Ah, December–the busiest time of my year coincides with onset of hibernation urges. All I want is a nap and a cookie (double chocolate, please), but there is, indeed, no rest for the wicked. Here’s a quick rundown on what’s new.

Last week KZUM broadcast the debut episode of “The Platte River Sampler,” featuring creative works penned and performed by Nebraskans. Listen live online Thursdays from 6-7 pm central. If you miss an episode and want to catch up, here’s the podcast listing.

Round 23 of SPARK collaborations is going up. Contributors have through Friday to post their work, so be sure to check back for new additions.

As for myself, I have been eating too much, exercising too little, and chipping away at two works in progress. (Full disclosure: I’ve also been watching a few episodes of American Horror Story: Coven on Netflix. Gotta have some guilty pleasures, don’t I?)

All in all, I’ve been feeling a little like this cat:

“Kittens and cats: a book of tales” (1911)

How many people and bandages do you suppose were involved in getting that cat in a fur coat? My guess is half a dozen of each.