Season’s Greetings

Happy Holidays!

I realize that not all of us are celebrating Christmas at this time of year, but still the end of the year is a great time to reflect and share gratitude and kind thoughts. I hope your year was filled with joy, but if not, may many blessings come to you and your families this next year.

So I say: Merry Christmas [or whatever sentiment and blessings fits your belief or life πŸ™‚ ]and may the new year be one of joy and success.

Feel free to download and print the free coloring pages below for whomever wants them in your house. πŸ™‚ Click on the link and save them.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11NU6Nk5E_rIrl5Cesx6FNlWXofZbIVzI/view

Unnecessary but Heartfelt Update from Me (the artist and the person)

My year was pretty interesting–and not one of my favorites, to be honest, but I always seek to find something good and look for ways to find joy and be creative. Creativity is based on having extra energy and time and this year, my energy has been less than it has been in a few years for several reasons—most of it good, but some less than stellar, as you will see below. Let’s start with the good stuff:

Good Stuff:

  • Adopted one wacky cat named Willow (who the vet told us was a girl, but then later discovered he is a he… surprise!) and he has brought much love to me and Little Bit — best gift all year, yay!!
  • Still have two loveable but annoying dogs –one of whom loves the cat, the other who tolerates the cat but has chosen not to eat him yet… yay!!
  • I got a new position as an assistant principal — chaos has ensued. πŸ™‚ It is the most unusual job I have ever had and one day, the book will be released with the stories you just can’t make up. LOL
  • Went on the first family vacation in years to visit my old college and show my daughter the gorgeous North Carolina mountains
  • I got some minor updates done to my house in the shape of a new custom set of shelves in the entry for shoes and a (mostly completed) new butcher block island and ovens in the kitchen…yay!!
  • I still have a car that works and a house that I love (even if they are both old and need major updates)…. yay?? LOL
  • Gained two nieces and got to see other family—yay!
  • Read a few good books — into fantasy and silly novels with strong female leads — got any suggestions?
  • Drew new images and re-developed a love of handwritten sentiments
  • Little Bit dyed part of her hair a gorgeous peacock blue — she becomes more of herself every year and I am blessed with the neatest kid ever…yay!
  • Little Bit’s artwork is becoming more outstanding (check out her latest robot and dragon below) — the kid is only into robots and dragons….lol

Not So Good Stuff:

  • Found out I might have lupus not too long ago — will find out for sure in February and March after more bloodwork and doctor visits…. not so yay, but please keep me in your thoughts in the new year as I make diet and health changes
  • Grieved when I lost my beloved grandmother, but her memory brings joy not sadness now.
  • Realized that Tiddly Inks is in need of a new something?? — I love having my shop and it is actually vital to have a little bit of extra income as an educator, but sales are slowing significantly to the point that keeping the shop going might be unsustainable— 11 years is a long time to run a digital stamp shop and normal ebbs and flows are to be expected, but this is the slowest year on record. I hope that some new ideas and efforts in the new year will turn things around. I really want to keep the shop and I have always found a way, so fingers crossed. This is an area where I would be happy for your thoughts and feedback. πŸ™‚

Feel free to leave any comments on the post below.

Comments 49

  • Merry Christmas! Thank you for the adorable coloring pages.
    I am an avid reader and below are some fantasy series with a strong female lead that I’ve really enjoyed:
    The Schooled in Magic series by Christopher Nuttall
    The Chronicles of Ellantra by Michelle Sagara
    The Greenrider series by Kristen Britain
    The Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull (chapters switch between male & female leads)
    The Throne of Glass series by Sarah Maas
    The Artemis Fowl series by Eion Colfer (while the main character, Artemis, is male, the secondary character, Holly, is one tough cookie and not to be missed)
    Emergence by David R. Palmer – probably one of the pluckiest characters I’ve had the pleasure of reading and one of my favorite books. It was out of print for years but appears to be available for the Kindle app now.

  • I’m sorry to hear about your health. Seems to be going around right now. I have 3 people close to me who are fighting one thing or another and it’s a hurry up and wait for the diagnosis before we can make a plan. Same idea tho, more tests, bloodwork, etc. I’ve 47 and have been so fortunate to not worry about my family’s health so this has come as something I’m finding difficult to process, although it will happen because I have no choice. I hope we get our cry on and then just kick butt and everyone makes in through. You’re good stuff sounds great and your daughter’s artwork – WOW!!

    All the best in the new year and thank you so much for the drawings. You are truly talented!!

    Hugs,
    Eulanda

    • Hey Eulanda! πŸ™‚ I almost actually wrote, time to hurry up and wait because that is definitely what it feels like. πŸ™ Thanks for the good vibes and kind words… glad to hear you are personally doing well… Yay!

  • Merry Christmas! Thank you so much for the lovely colouring pages. Can’t wait to colour them….a start on next years Christmas cards! Love the bit about the dog who tolerates the cat & has decided not to eat him LOL. Animals are so much fun. Your daughters art work is amazing….such a talent!

