Today, on August 19th, as I celebrate my birthday and another trip around the sun, I’m reflecting on the small joys that make life so special. The little things that deserve our gratitude, and the acts of kindness that stack up. This is likely because I’ve been delving back into The Creative Act by Rick…
Hello, everyone. It’s so good to be back with you all. Life, as it often does, threw a few curveballs my way in the form of bereavement this year, and I had to take some much-needed time away to be with family again. It feels incredibly good to be back, ready to breathe in some…
Well, hello there! It’s still one of those stretches where the world feels a bit… muffled. I have another funeral on Friday. There not been much art as a result. However, nature, in her infinite wisdom, always provides a path back, and for me, that path often involves a paintbrush and a good dose of…
Hello there. I hope everything is well with you. I am still very much in the world between, awaiting two family funerals and feeling in that liminal, in-between place. My mind has been drifting through past memories and thinking about cherished people and places. Thankfully, nature remains a constant solace to me, especially at this…
This week is a special one. For months, I’ve been quietly immersed in an endeavour that feels incredibly close to my heart, and today, I’m overjoyed to finally share it with you. The Forest of Bowland Champion Species pin badges are officially here! Seeing the full collection of fourteen badges, all nestled in their colourful…
Well hello there. You may have noticed things have been a little quiet around here on the journal front. This week’s post is a double bill, covering the past fortnight, and it comes with a bit of a heavy heart. In the span of just eight days, I’ve had to say goodbye to both my…
Hello hello! Can you believe we’re already in Week 24 of 2025??! The year just seems to be zipping by, much like a bumblebee buzzing from a sweet pea to… well, another sweet pea! Outside is an absolute hive of activity, right up to my back door – which currently is a riot of colour…
Hello hello! Welcome to my blog series dedicated to the ‘Champion Species’ of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. After previously exploring the iconic Hen Harrier and the evocative Eurasian Curlew, this week I’m turning my artistic eye to a truly magnificent and somewhat mysterious resident: the Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix). To be completely honest,…
Well, the rain just kept on, well, raining. It feels like April and May were holding out on the wet stuff, only for June to finally declutter itself of all that H2O. The shape of the week, combined with the general downpour, kept me busy indoors. Not that it was a wasted effort! I had…
Hello again! Welcome back to my blog series, where I delve into the ‘Champion Species’ of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape through an artist’s eyes. After my deep dive into the elusive Hen Harrier, this week, my easel and I are turning our attention to another truly iconic resident of this breathtaking region: the…