Pack your bag...we're off to the Maldives....

Okay so we're in the middle of winter here and I know quite a few of you out there haven't had the summer you would wish for ~ well not so far anyway.

So how about we just nip to the Maldives for a little warm? Are you free to join me? 

Come on then....

I hope you like flying because once you land in Malé then you downsize air transportation...which was great fun. My son was so excited as this was the smallest plane he'd ever flown in. 

We were virtually sitting on the pilots lap...I mean what you have to put up with to get a holiday! ;D

I made sure that all was in correct working order and also did my pre-flight checks...even down to the shopping lists on the 'yokes' or 'joysticks'...see I know my stuff. 

The pilot asked if I wanted to fly the plane but I declined...I mean I was supposed to be on holiday and having no stress after all....

Apologies for the quality of this photo but the window wasn't the cleanest...but you can see the luxury accommodation stretching out into the ocean....Ahhh.....

I took quite a few photo's of all the different islands which shows the rebuilding after the tragic 2004 tsunami.

Can you believe it's been that long since that tragedy?

The water was an incredible cobalt blue which unfortunately this photo doesn't show. 

The Maldives nestle in the middle of the Indian Ocean....just paradise.

Here's my son after leaving the sea plane ready to embrace the island. 

Bring it on....

And here comes out island right on cue....

As soon as you land on the island life is stripped down to simplicity. You can kick off your shoes...quite literally and not put them back on until you're ready to leave the island.

They comb (yes comb) all the floors including the dining area. I've never felt such a relief at not having to pack all my eight pairs of holiday footwear (for all occasions because you never know if you need heels, flats, runners, etc etc) and I'm sure my OH gave a cheer to.

Approaching the beach.....and the welcoming party!

Again I apologise for the quality of this photo because I think I may have just brought the camera outside from the air conditioned room. It gives you the idea of what the beach was like...although this doesn't really do it justice.

Other than a leisurely wander around the whole island ~ which took about 40 mins at a really slow relaxed pace ~ there were other activities for the more active! Phew....I'll have another cocktail please and could you just pass me that book...it's just out of my reach!

Here are some of the local residents.....

I think he's hot footing it off to the restaurant....because the meals were unbelievable. 

One special thing that I remember other than all the wonderful food made available all day long...was after one meal I folded my napkin into a flower and left it on the table...our waiter from then on at every meal would have a different folded napkin waiting for us. I was amazed by how many different designs he could do. The elephant was extraordinary!

Here's another little chap that needs to book into the spa for a manicure/pedicure. 

I did and had a wonderful pampered afternoon. I think it was compulsory!?!?!

Here's a local that unfortunately washed ashore many years previously.

 Obviously there's diving and fishing which lets face it you have to try...those waters are unbelievable.

Here's lunch just coming aboard...

And I have to tell you on one night time fishing trip, I caught the largest fish of the whole crew...on a hand line!!! 

I've cropped this photo but yes it is me and that's MY fish. I have to admit I did need help hauling him in because the line cuts into your hand when you have a big dude like that on the end of it. 

Also I thought it best that you didn't see the sea monster up close and personal...after all we had been out on the boat a few hours in the sea breeze and it was a tough job hauling him onboard, so it's best I cropped myself off. I don't want to frighten the kids!

Talking of kids here's my son suffering our pre-dinner drinks but dinner is about to be served! 

No wonder he grew to six foot!

There's always something to focus on whilst lounging...it was tough but someone had to do it!

 

Unfortunately I think I hear the sea plane circling...so we better find our shoes and head back....

 

Maybe we will manage a trip to the Mauritius before winters over? 

Would you be free again? 

I hope so....it's more fun taking friends along!

I'll leave you in peace to watch the sun set....ahh...

Have a wonderful weekend ~ relax, have fun and smile :D

What's on Your Workdesk ~ WOYWW 160

Well here we are again...wonderful Wednesday! It's the day for desk hopping, although I'm not so sure I qualify at the moment because I'm not using a desk as such. I'm still cosy in the dining room.
It's an absolutely fantastic sunny day today, but I took this photo early this morning before my walk, when the sun isn't on this side of the house...hence the photo not up to scratch.
Note the Intense pencils are still in pristine condition...untouched....but I hope to remedy that later today.
For peeps that follow me you'll be relieved to hear I tackled the ironing (finally) so I'M FREE today! Yeeha!

Here's some of the work that's been created from this space....

I'll be making them into cards during the week. 

This photo was taken last night so apologies for the quality of shot...It is on white paper....honest!

