Sonata Script #29: New Year, New Chapter

Giving you a peek into the past week for me and Sonata Home Design. The week in review, my favorite finds on the web, and just a little “this and that.” I always want to give you great ideas, inspiration, creative motivation, light bulb moments, and a hearty “You can do it!”

I know I am not alone in my passion for home decorating, crafting, and nesting. So, please join me each week for this creative Saturday jolt!

It’s been a hot minute since I last shared in Sonata Script.

Believe me, it is not from lack of want.

The holidays are over, and I am jumping into the new year with both reflection and intention.

2025 was full of joy…

…but was not without its trials.

I am busy working on projects to share with you, but I thought I would take a moment to share a few personal thoughts.

The Hand that Rocks the Cradle…

Some of you might be aware of some issues that arose with my mother’s health in September.

From hospital to home…back to hospital…to rehab…

And finally…back home in December!

I’m not going to sugarcoat it…it was a scary time. But my mother is a fighter!

I was able to take her back to her apartment two days before Christmas. As the elevator door opened to her assisted living floor, I felt like we were in a Hallmark movie!

The room was festively decorated with a gorgeous Christmas tree and decorations. Two musicians were singing Christmas music for a room FULL of residents who collectively gasped with happiness as my mother entered the room.

The hugs! The cheers!

Oh, the JOY!

We are truly blessed that Mother’s health has improved and she is back to her home where she feels joy each day.

And, she could join us for Christmas!

Rock on, Mother! Rock on!

Getting Organized…Finally!

One of my joys this fall was hosting the “Twinkling Lights and Festive Bites” Christmas open house with my friend, Jen, from Midwest Life and Style.

So. Much. Fun!

It was fabulous to welcome SHD friends face-to-face into our home!

But as you know, as much fun as it is to decorate for Christmas…

It all has to come down after the holidays!

Just not as much fun. Right?

I had decorated five large Christmas trees, as well as used holiday decorations throughout the house.

Taking all of this down and storing does not happen overnight.

This year, I was DETERMINED to be more intentional and organized.

I am still in the process, but this is my organizing manifesto!

• Clear a space in the basement exclusively for seasonal decorations, including the Christmas trees.
• Buy these amazing (so sturdy) metal storage shelving units.
• Use CLEAR storage totes with clearly marked labels. (You can see them HERE.)
• Donate or discard decorations that have served their time with us.
• Store ornaments by color.
• Take the time to do it right. (I will thank myself when I set up for next year’s Twinkling Lights and Festive Bites!)

It’s not a glorious photo, but it sure makes me feel good!

Resolutions or Mindset Switch?

I love making New Year’s resolutions.

Even more, I love it when I keep them!

But it is such a let-down when I don’t. (I think I have a 50% keep rate?)

However, after the past few months, I catch myself feeling just too tired to make high-energy resolutions.

So rather than resolutions, I’ve decided to frame the new year with new mindsets. (With mini resolutions inside!)

Just like my Christmas storage, I’m not done with this yet. But here is what I have so far.

• Reconnect with something that was a daily “I can’t live without this” thing to me when I was a young girl. (reading, playing the piano)
• Do something every day that scares me. (Thank you, Eleanor Roosevelt, for this advice!)
• Make my bed every day. (This was a non-negotiable until this past fall.)
• Learn a new hobby. (I would love to take up needlepoint. Trying to get my head past the expense…)
• Set my phone aside in the evening.
• Travel now. Don’t wait.
• Slow down, listen, and embrace every moment with those I love.
• Continue to find joy in the small things.

A Teaser…

I want you to meet someone.

And that’s all I’m going to say this week!

Optimism, Always

As I stand on the edge of a brand new year, I feel both grounded by what the past months have taught me and genuinely hopeful about what lies ahead.

There were bright moments, hard moments, and plenty of in-between ones, all of them shaping how I’m stepping into 2026 with intention, curiosity, and yes, optimism.

I’m deeply grateful for this beloved Sonata Home Design community.

For showing up, cheering me on, sharing your own stories, and making this space feel like more than a blog!

Thank you for being here, for reading along, and for walking into the new year with me

I can’t wait to see what we create together next!

Cheers!

A Little About Me