Happy Saturday. The energy today feels different — softer, slower, a little more honest. Like the universe finally took its foot off the gas pedal and said, “Alright… let’s try this again.” All week long things felt heavier than they needed to be. Comments that missed the point, people projecting their own storms, unnecessary negativity showing up in places built for art, healing, and community. And honestly? It made me wonder how many people are running on empty without even

Every family has that person — the one who brings the safe, no-stress, zero-chance-of-burning-anything dish to holiday gatherings. In my family, that person is me. I don’t cook. I don’t pretend to cook. My contribution is chips and dip, and honestly? I bring them with pride. It’s funny, but there’s something comforting about it. It takes the pressure off. No timers. No smoke alarms. No “is this supposed to be that color?” moments. Just grab the chips, grab the dip, and walk

Hi. I’m Ashley, and this is me starting over a little. I wanted this blog to feel like stepping into my studio on a quiet morning — wood stove warming up, paintbrushes in a jar, lake air drifting in when I crack the door open. Nothing fancy. Nothing forced. Just real life, real art, and whatever piece of the island is speaking to me that day. Fall But Once has grown and changed with me, and it feels right for this space to grow too. I wanted a place where I could share things