Medicine for the Soul

Yesterday morning I woke up thinking it was a work day.

When I realised it was that delightful day we call Saturday, I snuggled deeper into my pillows and blanket, probably with a hint of a smile on my face.

I dont know how it happened but my thoughts went directly to drawing.

Ideas were rolling casually through my sleepy mind, and all of a sudden..

POP!!

I had the most amazing, exciting idea of what to draw!

Suddenly I was wide awake.

My heart going a mile a minute.

I was actually excited.

I dont remember the last time I felt so electrified!

So up I got and started digging through my art supplies.

I thought the best place to start my new project would be making sure I have everything I need in order, ready to go.

I use Copic Sketch markers and am (over)due some refills, so did a test of all the markers, making a list of what refills I need ~ roll on payday!

I need to restock my basic equipment, like sketch pencils and erasers.

I really let things slide over the years.

While I was head first, elbow deep in my supply box I was making piles.. 

All colouring pencils in one, final paper in another, watercolour paints over there, expired masking fluid (not sure why I felt the need to sniff the contents first) and rock solid clay to the bin.

I came across some drawings that were dated in 2015 but I'd not finished. 

While I wait to replenish supplies and not wanting to lose this motivated buzz, I set to work on them!

I started a series of bottle girls years ago.

A faerie encased in a glass bottle, each labeled with a different emotion.

I finally finished this one yesterday but forgot in all my excitement to take a photo at the end.

This picture meant a lot to me when I began it 5 years ago.

Finishing the colouring yesterday was medicine for my soul. 

I would often look at it, half done, but would tuck it back away inside a sketch book for another day.

I based this drawing on Mary and Dickon from The Secret Garden.

Looking at it now, my mind swirls with ideas I could've added to it.

But I love that I finally did it. 

And i can put those ideas to other projects.

Another drawing that was half done, 5 years tucked away was my confrontation of Duchess Ravenwaves and Lady Lovely Locks. 

I loved the show as a kid, and as much as I preferred the kind, sweet nature of Lovely Locks, Ravenwaves had the hair for me.

Haha!

I am feeling a lot more like my old self.

Who'da thunk that all it would take would be the smell of the wood of watercolour pencils, the feel of fresh, crisp heavyweight paper, the jangle and rattle of Copics going in and out of their case, seeing the colours bleeding out of a paintbrush, and a cup of sweet tea.

Oh, Universe, thank you for bringing me back!

🤍🤍🤍

P.s. ~ Im still reading lots! Ive started writing the books I've read in a list to share at the end of the year (lists are theraputic to my anxiety). 

Currently on my bedside table is Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov.

Sweet Pea and Fairy Floss

The boys returned home happy, safe and sound, hooray!

During our last week of holidays we did a day trip to my hometown to visit their Nanna - my mum.

It was the most beautiful, sunny blue day.

We climbed a hill - it took just 20 minutes to reach the top including 3 rest breaks for me to catch my breath.

Up near the horizon, in amongst the trees hiding away, is my hometown.

We climbed, I nearly rolled, down in 10 minutes.

It was a wonderful day.

We drove home that afternoon, back to the cold wintery weather.

It poured rain that night.

Bucketed down.

For days.

The garden has loved it.

Leftover raindrops hang delicately on the tips of poppy leaves. 

Decorated like a Christmas tree.

Nature's fairy lights.

My friend gifted me this amazing fig tree!

It instantly became very special to me.

Ive spent about 3 months slowly working away at a crochet project. 

The Sweet Pea blanket from Attic24.

There were a couple of styles to choose from, the striped or the colourwash.

I went for the colourwash.

When I ordered the pack I had my heart set on colourwash, then when I was to start I really wanted the striped.

So I took a vote from the family and all 4 of them chose colourwash.

So I slowly worked my way through the colours, working the trellis stitch. 

I finally finished it this week.

Boof has claimed it for his couch blanket - he doesnt fit under the others heehee.

Winter has reached its peak and the sun is making its way back towards it's summer path. 

Golden Hour doesnt blast through my bedroom window anymore, just a peak for a short time.

The skies look like fairy floss.

I love catching these colours out my kitchen window while i prepare dinner.

Another day gifted this beautiful palette of colours as the sun went down.

I should really get up out of bed.

Its mid morning and I'm still hiding under my heavy doona, listening to the wind outside wisha-wisha-wish in between the chaos of my family inside.

Yesterday I stayed in my jammies all day long. 

I felt so lazy and successful at the same time haha!

Ok,off I go!

Lots to do!

Toodles!!