Sand castles, paddling and gratitude

It was a pretty amazing Spring Fling event this year. I'm so grateful to those who turned up at Studio 4, despite the cool, showery weather. One hundred and thirty, lovely people visited to see my artwork. Many of them carried off a painting, or even two! So much support for my artwork and business, it was such a boost. It was great to see the familiar faces of folk returning after visiting last year and a special 'big up' goes to those who had me on their 'must see' list of studios! Phew, that's setting the bar high for next year, that's if I get through the Spring Fling selection process for next year!

It was a long period of intensive preparation for that weekend and energy levels have taken a dive just now. The post-Spring Fling 'slump' has begun, but I'm trying really hard to shake it off! Lots of things were still to be done after the event. The artworks that sold, but weren't taken away at the event, have now been delivered. The triptych, my 'work in progress,' that a very brave person decided to leave a deposit on, has been completed. They initially loved the colours and my broad outline of the work yet to be done. Thankfully, they are very happy with the finished work. When the oils are dry, it will head off to Peterborough, to its new home. The Spring Fling 'stats' have been logged online for Studio 4- how many visitors, where they came from, etc., from the 'book of numbers,' recorded over the event weekend. Much of the remaining artwork has been taken down and the walls in the house have almost returned to what is for my kind of 'normal.'

There are 3 new works prepped with gesso and ready for new beginnings. Before I start, there is a joint exhibition to prepare for. It's at a new space opening in July and there will be more details on my Facebook page soon. Feeling very 'chuffed' to have been invited as one of the opening artists. 
Top of my 'to do' list is, 'I want my bedroom back!' The front bedroom is ready to redecorate, following the improvements to the insulation. Every day, I look in at the front bedroom covered in dust sheets and sigh. Every night, I carefully manoeuvre around most of the front bedroom paraphernalia, which is temporarily squashed in the back bedroom with me! Oh, to have my bedroom back! It won't be long now . . . and another, sigh . . . . 

Out in the garden there is rhubarb ready for picking and the strawberries will be ready soon . . . . if I can get to them before the birds and the mice! There are areas of the garden that desperately need some TLC and some that just need a rampage with a well sharpened machete! During all of this activity, I will be making time for enjoying the Summer, whenever it starts- the Gulf Stream needs to edge a bit further North yet, for Scotland to warm up a bit. I really do believe in global warming, really I do, but sometimes when wearing a cagoule and sweater, in mid June, you do wonder . . . . .

​There will be family visiting in July and August - fun time - paddling in the sea - maybe even a swim - brrrrh - sand castle construction - beach combing and walks. Memory making . . . .

However busy you are this Summer, be sure to make some memories too,
Liz
Cherish your journey

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