Would it shock you to know sometimes I bang these out in one go?

Probably not, for my close readers who see all the mistakes and the poor punctuation habits, and mistyped words that sometimes autocorrect and transform the meaning of sentences into something truly unintended.

What I mean by one go, is that I have an intention to send a newsletter out and then it’s Friday and all of a sudden I must make it to my computer and send something into the loving inboxes of the readers who somehow want to open the email from the Art of KCF to see what is happening here.

This process takes on a good day about 4 hours; on a better day 8.

I don’t like to be rushed.

And these weekly intentions are not mandates. There are no consequences for missing, beyond my own disappointment in myself.

It is important to me to honor my commitments to myself.

This is a mantra I’ve been practicing the last couple of weeks, “I honor my commitments to myself” as I am trying to practice more balance.

Perhaps the phrase might also be useful for you?

I find I am often putting others’ commitments before myself, so I am working to figure out a way to put me first!

Wow, just writing that seems so bold.

Ok, narcissist!

But, this does make me wonder - what would a year of the cult of KCF look like? Maybe this is what I meant when I started telling people I was going to start my cult. I am totally devoted to me. What if I were to live like I am completely enthralled by me? I could be my cult leader 🤯

Happy 2026!

This message is coming to you in the present moment, but it’s from the past. Crafted in 2025 I’m wondering now, what it will be like where we are when this reaches our inboxes. How will we feel after a flip of the calendar’s page?

The reason I crafted this in the past, is because I am honoring my commitments to myself and taking two full weeks away from the typical hustle and bustle of my work life!

I want to give 100% to me for two weeks. The me that is not trying to make money. The me who is not trying to achieve any professional goals or acclaim. The me who can find pleasure and power and purpose in activities beyond work.

The last week of December I spent puttering about the ChicFinn. Making good food. Listening to music. Working on the main floor and movie theater refresh that have been in the works but tend to end up on the back burner because I have a habit of giving over 100% to my paintings when I’m in it.

And phew, in 2025 - I was in it!

This week, I’m with my hermanitas. They flew to enjoy some winter scenery, cold Minnesota adventures, and to celebrate New Year at the ChicFinn. I’m sure we’ve been laughing a lot. And enjoying each others’ company.

In 2025, for the Thanksgiving holiday, youngest Hermanita was with me and Vaimo and we journeyed to Winnipeg for a restful and relaxing long weekend. I nerded out and crafted an itinerary that included activities, made reservations for dinner, and mapped out where we needed to be with precise timing for the four day adventure.

To level it up I even took to Canva to design and add some graphics!

This time, for my hermanitas visit I worked on an itinerary and a meal plan. Such is the country life, and I don’t want to be forcing my guests to scrounge or not know when/what the next meal will be.

I’m sure everything is on track and unlike in Winnipeg, we’re not off the itinerary! Then, there was a snow storm to blame that completely had us playing catch up to get back on schedule. Now, I’m sure all is going exactly as it should (whether planned or not).

All of this talk about planning is to say, I am aiming to spend more time following my whims in 2026. No one had any expectations that I would make an itinerary for either of these family gatherings, and yet I loved it!

Last year, reflecting with a friend I shared I wanted to find the joy in syllabi making, or crafting a learning journey, again. I know I’m really good at this, but the spark of joy is just not there for me when it comes to a university mandated responsibility. I thought I might be able to access it with the class I taught.

Womp womp.

I didn’t.

The itinerary making however, is a joyful space for me.

And so is a menu.

Both planning documents can be as simple or extravagant as one would like to make them. And I want to go over the top with it.

I am finding myself drawn to this kind of mapping because it helps me feel like I’m doing something just for me, it’s not monetized, it’s bringing me joy, and it serves the part of me that needs a plan.

It also helps me honor my commitment to myself. I wanted to have fresh baked cinnamon rolls - I made it happen! I wanted to enjoy some mulled wine, gather the whole cloves and anise! We’re going to do some crafting, get the supplies together!

The plan is such a guiding star for me. I know it’s not for everyone, but it works for me.

Anyways, I will be back next week with some updates on Art of KCF itineraries, making plans, charting new paths, seeing new sights. I want to have the plan, but like a syllabus remind myself that it is also “subject to change.”

What if I thought of the joy of a yearly itinerary for my business? That is a whim I might be able to follow…

Hmm, going to ponder on that while I finalize my vision board for 2026. But, until next week, I’m sending you good tidings from Winter Break me.

May you be warm and full of joy.

Happy New Year!