One small thing
January 27 2026
“It can feel foolish to pause to marvel at the stars when the world is burning. Or to find the world beautiful when you’ve known it to betray you. But wonder is a liberation practice. A reminder that we contain more than tragedy. Beauty is our origin and our anchor.”
~ Cole Arthur Riley, Black Liturgies
The past few weeks here in my beloved Minnesota have been heavy with grief, fear, rage, and uncertainty for many. It’s palpable. The sheer weight of it all can leave a person feeling like whatever small part we play in creating a more loving and just world simply isn’t enough.
I’ve been moving through those feelings too. When situations are big, I’m reminded that the most meaningful thing I can offer the world are small - the gifts and skills authentic to me. We all have things we’re good at, thank goodness, and the beauty of community is how those individual gifts come together to form something stronger than any one of us alone.
For me, that means listening and holding space, sharing beauty, and encouraging creativity and joy. Those may not seem revolutionary, but I believe art is a gift that heals, and even a brief pause from grief can give someone the strength to keep fighting.
My kids are probably tired of me saying “what’s one small thing you can do right now to make the world better?” (I keep trying to convince them that doing the dishes is that one small thing, but they don’t seem to be buying it) but I really think that’s the way forward, each of us doing our “one small thing”. We all have a role to play.
What’s yours?
I haven't done this in a few years, but my hands and heart are called to make this quiet, meditative work at this time. I’m offering a limited number of stitched stone commissions in my shop now, to offer comfort, honor a person, mark a moment, or bring a small sense of grounding. Tell me what colors and details you like, what wish or intention you would like me to hold as I work, and I will do the rest. The stones are larger than the ones shown here, just the right size for holding in your hands.
The northern lights needle felting at Ruttger’s sold out so they’re having me back to teach another on February 28th. It was a joy to see everyone discovering this medium in the rustic log lodge with the fireplace crackling, and the lovely Bay Lake as a backdrop. I love seeing everyone’s different takes on the theme. They turned out just beautifully. There are just 16 spots, and there was a waiting list last time so if you want to join in, check out Ruttger’s website for details.
This Wednesday, January 28th, 12:00 cst, I will be featured on Jolene Emery’s Happy Time Craftcast (that has to be the best podcast name ever). In this episode, I chat with Joleen about the quiet power of making by hand — from felting wool around a simple stone to following curiosity across multiple mediums. We talk about trusting the process, letting play lead the way, and how working with natural materials like wool, paper, and fiber can be deeply grounding. It’s a conversation about creativity as problem-solving, community-building, and a lifelong practice of learning, making, and belonging.
Catch the episode on:
I hope you’ll be able to join us!
And to wrap it up, another small thing to make the world a better, more beautiful place worth working for… the littlest lil fish is on the way. You can call me Gamma. I can’t wait to make him all the toys! And fill him with root beer and candy and drop him back with his parents, on a full sugar high, just like my dad used to do with my kids. Baby boy is already so loved.
I’ve been challenged!
Starting in February I will be sharing two newsletters a month. With the studio opening there will be much to share.
Thank you for reading. It means the world to me.
If you think someone else may enjoy my work, I’d be grateful if you’d share this with them or encourage them to visit my website where they can sign up for my newsletter, consider workshops, and peruse past projects.
Have questions? Email me at lisa@lilfishstudios.com
Be well and gentle on yourselves. We need your gifts.
