Widow's Voice

Busiest First Week of January

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In all the years I’ve been doing what I do work-wise, this is quite possibly the busiest first week of January I’ve ever experienced. I’ve already welcomed aboard 2 new clients, started 3 new projects that were booked before the year ended, heard from folks I’ve done work for years ago that want new work, and fielded a ton of existing client’s new requests. I also met with an awesome marketer who loves sales and have partnered up with her. And I have to laugh because if Mario were still around, he’d be freaking out with stress, even though this is all good stuff.

Mario hated deadlines and when things came flying at him work-wise, it almost always caused him to shut down. Don’t get me wrong, he did excellent work when he’d actually do it. I know the alcoholism came into play on that front. I often wonder if the alcoholism never happened and he were still here what other amazing things he would have created.

There’s times I’ll be driving in town and a box truck with a logo he designed drives by … or when a past client hits me up about something and I have to dig into Mario’s long unplugged external hard drive to look for files he worked on. The dead truly do live on in some capacity by what they created.

Of course I also have art hanging throughout the house that Mario did. One such item is a large (like 6 foot x 6 foot) painting he did shortly after we moved into this house. It’s kind of the centerpiece on the wall in the living room (and only works there because of the high vaulted ceiling) and almost always one of the first things someone new looks at when they walk into the house. There are reminders everywhere.

The years may keep trucking on, but it still doesn’t seem like much time has passed since he moved on to whatever awaits us all. Next month, it will be that 5 year milestone. There are days where it still seems weird that he’s not here. The further I get into this journey, it does feel different. It’s actually rather hard to explain how I feel. I don’t feel like I left Mario behind, if that makes sense. Yes, his physical life ended on February 10th, 2021, but his presence remains, not just in the things that he created and loved that he left behind, but I do get the sense that he checks in on me now and then.

I’m sure right now he’s smiling at the fact that the business he was once very much a part of is doing well.

I’m still having a very good feeling about this year in general. I feel like it’s a year when good things you may have been waiting on for awhile come to pass.

Of course I had to take a peek at some of the astrological predictions (whether you believe wholeheartedly in that or not, it’s often fun reading anyway). In Chinese tradition, 2026 is the year of the horse and not just any horse, but a fire horse. In the Chinese calendar, this only happens once every 60 years. So this hasn’t happened since 1966 (7 years before I was born). The horse itself symbolizes strength, swiftness, freedom, and perseverance. Combine that with the transformative element of fire and this could become a very enthusiastic year if you’re a believer in Chinese astrology.

Typically, one also looks to what their own animal and element was in the Chinese zodiac for the year of their birth. Then they can look up the horoscope for the current year might have in store for them. I happen to be a (water) ox. So of course I looked that up …

In the 2026 Year of the Fire Horse, Ox signs can expect a dynamic year of change, with opportunities for breakthroughs if they embrace new methods, travel, and break from routine, though they need balance to manage the restless energy. Career-wise, creative fields and collaboration offer rewards.

Health-wise, 2026 is transformative for the Ox. With the energetic Horse’s influence, Ox individuals will feel nudged to move more and break out of sedentary patterns. This boost in physical activity, whether through structured workouts or outdoor hobbies, will significantly improve stamina and reduce stress.

Those born in year of the Ox should benefit from being focused and grounded.

To be honest, it sounds pretty relatable and you can’t go wrong with sound advice like keeping an eye on balance, getting some more physical activity in and being more grounded.

About Sherry Holub

I met my spouse, Mario, at UCLA School of Art in 1993. After graduating in 1995, I founded a small agency specializing in web and graphic design. Mario became my partner in the company in 1999. In 2002, we were married at the Costa Mesa, CA court house because neither of us wanted a big wedding ceremony (after already being together since 1995).

Mario was a highly talented artist, musician, illustrator and 3D Designer, but a tortured one. He was one of those gentle, creative souls who ended up burning twice as bright for half as long. Mario lost the battle with liver disease induced by alcoholism (almost exactly 6 months after he became sober) on 2/10/21.

I’m a long-time artist and writer with a background in photography who enjoys cooking, getting outdoors, staying young at heart, and sharing experiences to potentially help others. When it comes to writing, I’ve written both for fun and professionally over the years. Writing is also sometimes therapy for me and I don’t mind sharing my personal experiences with a wider audience.