This too shall pass…

Hi there

Thanks for popping in. How are you? How am I? Or perhaps the question we should be asking is WHO are you? And WHO am I? I seem to wake up most mornings wondering what the hell is going on in England, in Europe, in the world. And I often catch myself wondering what I am supposed to be doing, and which role I should be playing in response to the world we live in now. Which brings me to the point – at 62 years of age – that I am seriously wondering WHO I am and what my part in Life is. Too deep? Sorry. It’s not meant to sound negative. I am often genuinely at a loss for a reaction, and the only thing to do at that point is go clear out a cupboard, sort out a drawer, do some filing. In other words, DO something which is neat and tidy, which establishes a modicum of order – even if it’s only taking control of my knicker drawer !!

Of course the cats, Ragnar and Erik, are a great source of unconditional love and comfort. There’s nothing quite like cuddling a cat and listening to its contented purring. Untroubled and uncomplicated.

Here we see them, listening to the rain pounding on the porch this morning.

Still little cats. Maybe because they are identical twins they are small. But I love that they are like two half portions of one whole. Wonderful little characters too, and ever changing. Erik, who was the less cuddly one, is definitely the one who stays closer to home and follows me round all day, happy for a lap and a cuddle nowadays. Ragnar, who is still as affectionate as ever, is the wanderer, the explorer. Which one’s which? Ragnar is whiter under his chin. That is really the only way I can tell them apart until they’re together. Then I can see that Ragnar is a little more ginger too. Boring you? They are keeping me sane.

Remember when they first came to us coming up for a year ago now? Look! Same cushion, same position! Ragnar on the right and Erik on the left.

So yes. Staying upbeat and optimistic seems to be the best way forward. Keeping it in the day, not looking too far ahead, too far back or too far beyond our 4 walls.

Oh. And making something. Get with my hands. Draw something, throw a bowl (and I don’t mean at the telly!). I’ve had a great idea for a set of stamps, so I am writing extra fast, so that I can get on with putting the sketches onto paper. That’ll keep me occupied for most of the afternoon. And then there are those test tiles which are drying slowly. I have to dry them slowly so they don’t warp or curl. What are they for? The testing glazes, and figuring out oxides and such. Who knows. They may even make nice little wall hangings in the pottery studio. A whole wall of colourful little tiles.

And tomorrow we’re heading up to the studios, to take over from Paul and Josie. Didn’t they do well with those circular grids. Many thanks to the DT for so many wonderful art samples. I look forward to having a play. I was thinking, those new round grid plates would make a great frame for a new baby photo, or a happy couple wedding photo, for an anniversary card. Quick to do too!

What am I doing? Well, here are the main products on the counter, although there are also some fab Clarity classic stamps and masks…

Love this artwork! Wait till you see what the inky Clarity DT have rustled up for you! SUperb.

So I shall leave you with a piece of artwork I made a while ago, which uses just ONE tree from the excellent Claritystampset on the counter tomorrow…(Old is Gold ). It is the word sticker that tells the story.