    Sorry to hear you are having health issues. My daughter & I were both recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Sjogren’s Disease. I had never heard of it (& I’m a nurse) Debilitating fatigue is one of the symptoms like Lupus. I have made some dietary changes & learned to rest before the fatigue gets the better of me. Hope all goes well for you & your bloodwork is normal. Take care of yourself!

  • Merry Christmas! First let me begin by saying that I was overjoyed to head over to your blog and see responses! In today’s double tap kinda world, I feel like very few actually read content. That being said, I wanted to let you know I have included you in my prayers! God knows what he is doing. At every step.

    Nothing is by accident and maybe the possibility of your diagnosis was meant to slow you down so that you can refocus on his purpose. I have no doubt that things will end up exactly as they are intended to for you! God has given you a creative outlet so he already knows what’s going to sustain you.

    Life is a mix of both good and bad! It how things are intended. Everything will work out.

    Keeping you in mind and in prayer.
    Peace and love.

  • Christy, u have sure hadda enventful year
    ….some great…new crazy kitty (who makes u laugh I’m sure πŸ˜†) & ur promotion to deputy principal…great work..but also not so great…ur maybe diagnosis of Lupus…fingers crossed is not…I’ll pray for u..
    I’ve also had major health problems…first thort to be cancer..thank God turned out not to be but was Diverticulitis resulting in major surgery & removal of 23cms of my bowel. Am doing beta..hafta be careful of my diet tho… (& suffer migraines also a dietary as well as stress, dehydration & sunlight set off..hmmmm! πŸ˜•)
    But manage to keep positive…family & a laugh always helps…πŸ˜†
    I have recently returned to scrapping & card making & just love ur images….I prefer ur photopolymer stamps…not a digital person
    …as mentioned previously in comments have ur thort of putting ur work out as stamps & matching dies?? This I’d purchase….
    Anyway good luck with ur final diagnosis…
    WWishing all the best in the New Year.
    I’ll keep u in my thoughts & prayers.
    Sue

  • Assistant Principal, wow! Kudos for that! It isn’t easy and you could definitely write a book on what happens! πŸ™‚ Your daughter is amazing and I think her mom has something to do with it. Maybe mom should get a little stripe of color to match you can hide underneath? With the Lupus, check out the AIP diet if you haven’t already. It is pretty extreme, but I was able to deal with whatever is going on with being on that diet. I ‘cheat’ every once in a while, knowing I will have a small price to pay, but I feel better, have more energy and lost a little weight. You become creative! Japanese purple yams are the best and you can make pizza dough with it! I think the Silhouette idea is fabulous also! I would also say a little meditation and breathing never hurt anyone. Sending lots of good juju for the new year!

  • Merry Christmas, Christy! Wow, I’m blown away at your daughter’s talent — she certainly gets her drawing skills from her Momma! Those dragons are awesome! I will keep you in my prayers for a better 2019 and hope for good news in Feb/Mar. This time last year, my dad had surgery for stage 4 melanoma and fortunately, the big guy upstairs pulled through and answered all of our prayers — as he is now cancer free!

    As for Tiddly Inks, your company is one of my very favorites and I hope sales turn around in 2019. Have you thought about selling the coordinating SVG cut files for your images to use with the Silhouette and other die-cutting machines? I would welcome the end of my fussy cutting days. What if you made your colored designs available in the Silhouette Design Store (like print and cut) — not sure how complicated that would be or if it would be feasible profit-wise. I know other designers (like Lori Whitlock) have designs available there. I would also love to see more masculine images — with various sports, everyday heroes like firefighters, police and/or K-9 unit (to go with your German Shepard), vintage cars, etc. I’m just throwing around some ideas…

    Big hugs,
    Jen

  • Thank you so much for the lovely artwork gift. I was so sorry to read that you have been having health issues and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for the Christmas wishes and I hope that 2019 turns out to be a really good year for you.

  • Merry Christmas! I wish you well! hope the new year will be brighter with the shop, and health. Praying your diagnosis isn’t
    really Lupus.

  • I have always loved your digital artwork, I just don’t do as much coloring. Congrats on the assistant principal job, I say β€œhats off”to anyone working in our schools. I do hope you don’t have lupus, I will be praying for youπŸ™πŸ» My daughter was once thought to have lupus and fibromyalgia, turns out it was Lyme disease. Please keep us posted! And Merry Christmas!

  • Thank you so much for all you do! I am sorry to hear about the lupus diagnosis. I am going through the process of figuring out which autoimmune disorder I have, so I kinda understand what you’re going through. I did have a positive ANA and tests, but my doctor was horrible and wouldn’t diagnose anything. I’m trying to find a new Dr., so I may be facing the same diagnosis in a few months. I have a few other “invisible diseases” too, so if you ever need someone to talk to, I am here.

