up to a deposit in my second bank account. Oh yay! Not just any money, but funds replacing what I spent last year when I really didn’t have it. That deposit also topped off another account and let me make an extra payment on a credit card I’m paying down.

After that, I called Mesa Auto, the shop restoring my vintage convertible. The mechanic gave me a rough estimate for the repairs, so I’m saving and saving to get it done this year. I can’t wait to cruise around in my little gold convertible.

Now it’s evening, and I’m relaxing while also tackling plans, crossing things off my to-do list, and updating my Notion pages.

In other news, I enjoyed great walks during lunch and after work. The weather in Las Cruces has been so nice, and I’m loving it!

MY journey….

Trails End Gallery…

On Saturday, I visited a charming spot on North Mesquite St. in Las Cruces – Trails End Gallery. It’s cozy, brimming with art, and even has artists working on pieces right there. Outside, there’s a great performance space. Open Tuesday through Saturday, you’ll find it at 1732 North Mesquite St. in downtown Las Cruces.

MY journey….

I Just Had to Do It Big...My 100 Day Project Cart…

If you know me, you already know I can’t resist going full-on extra. So naturally…I transformed my kitchen cart into my official 100 Day Project Cart. Behold the masterpiece...

MY Journey….

Las Cruces’ “For the Love of Art Studio Tours”…

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This year’s “For the Love of Art Studio Tours” kicked off today, Friday, Feb. 6, and I visited a gallery I’d never been to before – The Hood in Mesilla, New Mexico. It’s a spacious spot with a great outdoor area, featuring plenty of artwork on display during the tour, as well as a variety of art and merchandise for sale, including t-shirts, stickers, books, and more.

You've got to go and check out The Hood, 3206 Harrelson St., 575-639-1175.  

According to the “For the Love of Art Studio Tours” site, this annual event takes place every February, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays unless otherwise noted.

Tomorrow, I’m planning to check out Trails End Gallery and Jo-An Smith Studio Gallery – I know I’ll make it to the latter since I’ll be at the Farmer’s Market.

Well, time to plan my weekend!

MY journey….