Dear Friends,
It's been a minute, and I feel that I owe you an apology for not keeping in touch as much as I'd like. I've stepped back from social media a bit this year, though I still pop on when I can; I've gotten out of the habit of posting regularly. New Year's Eve is the perfect time to look back and share what my 2024 looked like. I’ve been thinking about all the big and small moments that shaped my year. It’s been a year of growth, challenges, and connection, and I’m so thankful to have shared parts of it with you.
The last week of 2023 was a whirlwind of excitement! My Bonus son (Steve's oldest) got married in North Carolina. The wedding was sweet and intimate with family and a few close friends. New Year's Eve was full of fun and laughter with the bride and groom and getting to know our daughter-in-law's family. We couldn't be happier that they found each other. It was the perfect way to begin 2024.
The summer of 2024 feels like a dream! We traveled to Lake Champlain via the Champlain Canal. The entrance to the lake is at Whitehall, NY, with Vermont on one side and New York on the other; this stretch is perhaps the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen. We witnessed the Northern Lights light up the sky over Lake Champlain—a breathtaking sight that felt almost otherworldly. To my delight, I caught a glimpse of the auroras again in October, this time shimmering above the Hudson River.
One of the most challenging moments in the last year was losing Hamish, our beloved dog and travel companion. He had a timeless quality—wise, patient, and soulful. Someone once described Hamish's look as that of a well-loved stuffed animal. Hamish the Littlest Man is deeply missed.
Life, however, has a way of bringing new beginnings. Enter our four-month-old puppy Oswaldo Lè Roi Mobray. This little one is an entirely different story—full of energy, endless curiosity, and boundless puppy joy. I'll be sharing more images of Oswaldo in 2025!
I've just finished my third semester at Bard College, studying Art History and Visual Culture. I learned the importance of balance—working toward my goals while also making time to rest and appreciate life. These moments of reflection have given me a clearer vision of the future, and I’m carrying that energy into 2025!
Of course, there are ups and downs to returning to college later in life. Self-doubt and fear: Am I too old to do this? Did I make the right choice starting this now? These questions creep in, especially on hard days. But I have the best support system of family and friends. I'm very grateful to have them encouraging me every step of the way. Receiving the Joseph McDermott Scholarship this past semester affirmed my decision to finish what I had started so long ago.
And just like the end of 2023, 2024 ended on a high note.
I'm thrilled to have been awarded an Arts Mid-Hudson Arts & Culture Project Grant! Receiving this grant is an incredible honor and will help me bring my project, Tidal, to fruition. I’m excited to share more about the project as it progresses. To keep in the know, subscribe!
As we welcome 2025, my hope is that it’s a year filled with MORE love, MORE growth, and DEEPER connections for all of us.
Thank you for being part of my journey. Here’s to 2025 and all the adventures ahead.
With gratitude,
Sikena Khadija
Comments