    Hubby and I went to NC this year also. What area did you go to? We stayed near Brevard, about 45 minutes from Asheville. We enjoyed it so much that we want to move there.
    Sending you and yours many greetings! (And a comforting, healing hug for you!)
    Jane Dunlap

    • Hey Jane,
      Yeah, kinda the same story… high ANA and then hurry up and wait for specialists to see me… fingers crossed and hoping you get good news too… or at least if it is lupus, you are able to manage it with some reasonableness…

      Asheville is one of my favorite NC places and will definitely be moving back to the mountains when I retire. πŸ™‚

  • What amazing talent your daughter has, no surprise when we have been following your work for several years. I’m sorry about your medical problems ad pray the doctors will have wisdom and knowledge of how to help you feel better. I’m sure many of your stories about being a vice principle are sad and alarming but that makes the funny precious ones all the better. I love your animals and mostly use your digital stamps. Changes are scary especially when it pertains to finances and we are responsible for another’s welfare. James says God will give us wisdom if we ask for it, a scripture I leaned on raising my four. Thanks for the update. I will keep you in my prayers and watch for how you are changing the shop.

  • I have been a very long-time subscriber, but rarely comment (sorry). Your shop is one of my all-time favorites and I have several digi stamps as well as actual stamps. Unfortunately due to being laid off and taking a job that just barely pays the bills, my income for crafty items is almost non-existent (I use what is in my stash and spend on the absolute necessities like adhesive!). I would love to be able to purchase more if I could. I faithfully read your blog and love all of your new items and maybe one day I will be able to pick up a few more stamps that I have been wanting for a while! I wish you the very best with your health, your family, your job and creative business. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season. ~Kim in Texas

    • Ah, you are too sweet. πŸ™‚ I totally understand that stories change and I don’t blame anyone at all for the slowdown in the shop — I know that many reasons exist for the changes. I am very grateful for all those who have been with me for years — buying or just watching. πŸ™‚ It is just lovely.

  • Merry Christmas!

    So sorry to hear about the diagnosis and I hope you find good news in the new year.

    I have been following TiddlyInks for a long time! I love your gothic images best, but all of them are great. Sad to hear it may be the end for the shop. But I completely understand.

  • Hi. So sorry for the things you are going thru. The good things seems to outweigh the bad. I have lupus for 7 years but just found out the day after my hubby passed on 11/27/18 I have very active MS. Lupus and MS mimic each other. But I have both. Take care and hope next year brings you joy and happiness

  • I wish you well. Fingers crossed ❀️

  • Merry Christmas!
    Your daughters drawings are fantastic! Also, have you thought about doing an artist vlog on YouTube? I follow quite a few artists and they do studio updates, tutorials and such! It would bring brand attention as well for your shop. Just a thought. If you are already doing it then disregard my suggestion.

    • Hey Janele,
      Thank you for the thought… I should do more stuff like that, but time is a huge limitation. I really just have time to draw what I want and post it— there is almost no time to color it properly or use them… maybe your suggestion is a good way to slow down and change focus on the products. πŸ™‚

  • you are in my prayers, any illness that is chronic tears us down. Try to stay above it and be strong. Love your work and buy as I can Merry Christmas and a Joyous new year

  • Hi Christy

    Sorry to hear you are having so many difficulties I hope things improve for you in 2019.

    Your daughter is very talented – she takes after you. Maybe she could start to sell her work on your site too? Perhaps other artists could form a cooperative with you?

    I have a rare breed dog and would love to have him as a digital stamp and I believe other pet owners/parents and lots of people might like that service too. I have only found one other site that offered that service (for pets) and it was very expensive. I appreciate it probably requires a lot of work but I hope you will continue to produce your digital stamps and expand your catalog.

    Warmest wishes for Christmas and 2019.

    Sheena

    • Hey Sheena,
      I used to offer custom stamps, but you are right… it takes a ton of time and thus is expensive for the owner… It is a great idea though. πŸ™‚ And thank you for the kind words!

  • I just recently discovered Tiddly Inks!!! I sure hope you can keep it going!! Good luck in 2019!!

  • Fantasy books with good female leads – check Jeff Wheeler! Books available on Kindle, and fast reads that suck you in!

  • Christy, thank you for the darling coloring pages. I wish you well in the New Year. Your daughter’s drawings are amazing.
    Merry Christmas and a happier, healthier New Year.

  • Thanks so much for the beautiful coloringpages!!
    Love your good stuff list, and good to see it is much longer then the not so good list!!!Hoping for good test results for you!!
    Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2019!!

  • Christy,
    Sending such strong prayers your way, so strong ya will be blown over! Have faith, think positive. I speak from experience, not a hallmark card. You have always been such a generous person and God rewards the kind. As for the status of Tiddly inks…your shop is a fav of thousands of people. Whatever new changes come, they will be terrific, of this I have no doubt. Happy holidays and be well.

  • Thank you for the darling coloring pages! Sorry to hear about your lupus, hang in there they will hopefully find a way to manage it. Your daughter did an awesome job on the dragons and robot. Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year!

Leave a Reply to Doris Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *