As I grow older my memory gets worse, so I found myself this afternoon going through the last year of photo’s muttering “Was that this year? Really?” The above photo says a lot of what this year has brought. It’s easy to forget once it’s passed, where you’ve been and the fear and risks taken, but to end the year with six paintings in two local shows has been my biggest dream come true this year.
I stuck to my painting day like it was real work (tongue is in cheek there) and made it a habit. Out of that came all this painting and creativity and peace and sanity. I kept going and found I’d built a body of work which I could call a portfolio. I finally learnt how to use Photoshop and found endless possibilities open up. I approached a new gallery and continued to have selections for an exisiting one.
It would also appear that I make a lot of cakes! Some for birthday’s other just because I feel like the world is the right way up if there is cake in the tin to be eaten.
We moved house after eleven long years in a beautiful house which saw us bring up our babies. It was a wrench. But we moved only five minutes away and I’ve never looked back. This house has space in abundance, the woods on hand like an extra garden and so many opportunities for decorating (tongue back in cheek). I’d even forgotten the garden furniture fiasco (six days to paint with the wrong paint). Then there is my studio space which is the cherry, and icing and sprinkles, on top of the cake.
The support and love of friends and family is hard to document here as not many want their pic’s on the web but you underscore everything I am and do. Even our pets play a big part – with one miracle guinea-pig surviving the death knoll of the vet.
There has been an abundance of sewing (a new quilt made) trying to crochet, learning to crochet and then actual real, useable crochet!
And then there’s you. Some of whom I feel I know because we exchange comments online, my friends and family and those of you who drop by anonymously. Thank you for enjoying my blog, or using it or being inspired by it.
I wish all of you a light-filled, peaceful New Year. Claire x
9 comments
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December 31, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Helen Philipps
I so enjoyed this post – so well put, and so well illustrated. Wishing you a wonderful, creative and fulfilling 2011.
Helen x
December 31, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Claire
Thanks Helen, and to you. x
January 1, 2011 at 8:43 am
Anna Wilson-Patterson
Beautiful photos.
That is a lot to squish into one year.
So in 2011 – another few shows perhaps?
January 3, 2011 at 2:47 pm
Claire
For sure!! Any suggestions?
January 1, 2011 at 10:37 pm
Jenny Blair
Awwwww, I love this post
So many wonderful photos of precious moments and amazing achievements. I so love your artwork and look forward to seeing much more. Its a shame cakes can’t be downloaded in an edible format….
Blessings to you and your family and wishes of a wonder- filled New Year X
January 2, 2011 at 7:55 am
Abs
So many beautiful pictures and memories, I am excited to see what 2011 will hold for you and for ‘paintdrops’.
January 3, 2011 at 1:35 am
do you mind if i knit
What a fab year for you Claire, and you’ve sold two paintings already, I had a look on your Purple Gallery site, so a huge well done to you! Well deserved. Love the photos of your crochet, such beautiful colours. Happy New Year! Love Vanessa xxx
January 4, 2011 at 9:05 am
anna wilson-patterson
Are there any Open Studio events near you?
Or could you join in at someone else’s house?
Or maybe an etsy shop for cards etc?
A
January 20, 2011 at 3:23 pm
Lauren
I’m so proud of you! This has to be the most productive, rewarding, creative year on record – and all accomplished while moving house. You are amazing!!! Thank you for summing up your year – it helps us feel a little bit more like we got to be there for it.