As 2024 finally limps off stage, I can’t help but wave it a bittersweet goodbye—emphasis on the “sweet” because, honestly, good riddance. Don’t let the calendar page hit you on the way out, 2024. But before we kick it to the curb and pop the champagne (or sparkling cider—no judgment here), let’s take a moment to reflect on the year that tried to be a good year.
Act 1: The Year Started Strong… Kinda
2024 came in hot. January was filled with big studio plans and creative energy. On the surface, things were looking good, but let’s rewind to October 2023 when “They who shall not be named” moved in. Things were… weird. And by January? Weird escalated to “living in a psychological thriller.” You can read the story here if you don’t know what I’m talking about.
While I was focusing on getting back into my creative groove, the home dynamic turned into a reality show nobody wanted to watch. Toxic vibes were brewing, and it became clear that this would be the year of dodging drama while clinging to our art studio for dear life.
Act 2: Art Saves the Day
February hit, and so did the passive-aggressiveness at home. Klee and I were drained to the point that filming and recording content felt impossible. But art doesn’t care about drama, and it kept happening. We buried ourselves in creative projects, which became our lifeline.
In March, we decided to tackle the chaos head-on by releasing a music video about interdimensional millipedes. If you missed it, let’s just say it’s exactly what you didn’t know you needed in your life. We also worked on a sculpture together, a rare and much-needed moment of peace amidst the growing tension.
Act 3: Solar Flares and Stomach Flares
April brought solar eclipses—and somehow the excuse for passive-aggressive behavior at home was “the solar flares made me do it.” (I’ll give you a moment to process that.) We taught a workshop and did an interview, smiling through the stress. Meanwhile, Klee’s health started showing signs of strain.
By May, Klee was experiencing stomach issues that left us worried. Balancing events, shows, and guests with the increasingly volatile situation at home was a recipe for burnout. Financially, things got tight, leading to an “oh crap” sale. Thankfully, our amazing community came through for us, reminding us why we love what we do.
Act 4: Enough is Enough
June and July were a blur of exhibitions, speaking engagements, and passive-aggressive nonsense. On Klee’s birthday, the tension hit its peak as they decided to move out—kind of. They left a mess behind and strung us along for another month. By July, I had reached my limit. They had moved out in the middle of the night and left a mess and a bunch of their stuff. I told them to get their stuff or it was going on the curb in a month. (Spoiler: it almost went on the curb.)
Meanwhile, Klee’s health continued to decline, and we knew we had to make some big changes to protect her well-being.
Act 5: Rebuilding, One Day at a Time
August to October was a mix of rebuilding and holding onto hope. We tackled murals, concerts, book fairs, and road trips, all while managing Klee’s symptoms. With the house finally free of toxicity, we started feeling glimmers of normalcy. But as we moved into fall, Klee’s health challenges returned.
October brought the release of Dear Artist, Don’t Give Up and Halloween festivities, which Klee insisted on participating in despite her struggles. She’s tough like that.
Act 6: Closing the Year with Gratitude
November and December were about pacing ourselves and focusing on what mattered most. We mailed out books, released calendars, and prepped for our holiday sale while keeping Klee’s health a priority. Then, on December 2, the year decided to throw one last curveball: Klee was in excruciating pain which eventually led to a week-long hospital stay. We cancelled to virtual show and have been navigating her pain levels since. Your support during this time has been precious and I can’t thank you enough.
I’ve got good news. As of today, December 31st, as we close out 2024, there’s a spark of hope. Klee is starting to feel better, eating again, and smiling—proof that even the toughest years can end on a good note. This morning is the first morning in a month where she did not start the day on pain meds. Hooray! She is still weak but in really good spirits! We are also confirmed for her appointment with the specialist on January 8th, which means it’s right around the corner. A healthy start to what I hope is a great year.
What We Learned in 2024
Life has a way of teaching us lessons in the moments we least expect, and sometimes, those lessons come wrapped in challenges that test our limits. This year, we learned one of the most important truths of all: never let toxic people have control over you and your emotions, no matter who they are.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of people-pleasing, especially when you’re someone like Klee or me—always striving to make others feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. But what happens when that kindness is met with disrespect? When boundaries are crossed, ignored, and broken time and again? For us, the result was emotional exhaustion, a fractured sense of peace, and a heavy toll on our mental health.
Klee, being the incredibly generous and compassionate soul that she is, bore the brunt of this. Her boundaries were disrespected, and instead of standing firm, we found ourselves compromising over and over, trying to “keep the peace.” But here’s the thing: real peace isn’t about avoiding confrontation. It’s about honoring your own well-being enough to stand up for it.
Stress Isn’t Worth Your Health
The emotional and financial stress of this year (“They who shall not be named” came with extra bills) became a storm we were constantly weathering. As much as we pride ourselves on living bright, positive, and authentic lives, we found ourselves burying emotions instead of confronting them. Bottled-up emotions don’t just stay hidden. They leak out in ways that hurt your body, your relationships, and your soul.
We saw it firsthand as stress took a toll on Klee’s health. Watching someone you love suffer is a wake-up call like no other. It forced us to take a hard look at how we were living and the compromises we were making. No job, no relationship, no obligation is worth sacrificing your health or your happiness. Period.
The Strength of Joy
Even in the midst of all this chaos, one thing became crystal clear: we have so much to be grateful for. We have each other, a life filled with creativity, and a community of incredible, supportive humans who remind us of the good in the world. These challenges won’t make us bitter. They’ll make us stronger. And that strength is a source of joy all its own.
Joy isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you choose. We found it in quiet studio moments, in music, in laughter, and even in the lessons we’ve learned through this tough year. Joy doesn’t erase the hard times, but it gives you the power to rise above them.
Our Wish for You
If there’s one thing we’ve learned that we want to pass on, it’s this: guard your peace fiercely. Protect your boundaries like they’re sacred, because they are. Speak your truth, even if it’s uncomfortable. And never—never—sacrifice your well-being to make someone else comfortable.
Stress isn’t worth your health, but joy is worth everything. No matter what you’re going through, find those sparks of joy. They’re what will carry you through, make you stronger, and remind you of how powerful you really are.
Here’s to learning, growing, and finding joy in every challenge. Here’s to standing tall, setting boundaries, and living with love and strength.
A Special New Year’s Message for You
As we step into 2025, I want to wish each and every one of you an absolutely amazing year ahead. May your days be filled with creativity, laughter, and the kind of magic that only comes from being unapologetically yourself.
I hope this year brings you good health, great adventures, and unexpected moments of joy that remind you how incredible life can be—even when it throws you curveballs. Here’s to a year of growth, resilience, and art that makes the world a little brighter.
Thank you for being part of our journey and for sharing yours with us. You inspire us every single day, and we’re so grateful to have you in our corner. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember, together.
Cheers to a beautiful new year,
Rafi & Klee
