I greet you with this photo of the sunset; you cannot see the dwindling sun at this angle, but here it’s reflection highlights the swooping gulls over the sea. I think this is my favorite photo I’ve taken of nature this January of 2026. Yet, January holds little resemblance to a sunset; January was a sunrise.

January was a beautiful sunrise upon the water on a cold winter’s day, where the air is crisp, the ocean still and cold, and the colors of the sky hint to a new day; a new era.

I am victorious to announce I have survived the first 31 days of 2026! Over these 31 days, I’ve made it an absolute goal to be as cozy as possible. Reading in bed on the cold nights, heater on, flickering candles lit.

(Above, left to right: Mona Lisa Lego - Walk on the beach - Self portrait sketch)

At the beginning of January 2026, I set many goals and challenges for myself. I dove straight into an attempt to succeed them, and I believe things are going well.

The funnest “challenge” I set for myself was “A Poem a Day”. I have adored meddling with words my whole life, but last year I decided to fully dive into writing poems. As I looked over 2025, I felt a surge of determination to write more, and get even better at ryhme and word-smithing. So, I will successfully announce I’ve managed to write a poem a day in January, and usually a couple a day. These poems are held dear in my heart, many of them inspired by the themes politics, hope and nature.

Another important goal for 2026 was reading. I wanted to read as many books I possibly could this year, especially classics. Since many of the classics on my “to be read” list are pretty long and heavy, I gave myself the goal of 60/70 books for 2026. This would be roughly 5/6 books a month. I am happy to announce I’ve read almost six months in January: 1984 by George Orwell, Animal Farm by George Orwell, The Story of my Life by Helen Keller, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.

I am ready to face February with a mighty swollen heart filled to brim with ambition. All cheers to a continuing 2026!