Feeling Blessed

So I have the day off work and I am sat on a train headed to Cheltenham to see the wonderful Mr Hobson. I have a cheese and celery sarni and listening to the genius that is Bon Iver. Lovely! I visited my step mum and brothers for the evening last night, which as always was lovely. Kim cooked us a delicious dinner and we got to spend some quality time together- a rarity now they are all growing up and off doing their own things. They have had a rather rough six months or so and I am just so so lucky to have them. All three of my brothers are unbelievably talented and bright, and I know in my heart that one day they will be doing wonderful things with their lives. I hope they believe in themselves as much as I believe in them. Last weekend I visited my beautiful mother over in Malta, who is another one who has had a bit of a crap time lately. She is such a clever and inspirational woman, and she will be fine again soon- she just needs to get her sparkle back. But on this train, just thinking about my loved ones I remember just how lucky I am and now I am feeling very blessed. That doesn’t even mention the rest of my family whom I love dearly. Or my truly magnificent friends who never fail to make me laugh – dotted around the country I am never far from one of these people. My job is going swimmingly and I really am a lucky girl. I hope in my heart that one day everyone will experience a little of this happiness for themselves, and to all of you who are in my life who add to these feelings and make me so lucky, thank you xxx

Friends in Expert Places

I spoke to a very lovely lady I know the other day. I dropped her an email asking for advice as her husband is a rather talented artist and together they have created their own fashion label- how fantastic! I wanted to know if either of them had any tips for someone getting interested in art, as just recently I have been considering many things around motivations, style, creations etc etc. She gave me some grounded advice : everything you do, do it from the heart not with selling in mind; when people don't like/buy your work it isn't a reflection of your work just a reflection of where they are at; PERSEVERE. Her email resonated strongly and re-affirmed thoughts and feelings I already had about the direction of my little arts venture. I have decided for the future that I will no longer create items for sale- but purely for my own enjoyment and work on developing my skills. I found selling things took away my creativity and added way too much pressure, thus removing all enjoyment- which is why I am doing it surely?! If anyone does ask to buy an item I would be more than happy to sell it - however, only at cost price which is usually between £1-£2 - I have decided to suggest to purchasers when they buy something that they also make a small donation to their favourite charity, but ultimately this is up to them. I would absolutely love for this little venture to one day turn into a social enterprise, spreading the joy and colour of arts and crafts whilst also adding value in other places too. But for now I can just enjoy the journey, and as dear Kate advises- do everything from the HEART <3

music memories

Ever been somewhere and a certain song comes on and it takes you straight back to another place?! Amazing isn't it! I love it when this happens, especially songs which are attached to happy memories. I was just painting away with the iPod on, and a certain song came on - Backseat by Atlas Genius. This song takes me back to the summer. For those who have read my blog for a while you will remember 'that journey' from Hanoi-Hue in Vietnam where our bus broke down. We were 3 hours from our destination and on our second break down of the journey. We hadn't eaten for almost 24 hours and ended up spending 3 hours at the side of the road in 35 degree heat before managing to hitch hike on another bus. I was laid in my bed-seat a bit squashed up as the bus was over-filled and rather peckish I must say. We were hot and bothered and spirits dampened. I remember laying there and thinking 'Thank god we are finally on our way'. This song by Atlas Genius was the first song that came on, and I was filled with elation. Elated that we were no longer stranded, elated we were on our way to Hue, elated we were on our way to food! It still fills me with that euphoric feeling- odd that I could feel euphoric in such a bizarre situation?! Another one, is Def Leppard- Pour some sugar on me (and any other Def Leppard/Bon Jovi/Thunder). This takes me back to younger years sitting in the back of mums car, while she blared this out with the windows down and we both sang along. I can still remember all the words to the whole Bon Jovi album 'Crush'. All of these songs mum used to play just transport me immediately back to that care-free feeling when music is playing, you're singing along and there are no troubles in the world. Beautiful . Just in case you haven't had the pleasure- both songs mentioned are linked :)