In this age of technology we can be transported around the world by the words and pictures of others, a snapshot in time of another's reality. We may not ever be able to experience these moments ourselves but we can catch a glimpse, have the tiniest taste of the possibility. These shared moments can fire a creative spark; when inspiration hits I've been letting it carry me away this month, to vast landscapes, poetry, pencils, pastels, ink. I have tried to stop chasing perfect

It's been a busy summer filled with more than I could possibly include in one post. So this one is a summary of events, places and thoughts of August... I ran two workshops as part of local teen retreat days, the first of which we had a go at watercolour patterns with inspirational quotes. They all gave it a good go and if anything had a calm, relaxed hour, getting creative. A peaceful weekend in Poole with an evening paddle in the sea and a little time to sketch. A family ro

We are well into the summer months now, I've definitely been feeling the heat! It has hindered my productivity but maybe I should embrace it and let my mind work at a slower pace over these warmer months. I have several trips away in the UK over August in Dorset, Wales and West Sussex. So plenty of countryside, waterfalls, mountains and beaches to help fire up my creativity - I look forward to experimenting with my new oil pastels when i'm back. I am excited to be showing thr

How the past few weeks have flown by. They have been full. A trip to Manchester to catchup with friends kicked off this month of May. A long journey but a thoroughly enjoyable one on the train. Armed with a packed lunch, a puzzle book and a special challenge devised by a friend. We each chose five songs to share which had a special meaning to us, maybe as a reminder of a person/event or just that had significant lyrics to us (some may feature in this month's playlist below).

Last weekend was the art show I've been preparing for, a last push in the week before and I managed to complete all my pieces on time. The village of Titchfield settles itself next to the river Meon and close to the coast of the Solent. Rich in history, it dates back to the 6th century with plenty of historic buildings - half-timbered wonky shops, neat rows of cottages and even connections to Shakespeare. I walked from home on a bright but chilly Friday morning, my precious c

Serendipity - the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. March - the promise of warmer, lighter days. Daffodils and crocus abundantly appearing in clusters, within front gardens and parks, bringing splashes of vibrancy to both bright and grey days. On one particularly beautiful day I took a walk down to a local pre 11th century church (it was even mentioned in the Domesday Book). Century old gravestones standing amongst the daffodil lade

February is here, and with it torrential showers interspersed with days of bright and welcomed sunshine. I always find a walk along the beach refreshes me mind, body and soul. Stormy seas and blustery gusts making my hair dance in crazy movements recharges life's battery and on those calm, sunny days it brings warmth and peace. It may be that the mountains, rivers or forests have the same effect on you - we can't all be lucky enough to live on the coast. Get out and let the e

I've never been one to worry about my future. I still don't. I'm an optimist, a dreamer, muddling my way through life with the knowledge that someone greater has me safe in their hands. I can however play it too safe at times, comfortable in my own little bubble. So this year I am going to take more risks - which no doubt will bring with it failures as well as successes. One of these risks was the decision to stop my yarn dyeing business. An enterprise that enabled me to work

Last year, in mid-March, my eldest daughter and I went on a nine day Italian adventure. Italy is somewhere we had both always wanted to go so last year I decided to save up the pennies and plan a trip. Time and budget taken into account, we wanted to attempt to visit three key destinations: Taormina in Sicily, Rome and Venice. A true top to toe experience (or in our case toe to top!). We would cover pretty much all main modes of transport - plane, train, bus and boat! Having