 I was missing the Magpie that flew the nest so I had to draw another.....

Are you confused or new to the term WOYWW? 

Then nip over to Julia's place at Stamping Ground where all will become clear. 

You'll have a great time and see some amazing art, creations and work desks throughout the world...but beware it can be addictive!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone....keep smiling: D

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Monday 25th June 2012 

Outside my window...is a wintery scene...although I use the term 'wintery' loosely? Here in Victoria it can be chilly, wet and even snowy at times which for Australia is not what you'd normally think the weather would be. At the moment the sky is covered with a grey blanket, but I walked this morning with the sun on my back so I'm hopeful that it's only a temporary blip. There's a stiff business-like breeze that's impatient to get to somewhere which I'm hoping will clear the clouds away soon. 
The hibiscus outside the dining room window has lost the last of its blooms, so we'll have a wait until they return. The lilac bush is also completely bare but there's hope because if I look really closely I can see buds have appeared. We're over the mid-way point of winter now, so it's heading in the right direction.
I've also a hanging manger waiting for my attention. My OH took down yesterday, so that I can replant it. I've filled one already with it's winter plants and it's doing quite well...the flowers are just appearing and it's filling out nicely. I'll maybe take a photo of it soon to show you.

I am thinking...what a lovely weekend I've just had. It was our anniversary so on Saturday (which was the actual anniversary day) we went into the city to have dinner and to the theatre. I was tempted to do a post about it, but then thought I'd better concentrate on the anniversary and not in taking you all with us. I hope you don't mind?
We had dinner in a lovely little wine bar not too far from the theatre. It had a great atmosphere and it would have been nice to linger but we had a performance to catch, so had to curtail our visit. It's certainly somewhere I'd like to return to.
Then on to the theatre to see the musical Moonshadow. It is a show that has been created to encompass 40 songs by Cat Stevens. There was a storyline but at times I did feel that perhaps we were in a pantomime.
The singing, scenery and effects were brilliant though.We actually had the Cat Stevens song 'Morning has broken' at our wedding all those many moons ago....so it was very poignant.

I am thankful...that I have such a wonderful family. Both near and far. I am truly blessed.

In the kitchen...a steaming kettle having yet again just boiled....it's never far from the boil in this house. 
No baking or goodies in sight at the moment, but I plan to perhaps remedy that a little later today. I blame Masterchef because it does inspire me to try out wonderful recipes but also gives my boys idea's. Last night we had crêpes and I decided to challenge them....they had three crêpes each to decorate in their own way within the count-down. What a giggle!
My son's choice was to make a stack with the first layer of lemon and sugar, second layer maple syrup and the last layer with Nutella spread....yuk what a mix...not my choice and I think he'd be up for elimination if I'd been the judge, but he seemed to like it :$
My OH chose to fold his into triangles with yoghurt poured over, topped with fruit and mixed nuts, then drizzled with honey. He won on presentation so was thrilled. 

I am wearing...Black joggers, black long-sleeved t-shirt, red sweatshirt, a black pashmina (which was too cosy wrapped around my neck from my walk so its stayed put for now) socks...no Ugg slippers yet, but no doubt they'll be on later unless that sun appears. Fingers crossed!

I am creating...my notelets, cards and other possibilities. If you would like to see my designs then click here

I find it so handy having cards or notelets available in the house. I very often suddenly realise I need one and hate to have to dash off to the shops to try and find something suitable. ;D

I am going...to finish my cuppa then go shopping as soon as I finish posting this daybook. Nothing too exciting but then it is Monday and I'd like to get back quickly to do some drawing. I didn't manage any over the weekend. I have a few appointments this week and finally have a hair appointment...I feel I could play the role of Rapunzel without the need for any embellishments!

I am wondering...why time can play such tricks on us! You can be sure when we are doing something we love or are passionate about the time just fly's by... but then when we're carrying out a chore or have to wait for something it can hardly move. 

 

I'm reading...The Seamstress by María Dueñas. I've only just started to read this book and thankfully I've got until August for my book club meeting because it is quite a thick book. My reading seems to be taking a back seat just now, but it looks a good read so maybe I'll be able to squeeze in a little time somewhere?

