I'm on a mission to spread more joy...

I have seriously been neglecting my email/blog subscribers, and I am so sorry.

Perhaps you've been quite grateful not to have your inbox spammed constantly - I know that I sometimes feel absolutely barraged by content and just want to unsubscribe from EVERYTHING! I am hoping though, as you've not heard from me in a while, that I have a little grace with you.

I've been busy over the last few months, settling into boat life after selling my home and purchasing a widebeam boat - I'm now bobbing along on the Grand Union Canal in the UK, and slowly making my way towards Northamptonshire (but I am in no hurry!)

I have spent quite a bit of time over the winter questioning whether this was the best decision for myself, Olive and Merlin. This winter has been incredibly difficult - I have had constant issues with my heating and hot water, my diesel bill has been astronomical and has created a huge amount of financial stress, and I spent many days spent sequestered under a heavy duvet, hot water bottles tucked into my jumper, just to stay warm - and having a flannel wash on a cold boat is not my idea of a fun time!

And then there were the days that made it all worthwhile - the sun shone, the swans danced, and the robins sang. My heating was repaired, my engine magically started producing hot water again and I had the most amazing, rejuvenating, rebirth of a hot shower and washed my hair, and all was right with the world!

The issues I've had over the last few months with things going wrong and financial struggles really highlighted something for me - I was suffering from a severe case of lack mentality. And that really needed to change, otherwise I would end up drowning.

So for the last couple of weeks, I have been doing a lot of reflection and gratitude work. I know that the whole concept of "be grateful for what you have" is a bit of a spiritual cliche, and I thought it was some new age spiritual BS - however the improvement in my mood and outlook on life has been quite dramatic - and has shifted the way I move about my day and my outlook.

If you're looking for a guided way to work on gratitude as a bit of a mental and emotional spring clean, I highly recommend The Magic, by Rhonda Byrne. I was all but ordered to listen to the audiobook version by a friend - and I am glad that on this occasion my tendency to reject external instruction didn't sabotage me, for I purchased the audio book immediately and dove in. I'm only halfway through - and the effect really has been quite magical!

Now I know I've made it seem like it was my Winter of Discontent - but it really wasn't so bad. I spent quite a bit of time with my paint brushes, and have painted a few pieces that I really love.

Now that I have found more peace, joy and gratitude, it's allowing me to begin to realign my priorities in terms of what I'm trying to achieve as an artist - and really I think it boils down to wanting to spread joy to as many people as I can, via my art. I am therefore on a mission to reach 1000 subscribers for my monthly Postcard Art subscription service - I want to bring a little joy to everyone via the old fashioned method of Snail Mail.

Every month, I go through my sketchbooks to find a piece of art that passes the vibe check, or I create a piece of art just for my subscribers - a little something that brings a smile to your face. Subscribers also get access to an exclusive password protected section of my website, regular giveaways of original art and bespoke commissions, and a little community in my little corner of the World Wide Web. Here I am, trying to be brave and more visible in a video where I talk more about it:

So if you love art, and want a little piece of joy every month, you can find more information right here - I really hope I get to send you a little something to make you smile very soon.

ART POSTCARD SUBSCRIPTION INFO

I am planning to be a little more regular with my emails from here on out, so watch out for the next instalment! Lots of love,