A 2026 Life & Film Update from Lydia

Hey everyone :)

Here is the 2026 update. I know I haven’t been posting as much lately, but I’ve been deep in some incredible projects behind the scenes. I’ve been editing nonstop, finishing a documentary about my father that I’ve been working on for the last few years: Follow the Art: The Creative Journey of Tom Woodruff I’m aiming to have it completed by July—my deadline for film festivals—and it’s truly been a labor of love—and I’ve realized it has been more about the journey than the destination. This project has reconnected my dad with friends and places he never thought he’d see again, and reconnected me with my family, his community, and the deeper meaning behind why this story needed to be told—bringing deep healing, honoring our shared history, and preserving it for the generations to come.

Over the past few years, I’ve interviewed so many people for this film, traveled all the way down to Key West and back with my dad, taken countless road trips in between, and spent endless hours digitizing our family archives—bringing old memories, photos, and stories back to life. Somehow, in the middle of all of that, I’ve continued my personal travels as well. 2025 was full—full of miles, long editing hours, and deep reflection and gratitude for where I’ve been and where I am now. It’s been a long journey with many ups and downs, and ultimately a year of growth, love, and opportunity that has meant everything to me.

This past year took me to Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Paris, Alaska, and many places throughout the United States. In just a few days, I’ll be heading to India for the month on what feels like a true pilgrimage. Most of my editing happens in my studio—but also on these very long flights, in hotel corners, and during late nights on the road.

Life-wise, I’ve been living part-time in Colorado with my fiancé—yes, engaged! My family is doing well. I’m doing well.

I have a whole backlog of travel footage and interviews, and I can’t wait to start sharing more of these travel experiences with you. For now, my main focus is finishing the documentary and preparing it for the film festival circuit. I’ve been in the editing bay five to eight hours a day, really putting in the time.

So wish me luck. If you’d like to follow along more closely, you can visit follow the art film. com. Thank you to everyone who has supported this project along the way.

I can’t wait to share what’s coming next.

Love you all.