Maria Duenas' million copy best-selling tale of adventure, tragedy, love and war, "The Seamstress". Spain, on the brink of civil war, 1936. In love for the first time, Sira Quiroga leaves Madrid, along with everything she knows and cares about, to run away to Tangiers, Morocco with her lover Ramiro. She entrusts him with all her inheritance only to be left by him - pregnant, penniless and in trouble with the authorities. At her lowest ebb Sira falls back on the one skill she possesses: sewing. Moving to Tetouan, Sira survives by sewing beautiful clothes for the English mistress of one of the most powerful men in Morocco and for her German friends. As the women unguardedly gossip about their husbands and lovers, Sira is placed in a position very valuable to the British secret service, and she is soon forced to move to Madrid where great danger lies. A grand and epic story that tells the story of Spain's civil war, Madrid in the Second World War and reveals a world of war, glamour, espionage and passion. "A wonderful novel with intrigue, love, mystery and tender, audacious and clean-cut characters". (Mario Vargas Llosa). "A magnificent novel that flawlessly brings together history and intrigue". (Juan Gomez-Jurado, author of "The Moses Expedition"). Maria Duenas holds a PhD in English Philology and is currently a professor at the University of Murcia. She has also taught at American universities, is the author of several academic articles, and has participated in various educational, cultural and editorial projects. She is currently writing her second novel.

I am hoping...that I can carry on creating my art. I'm having a great time and am so thankful that my mojo came back to me...heaven knows where he went for 12 years, but I'm so happy that he found me again. I hope he stays with me forever now :D

I am looking forward to...hopefully a holiday anywhere!
 

Around the house...everywhere is reasonably clean and tidy. Even the floors have finally been moped and are sparkling. This is a major achievement after having so much rain last week. I know there's a mountain of ironing lurking ~ waiting to pounce on a passerby, but I hope to tackle that later. I think a good DVD might make the task bearable! Do you like to iron watching a movie and if so let me know which will make this mind numbing task endurable....please ;D

  

A favourite quote for today... 'Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning' ~ Albert Einstein
 

One of my favourite things...is to walk with my friend and her dog in the mornings. Mufftypup and her friend can also enjoy spending time together. You can see just how enjoyable it is for them by their antics! I just wish Muffy wouldn't roll over at every opportunity...which necessitates in bath time virtually daily! ^..^

 

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, rest and play but not necessarily in that order : D

 

A peek into my day...I'm thinking towards spring, now that we are just over half way through winter.

'Hope Springs Eternal' and all that....so when I caught sight of these little babies gently waving in the sunshine yesterday I had to capture them....you could easily be forgiven for thinking that spring has already arrived!

 So that's it for this week; I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to pop over to The Simple Womans Daybook and check out the other day book entries

Have a fabulous week and hopefully the sun will shine where you are : D

Monochromatic Art entry for the Artist's Playroom

In keeping with the water theme that's been happening here over the last few days...namely downpours of torrential rain, I've decided that I'll post a beach photo that I took whilst on a girlie getaway to enter into the the Artist's Playroom hosted by the brilliantly talented Jenn on her blog Just add Water Silly,
The theme this week for the APR challenge is Monochromatic and I'm hoping that a photograph will be okay. I'd love to have drawn or painted something to enter, but it's the same old story...the week just ran away with me trying to hang on!

Just have a peek at some very gifted talented real artists!

Well it's almost the weekend...so make the most of it...have fun and keep smiling everyone ;D

What's on Your Workdesk ~ WOYWW ~ 159

I'm not going to say the usual...I can't believe its Wednesday again...but really I can't! 

It suddenly gallops up and bites you! So because I posted a mammoth photographic post of an artist's retreat called Monsalvat yesterday, I'll keep today's post short and sweet...which is what the lovely Julia requests.

I have to apologise before I go any further if I didn't get to your desk last week...it's not that I didn't want to or couldn't be bothered ~ I really just couldn't fit it all in. I wish I could visit you all and not only on a Wednesday...I know there's some amazing blogs out there....so if you have a tactic on how to manage this task....please tell me your secret. ;D

Oops...I better show my desk before I ramble on...well yet again it’s the dining table. It’s still chilly here so no studio for me for a while.

It's a good job that my art doesn't require masses of equipment because I have to pack them away each time I need the table...but then it's cosy and the sun shines in here, so I'll put up with that for now...

After last week's comments my son's been playing and took this shot of me working but through the glass reflection from the dining room door. I think we need to tweak this technique, but you can see a little of my view...but unfortunately the sun wasn't shining when he took it.

If you're new here or confused as to what on earth WOYWW are all about, then nip over to Julia

at her place and all will become clear....you'll have a great time and see some amazing things...but beware it can be addictive!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone....keep smiling :D

Monsalvat

WARNING: This post comes with lots of photos....16 to be precise!

