Here’s to a new year and a new chapter! What are your 2024 goals and aspirations? Have you mapped it all out? I have a year-view calendar, and I have put some important dates on it. I really am trying to do a better job of getting things done, but that isn’t my resolution for the year. In fact, I don’t have one. New Year’s resolutions tend to focus on self-improvement. I’ve already failed at that and have handed it over to God long ago! So, what are my goals for the new year? I have lots of art plans, writing goals, and new ideas, but they all boil down to one thing in the end.
New Year’s Eve, I wrote in my Bible notes, “Lord, I want to run headlong into the new year fully in You, with You, and for You.” That’s it. I will fall short, but that’s my measuring stick. Everything I do I want to glorify God.

I’d love to hear in the comments below what your aspirations are for the new year, so we can cheer each other on! 

Why do you create? Why do you make the art you make? What fuels your art? What's the purpose in all of it? Do you ever ask yourself these questions?

It's a journey, so you might as well enjoy it. Boy, do I need that reminder! The adventure is in the trip--not in the final destination. Create art for the sake of creating. When you take your eyes off the outcome, you'll likely find yourself moving to that lofty artistic goal faster than if you'd tried to make it happen!
Remember, your 'why' isn't set in stone, either. It's a part of you that grows and changes as you do. Don't be afraid to refine or redefine your 'why' as you make the journey.

Mine is simple--to create art with such joy that it's infectious, to warm hearts and lift spirits, and most of all to share Jesus...and to paint chickens in stylish glasses. 

Now, I'd love to hear from you. What fuels your artistic fire? What compels you to create? Join the conversation and share your unique artistic purpose, and let's get moving on this creative journey!

In fact, change has already come! Sherry's Cabin has been a swirl of art, cozy mysteries, art journaling, and Jesus since the website opened its doors. While I love the mix of mysteries and art, I've found it hard to build an audience. 
You, my dear friends visit because you are my dear friends, and you support me with cheers for my art and my cozy mysteries. Thank you! Marketing to a wider audience, though, has been a challenge that has driven me to a standstill.

What does that mean for Sherry's Cabin? The site has had an overhaul. Here you'll now find my art, my Sue and Ned book and their adventures, and a healthy dose of Jesus!
What about the cozy mysteries? They now have their own home at www.sherryshallauthor.com
...and yes, I do plan on finishing book 3. 😁

This is a work in progress. It will take me some time to build out two separate sites, but I think it will be better in the long run. 

Welcome, friends, to the 10th Annual Mad Tea Party! Let us tip our tea cups to Lewis Carroll. Won't you join us in our absolutely absurd, and ever so fun, party to sip virtual tea and enjoy beautiful photos, stories, art...and surely a white rabbit or two along the way.

So...you decided to stay. Welcome to Sherry's Cabin where stories of mysteries and art mix and mingle.
​     Have a cup of tea while we visit?

...one sugar flower or two?

...and you must have a humbug, of course! The Hatter made them just for you.

Ah, now that we have some tea and sweets, would you like to chat about my imaginary friends in Cedar Wells? You are sure to love Sarah and the other members of the Book and Brush Club. Club night is the perfect mix of art supplies, mysteries, and laughs!

​​Did I tell you they had their own tea party? 
The Red Queen was a sight to behold!
cookies, cakes, wine, and tea...
the Mad Hatter in all his glory--
and a corpse.

Can I offer you one more cup before you go? I enjoyed our visit and hope you will drop by again!
​
May God bless your Mad Tea Party Hoppin' Day!
Be sure to sign the guest book by leaving a comment.
Many thanks to our hostess, Vanessa, at A Fanciful Twist.
Be sure to stroll on over to the rest of the Party at

​“Have some wine,” the March Hare said in an encouraging tone.
Alice looked all round the table, but there was nothing on it but tea. “I don’t see any wine,” she remarked.
“There isn’t any,” said the March Hare.
“Then it wasn’t very civil of you to offer it,” said Alice angrily.
“It wasn’t very civil of you to sit down without being invited,” said the March Hare.

My friend Vanessa over at a Fanciful Twist is hosting a Mad Tea Party this Saturday! The virtual tea parties started back in 2007 on a very bored day. It's been a few years since we've had the annual tea party/blog hop, so I'm excited to invite you to join the fun. Grab a cup of tea...it might be iced in this summer heat...and check back tomorrow for the virtual tea party!
What, you ask? Why would you want to attend a virtual tea party? To sip virtual tea, of course...to take time to enjoy lovely photos and art, and to stop and smell the roses, virtual, though, they may be!

Wondering just what you might see? 
     Just a peek from the past of the Hatter's humbugs for tea...

I am counting the days until our Christmas in July celebration! ARC ebook copies of Not a Corpse Was Stirring are going out this weekend, and I’m excited to hear what readers think of the latest mystery in Cedar Wells.
I decided we needed treats. What Christmas party doesn’t have great, albeit unhealthy, food? I started a Pinterest board for Christmas in July ideas, but you might want to take a peak and save it for December. Treats are good no matter the month!

I think I’ll give these brownies a whirl this weekend. I’ll keep you posted! What is your favorite Christmas treat? Be sure to share it in the comments. 😁

Ebook preorders are currently available on Amazon!
​I hope you’ll join me for another Cedar Wells Mystery!

As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, let’s not get so caught up in the every day that we forget those who’ve given their lives for us—the American soldier and Jesus Christ.

On the author front...We are on the final countdown to the launch of Not a Corpse Was Stirring July 11th, and I’m so excited! I’m celebrating with a week-long Christmas in July Launch Party! I’m gathering ideas, and I would love to hear yours! What author/book swag do you love to receive?

From the barn...Ned says hi! We are in search of a Ned companion. It’s a challenge to find another little ball of fire within driving distance, but we’re not giving up! He really needs a friend to occupy that little mind of his.

What’s on your To-Do list that brings you joy?