Continued reflection as I step into January...

Before I dive into the new year, I want to continue to reflect on 2024. It was a year of love, loss, laughter, tears, and resilience—a whole lot of resilience. Growth happened in ways I didn’t expect, and while I might be walking into 2025 carrying some losses and anguish, I never anticipated, the real win is simply walking forward. 

Personal loss created a realization to my artistic practices and profession: my cousins and I have now become the older generation of artists in our family. It's a role I didn't force stepping into so soon, and it carries immense responsibility. I'm endlessly thankful for the lessons my uncles in the LaFountain Family shared with me over the years. Their talents, wisdom, humor, and passion shaped us into the artists we are today, and they will be continually missed. I am not only thankful for them but those who supported their work, and thankful that they encouraged others to explore their creativity. 

2024 taught me that even in the hardest moments, there’s strength in showing up for yourself and those you care about. It wasn’t perfect—far from it—but it was real, and I’m thankful for the lessons, even the ones I didn’t ask for. (Yet, I can really use a break from negativity, and welcome the idea of being embraced.) I did learn that my self-isolation wasn't completely a result of "healing," but it was a response to help me heal. There was a lot that has taken place in this year, and I am thankful. I walk with gratitude from what I have learned, those who I have met, and the mashkiki (medicine) that came from that. 

I’ve learned not to say, “This is going to be the year,” because life has its own plans. But I’ll admit, there’s still a glimmer of hope. My “better” may not look like anyone else’s, and that’s okay--that’s what individuality is all about. 

Every year, I think about how much I love supporting the communities I care for. It’s a huge part of who I am, and I genuinely want to keep growing and giving in ways that matter. But let’s be real--it’s easy to lose yourself in the process, and this year, I’m ready to do things differently. I need to keep my eyes open, as I learned going simply by faith is not always the best way to go about living. 

In this next year, my focus is on finding that sweet spot between giving to others and not forgetting myself in the mix. I’m focused on balance: loving and giving to the communities I care for while also learning to love and care for myself, honoring my own needs. The acts of service should come from a place of abundance, not sacrifice. I want to show up for the people and causes I care about without running on empty or feeling like I’m losing parts of myself along the way.  

So, here’s my plan: 

• Keep growing I’ll always push myself to do better and learn more, but I’m making sure I grow in a way that feels good, not draining. 
• Set boundaries: Let’s normalize saying “no” when it’s needed to protect our peace and without guilt (easier said than done, but I’m working on it). 
• Make space for joy: Whether it’s creating, traveling, or just being still, I’m committing to moments that recharge my spirit, with continual gratitude.
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I don’t want to give less; I just want to give differently—more intentionally and with more care for myself in the process. If I’m at my best, I can keep showing up in ways that truly matter. 

BooZhoo, greetings, 2025. I am curious as to what is to come. 

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"Ganawenim (to take care of)" on left. Ganawenim was part of the "Limited Time Only" at the North Dakota Museum of Art, Grand Forks, ND

"Ganawenim" 2024 48"x48" Acrylic on Canvas $10,000

​​Adorning Pink Velcro shoes, she skips along,
A little Ojibwe girl, a spirit strong.
With red pants and Big Bird’s colorful hue,
Her hair in a side pony, eyes shining true. 
Through family homes and dirt Rez roads she roams,
Exploring the world, making it her own. 
Amongst whispers of trees and songs of the breeze, 
Her laughter dances, a melody to appease.
In each step and leap she takes, a story unfolds, 
Of traditions passed down, of tales untold.
With eyes full of wonder, and dreams ever bright,
She wanders the path, embracing the light.
In her heart, the spirit of ancestors reside,
Guiding her journey with wisdom and pride.
A little Ojibwe girl, with courage to explore,
In her pink Velcro shoes, she’ll find so much more.

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