When times get hard, the books I read get cozier and more comforting. I suppose that is all I need to say to explain why there are 15 children’s picture books currently on hold on my library card.

Thus far in my four previous stories, my friends, I have told you about how Klaus and I met, how we rescued a magical reindeer who linked us to the Faerie realm, how I gained my beloved hare familiar, and how we saved the son of the Seelie King of Faerie and gained our immortality.

Dear friends, you get a special treat this year. Not only do I have a new Mrs. Claus story to share, but I wanted to also share with you the story I wrote last year in 2023.

Today I wanted to share with you the work of an artist who has captivated me for years. It has long fascinated me to see the ways, large and flamboyant or small and subtle, that an artist or creative transforms their own life and surroundings into an extension of their creativity and personal magic.

Folks, it has been a really hard year for anyone working in the creative arts. Between the constantly mutating virus of AI “art” and “writing,” wind storms rampaging through more than one festival, and Helene destroying so many beautiful small business and artist spaces throughout a region known for its distinctive folklore and creative language…we’re hurting.