Which isn't bad really considering that during my visit to Monsalvat in Eltham, I actually took 40 in total.....without even trying.

Imagine my delight when a friend invited me to join her for a visit to Montsalvat.  It had been on my list of places to visit for quite a while, but for various reasons previously, I hadn't managed. 

So I was thrilled to finally appreciate this amazing place where inspiration permeates every pore of your being as you wander through the beautifully aging buildings.

From its beginnings in the middle of the 1930's it was a centre of creative activity and remains so to this day and is still ‘home’ to a number of artists, including painters, sculptors, instrument-makers and jewellery makers. Many live at Montsalvat, while others choose to visit in order to teach classes or workshops.

 

(The Meeting Pool restaurant)

Montsalvat was founded by Justus Jörgensen and is Australia’s oldest artists’ colony and home to practising artists. It remains to this day a working not-for-profit arts centre administered by a board. Set in 12 acres of established gardens, the historic buildings include charming mud brick cottages and the impressive Great Hall.

To read Justus's complete biography click here 

 (The Meeting Pool restaurant entrance)

In 1935 Jörgensen purchased land and with his friends commenced work on the buildings that became Montsalvat. The first buildings were two small ‘French Provincial’ style cottages where they could stay at weekends. One was referred to affectionately as 'Lil's House'. Lily was Jutus' wife.

(Entrance to The Barn Gallery)

During World War II Monsalvat become almost self-sufficient with a market garden, poultry farm and small dairy. Several more buildings were hastily built for the ‘farm’ - the dairy, barn, stables, silos and storehouses belong to this period.

There are gardens, steps, nooks, twists and turning paths to explore, whilst soaking up the creative energy which radiates from every aging stone and building. 

There always seems to be a surprise around the corner or at the top of a flight of stairs.

(The ornamental pool)

Jörgensen had the ability to make use of whatever material was at hand. The earth and stone from the excavations formed the walls, with other materials sourced from wreckers’ and builders’ yards across Melbourne.

 ( The Bluestone Chapel )

The Chapel was the last building to be completed before Justus Jorgensen died in 1975. Despite failing health, Justus taught himself to drive a small cubdozer in order to move bluestones to the building site. Completion of the chapel became his obsession as he made it known this was where he wanted to be buried. 

Montsalvat is a stunning location and has been used for photographic shoots from fashion shoots to a large-scale TV production. From the splendour of the Great Hall to the old-fashioned charm of the white mudbrick stables, there are many locations within the 12 acre property to choose from. 

Montsalvat is also the perfect setting for a romantic wedding.

Every path invites you to explore....

 ( The Great Hall)

This mainly stone building includes two galleries, a studio and a large dining hall.

An artists cottage with actual resident artist in situ...take a peek through the window....

Artists can reside at Monsalvat from 2 weeks up to 6 weeks and sometimes further. 

Jörgensen established Montsalvat as an arts colony and centre for creativity in all its forms. Montsalvat still fulfils this vision through its resident artist community and strong focus on events presentation and educational development. Whilst artists are encouraged to focus on their own work there are opportunities to come together within the Montsalvat community to share their inspiration, research and talent. 

Workshops are available...

Check out the website for futher details...click here

Some of the other stunning residents of Monsalvat...

(The whitebrick stable block)

I had a wonderful day and even though my friend wasn't happy that the sun didn't shine...I think Monsalvat shone enough without it!

One last photo just in case you're not into art or architecture....how about some rusty machinery?

 I hope you enjoyed your visit to Monsalvat. It's a magical place and one I know I'll revisit soon.

Have a great week...wherever you are :D

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Friday 15th June 2012 

Outside my window...the sun is just heading off for the day...its work is done here but hopefully it'll be back tomorrow to warm and bring smiles to our faces. 

The woodburner (or potbellied fire) is sitting in the middle of the outside entertaining area. It was lit last weekend but hasn't had any care or attention since. Maybe we'll be able to toast ourselves again this weekend? The loungers appear in their nakey with having their cushions taken and stored in the house. They're handy if we need them, but the temperature has to be a little warmer for me to indulge.

The plants all seem to be coping with the cooler temperature but are huddled together for warmth in pot clusters!

We're nearly at the mid point of winter, so we're doing quite well really, as it hasn't been too bad so far...long may it continue ;D

I am thinking...it's been an incredible week. I've been completely blown away by the reaction I received from my 'giveaway'. Everyone was so supportive and played along brilliantly. I think I may have been as thrilled as the actual winner in the end....well okay maybe not because she was extremely happy. If you would like to see the actual prize draw then just click on the link Mufftypup....What fun to have Mufftypup do the actual draw. There was so much positive energy from everyone, I couldn't help but feel very grateful and extremely privileged to have so many wonderful visitors to my blog.

