Kate, Author at The Rest of my Time

Another 100 Days

February, 2026

It is the 100 Day Challenge time again over on Instagram.

I could deepen a practice I already have – apparently that’s not me.

Though I don’t do digital collage (yet), I’m intrigued by the idea of having an image bank of textures and patterns.

Maybe because at the moment I’m surrounded by a bunch of cool rocks and

trees, I decided to overlay a theme of the five elements from Chinese culture – Earth, Wood, Fire, Metal, Water. And maybe Air, which the Greeks liked instead of Wood and Metal.

This one is from a front garden in Palm Springs California.

Bonus: it’s kind of meditative to zoom in when focus is hard to come by

Words Failed Me, Stillness Sustained Me

February, 2026

When I found myself at a loss for words, for anything to say to center myself, I found this quote, and it explained to me that everything I was feeling is simply a core human experience, and that itself is comford

Square Peg – Square Hole

February, 2026

We were lucky enough to return to Europe this fall, a short stay in Ireland and a longer for stay in beautiful Nice France.

What does that have to do with this photo, you may ask?

Well, we are good travelers, but bad tourists. We are less interested in seeing all the usual places and more interested in exploring how people live. (remember the Sausages in Costume from last month’s newsletter?)

Ask yourself, why did we ever decide round was a better choice for canned goods? Cupboards have right angles, the things that go into them should have right angles too. Spam figured it out, why can’t Del Monte and Hunts?

January Teasers

February, 2026

January if filled with so many opportunities for free “teaser” online art classes. In fact, there are too many to choose from.

This year, I chose to join Collage Breakthrough, Cat Rains’ (@catrains.artist) free 11 day introduction to collage composition. Those who chose to have now moved into her Collage Joy course and community. Whether you are passionate about or just curious about knitting, or weaving, or collage, or painting, or mixed media or writing or, or, or . . . ,

I can’t recommend these teaser intros highly enough. It doesn’t matter what you make, or whether or not you think you are good at it, making is good for you

Meditative Repetition

December, 2025

“There are better things ahead than any we leave behind”

C. S. Lewis

I found that meditative mindset this month by going full analog for my holiday cards. In years past, I have sent out over 400 holiday cards every year. They were of course mass produced, but it was always important to me to keep a little old-school in the project, addressing and signing by hand.

These days, I’ve cut down considerably on the volume, and amped up the hand work. Hand-painting and decorating this small batch of Happy New Year cards was the perfect travel project, and I found peace in the repetition.