Desk Notes: January 2026

A snapshot of current projects, systems, and tools in use

January always feels less like a clean slate and more like a sorting table.

Not everything is new. Some projects are continuing, some are being reshaped, and a few are being retired or put on hold.

View from my corner of the world. January in Central PA may not sound ideal, but I love the seasonal changes we experience here.

This Month's Focus

Right now, I'm focused on a few core areas:

• At Patterns of Meaning, as Head of Communications, I’m supporting strategic communications, storytelling, and publicity as the program enters its next phase.   One key area is continuing with the first phase of a PR plan established in 2025.
  

• This month started with a new blog post for the Patterns team about their pop-up exhibit at the groundbreaking for a commercial real estate project in Pittsburgh, PA. This will be repurposed into email newsletter content soon.    I'm also preparing a slide deck for an upcoming presentation about The Pattern Initiative.
  

• For Art Is An Advantage, the focus is on reworking my content systems after a pause, simplifying how content is created and shared. For Festival to Inbox subscribers, this program is shifting from a live series into an on-demand resource.
  

• Another fun project in my local community is in the works. It involves the art, although it’s not entirely the focus.  More on that to come.
  

What’s actively in motion

Alongside those core areas, other projects include:

• Planning and writing blog and newsletter content after a holiday pause.

• Preparing a virtual presentation for The Visual Arts of Prosper, scheduled for February.

• Early conversations around a couple of potential projects and collaborations
  

Tools, Systems, & Other Fun Things

A few tools and systems that are part of my current workflow:

• Notion, for planning and documentation.  I've been using Notion for a while now, and it's really become an effective hub for managing all aspects of my work.
  

• I love Canva for creating material for Patterns of Meaning, particularly the presentation mentioned above. Consider this type of tool to support your materials if you present regularly, whether it's a class or demonstration.
  

• The Full Focus Planner is always front and center in January.  I use this tool all year, but it feels extra useful this month.
  

• I’m reading The Three-Minute Rule by Brant Pindivic, which a friend loaned to me and highly recommended.  

  
  

What are you working on this month?  I’d love to hear from you!