I am thankful...that my 'chesticleitus' appears to be fed up with me and is finally on its way somewhere else. It took about four weeks in total...so hopefully it's not making its way to you.

In the kitchen...hmm....if I think hard enough there are some biscuits in a container on the kitchen unit, but nothing else. I'm not cooking tonight...whoohoo! Fish and chips are on the menu....it's a British constitution for Friday nights. Yes, I know we're not in the UK but we can pretend ~ at least for tonight! It free's up so much time to be able to spend doing other things...like phonecalls, blogging, answering emails or drawing! It's funny because that extra time never gets used on household chores. I'm not daft! ;D

I am wearing...Ugg slipper's for cosy toes, black leggings, three layers from long-sleeved grey t-shirt to a grey and black strippy jumper. Oh and a pashmina is still wrapped around my neck from being out earlier. I haven't put the heating on just yet, but it won't be long before I do (you can now laugh if you're into your summer ~ this will make up for all the times I've mentioned the beautiful Aussie summer whilst you were in your winter months. Backatch baby ;$)

I am creating...my notelets, cards and other possibilities. If you would like to see my designs then click here

There are two sets of 6 cards available in my new Etsy shop (there are six in each packet)

I find it so handy having cards or notelets available in the house. I very often suddenly realise I need one and hate to have to dash off to the shops to try and find something suitable. ;D

I am going...no-where tonight...I'm going to enjoy my fish and chips whilst watching Masterchef and yes I do see the irony in that! I adore this series as I have done for the last three. All you need to do is to ensure you are able to eat whilst watching....the programme should come with a public warning as drooling may occur. 

I am wondering...where this blogging journey might lead....so far it's been unbelievable, with 99 countries peaking into my space, over 3,000 hits a month (mind blowing) and I've meet some wonderful new friends.

 

I'm reading...The Seamstress by María Dueñas. I've only just started to read this book and thankfully I've got until August for my book club meeting because it is quite a thick book. My reading seems to be taking a back seat just now, but it looks a good read so maybe I'll be able to squeeze in a little time somewhere?

Maria Duenas' million copy best-selling tale of adventure, tragedy, love and war, "The Seamstress". Spain, on the brink of civil war, 1936. In love for the first time, Sira Quiroga leaves Madrid, along with everything she knows and cares about, to run away to Tangiers, Morocco with her lover Ramiro. She entrusts him with all her inheritance only to be left by him - pregnant, penniless and in trouble with the authorities. At her lowest ebb Sira falls back on the one skill she possesses: sewing. Moving to Tetouan, Sira survives by sewing beautiful clothes for the English mistress of one of the most powerful men in Morocco and for her German friends. As the women unguardedly gossip about their husbands and lovers, Sira is placed in a position very valuable to the British secret service, and she is soon forced to move to Madrid where great danger lies. A grand and epic story that tells the story of Spain's civil war, Madrid in the Second World War and reveals a world of war, glamour, espionage and passion. "A wonderful novel with intrigue, love, mystery and tender, audacious and clean-cut characters". (Mario Vargas Llosa). "A magnificent novel that flawlessly brings together history and intrigue". (Juan Gomez-Jurado, author of "The Moses Expedition"). Maria Duenas holds a PhD in English Philology and is currently a professor at the University of Murcia. She has also taught at American universities, is the author of several academic articles, and has participated in various educational, cultural and editorial projects. She is currently writing her second novel.

I am hoping...that my new Etsy shop is a success. It's been a steep learning curve but also its been good for my mental agility but maybe not my sanity!

I am looking forward to...hopefully a holiday anywhere!

Around the house...a dining room table fully laiden but not with food as you might expect but papers, diary, cards, pens, pads, headsets, tablemats, teacups....etcetera. Muffy's toys are dotted around because she's taken to interrupting me from my laptop every afternoon lately, to join her in fun and frolics. A rather sad vase of flowers that really did need my attention today, but alas didn't get it. I'll hopefully do a new arrangement sometime over the weekend.

I have some really brilliant news because one of my orchids appears to have two ~ not one but two new flower shoots! Whoohoo...this has never happened to me before. They always decide never to flower again after the initial bloom, but not anymore. Obviously the more you neglect them the better. I do hope my sister reads this post because she has no trouble with them flowering over and over again. There now see I can do it too! ;D

  

A favourite quote for today...  There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. ~ Nelson Mandela

One of my favourite things...is to light the candles (a must for weekend nights) chill the wine, and get ready to enjoy the weekend ahead...whatever it brings.

