First Anniversary

The day has arrived: 8 November 2017 is the first anniversary of the day my Dad died. People talked about it a little, if they could summon the courage to ask me when it was, saying I would find it difficult. A few weeks back, I didn't believe them. I do now. But difficult isn't …

The start of my art journal

I blogged earlier about art journals and got round to starting my own this week. I thought I’d share the start of it. I loved the notion of using old books so I bought a hardback, old book with stitched pages from a local charity shop. Then I grabbed some white acrylic gesso and a …

Hand Lettering – Show Me Your Drills

Art Journalling

I saw an article today in the Washington Post about creative ways to journal. Go check it out here. Honestly, I didn't even read it all - I got to art journalling and had to go and research. Yes, I have a short attention span. Part of the reason it hooked me immediately was a combination of …

Finding a home

This post isn't about what you'd expect, I'm sure, from the title. However, it is a true post. I realise it has been waaaaay too long since I last posted. I've had so many ideas about what to write on that I've almost stalled completely because there are too many ideas! So I apologise for …

The history of family

As well as being well into my self-development, creativity and mindfulness, one of my main hobbies is doing my family history. When I say my main hobby, I mean it is the most time-consuming and costly of all my hobbies. If you've started doing family history or genealogy, you'll know what it's like. You stick …

‘An Expression of Me’ Art Therapy class: Review

Last night, I attended a class that I want to share with you. An Expression of Me is a "therapeutic creative art and craft group" provided by Rebecca at White Barn Therapy. Check out her website here. I chose to go because, as I've said before on my Welcome pages, I want to find the courage …

Challenge in Mindfulness #2: completed

You know, this challenge wasn't nearly as daunting as the last one was. Which leads me to think I shouldn't really call it a challenge! Still, it's done, and here's what I thought. So I challenged myself and Rebecca of White Barn Therapy to do 3 moments of informal mindfulness throughout each of the 5 …

Let’s get something straight…

I have good days and I have bad days. Today is one of my bad days. Today is one of those days I want to give up and hide somewhere suitably secluded and peaceful. Today is one of those days where the world feels like too much and the path ahead has disappeared.  Tomorrow, however, …

Challenge in Mindfulness #2

As promised, we're doing another challenge in mindfulness. I'm a bit late posting, but you know what they say.  This week, I'd like to focus a bit more on 'informal' mindfulness, rather than set periods of time like last week's challenge. Informal mindfulness is taking random moments to be mindful, so when walking or eating …