 

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, rest and play but not necessarily in that order : D

 

A peek into my day... Well it's a peek into yesterday really...I went with a friend to a place called

Monsalvat was founded by Justus Jörgensen. It is Australia’s oldest artists’ colony and home to practising artists. It remains to this day a working not-for-profit arts centre administered by a board. Set in 12 acres of established gardens, the historic buildings include charming mud brick cottages and the impressive Great Hall.

 

I plan to write a post and show more of the place in the coming week. I took forty photos without even trying, so be warned...you should put the kettle on before reading!

Did you notice the dog ~ I just loved the way he's taking a peek into the restaurant ^..^ please let me in...I'll behave honest!

 So that's it for this week; I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to pop over to The Simple Womans Daybook and check out the other day book entries

Have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend fun : D

Giveaway Grand Draw...The winner is.....drum roll please.....

Drum roll please......

So here comes the 'Giveaway' prize draw....with the local celebrity as promised! 

What do you mean? ~ "oh its only her"....I'll have you know she charges an exorbitant appearance fee. Fresh chicken no less and I'm beginning to think she was actually working the system, because we had to rehearse for hours ;D

I began to think she'd pop before we got to actually picking a winning name.

Here's what we did due to the Rafflecopter not working (if only it had I'd have saved myself HOURS of intensive training) I popped on one of Mufftypups socks onto her right paw as she's right pawed...then attached a band of sticking tape around the paw. Now this sounds simple enough, but let me tell you it wasn't. 

Firstly she didn't want to wear a sock...secondly when I tried to get her to walk across the names on the floor she walked around them....thirdly when she did manage to walk across them, none of the names stuck to the tape (Grrr....that's me not her by the way) 

Fourthly...by the time I wrapped so many pieces of sticky tape around the paw she could hardly lift it!

Fifthly (is that a word...oh well you know what I mean) as I say I think she was working the system because she can be switched on when she wants to be but she realised if I pick this name then the chicken will vanish! 

ANYWAY....we got there in the end (phewph) and there is a winner! 

Now fess up if you went straight to the video to see who won....yes I thought you might ;D

If you didn't....well done you....so off you go and see if you're the winner.....

 

I'd written all the names on the paper and as you can see one stuck to her sock....so CONGRATULATIONS 505 Whimsygirl!

I'll contact you directly to check which designs you'd like including into your pack of six cards and for your address of course.

Before you all go off in a huff, I'd like to thank you all for indulging in my crazyness. I'm thrilled so many of you wanted to take part and not only hit the follow button, but left such lovely comments. 

They all mean so much to me....

If you're distraught and unable to carry on for the day, then don't dispair because they are available in my Etsy shop now...

Have a wonderful weekend everyone ~ have fun ;D

What's on Your Wordesk ~ WOYWW 158

Happy WOYWW everyone,

I thought I'd try and keep today's post really brief because there is a chance that I could write 'War and Peace' describing what a wonderful, incredible bunch you all are. You have been so supportive, encouraging and inspiring, so I want to take this opportunity to thank you all so much. 

My first 'giveaway' ends today, so I'll be writing a seperate post about that later when the grand draw takes place.  I have to tell you I'm so excited and can't wait to notify whomever wins! 

If you entered then once again thank you....I just wish I could send everyone the prize but unfortunately we need to eat and pay the bills so I can't!

So on to my desk...well once again I moved towards the sun and here I am having some quality time drawing in the dining room. The studio is a little too fresh at the moment, I'll have to wait until spring to migrate back. Thankfully my son knows me well and used soft focus otherwise you'd be looking at paper bits, drawing pads and pens again and not me!

 

 

  Note that I have to wear glasses doing these designs...they do play with your eyes but they are oh so good for your mental state. In fact Ritu says its 'Yoga for the Mind' and I thoroughly agree. My mind wanders off whilst I'm drawing and I find them so relaxing....

...anyway.... 

I've also started an inspirational wall in my studio, but unfortunately the light wasn't bright enough when I snapped this shot....sorry.....you may recognise a few items there....

 It's a large white wall so there's lots of space for lots more inspiration....

If you're new here or confused as to what on earth WOYWW are all about, then nip over to Julia

at her place and all will become clear....you'll have a great time and see some amazing things...but beware it can be addictive!