Finding my soul

 When I first started this blog, one of my intentions was to publish a daily journal of my life and my creative endeavours, mostly in fiber art. I wanted to connect with other like minded people too.

Probably no one will be reading this but I felt it would be nice to write it any away because I enjoy looking back on it.

I have not taken up sewing or fiber art since July when I started feeling creative again after a reduction in my depression meds, but I have really creatively blossomed, having taken courses, one by Suzanne Allard, the second by Yvette St Amant and a small one by Helen Wells. I am determined to learn to be an abstract painter and paint every day. I’ve got a ways to go but it’s lots of fun!

Most of the time I’m working in a sketchbook, so no pressure. I’ve bought some small canvases and I’m working on the confidence for that. This is my first one.

I’ve also been working on my drawing skills and learning to paint acrylics and mixed mediums, again in my sketchbook. My cutting has become my painting table and I still have a nice view.

I still love birch trees and want to learn to paint them.

And, I once again enjoy May nature walks and my little journal sketches.

Finally, in August, I started knitting again. I like to do no brainer knitting when I watch tv at night. I’ve made one regular afghan and 2 baby ones.

I’ve had a reduction in the lithium in October and the final amount will come late November. I am becoming myself again, being inspired by the world around me on the trails and even the plants in my own yard.

Seed pods of the milkweed plant above.

I’ve been pulling things out of my cupboards and off of shelves to draw and play with.

I confess to feeling a little stress over the US election and I hope I will continue to stay positive and creative as we reduce my meds.

Awakening

 It was about 3 yrs ago that a severe depression caused me to stop doing anything creative. I lost all my creative desire. I’ve been on a lot of medication and crawling out of the hole has been a slow and frustrating process. 

I wanted to write here as it is a good journal process in a way. I like to be able to look back at it.

It started almost a year ago when I started walking, mostly on forest trails and working out 3 times a week. I had my second hip replacement at the beginning of Covid and I did no exercise for about a year. I am finally getting stronger being able to do squats push ups, get up steps and off the floor easily.

Finally, a reduction in part of my medications in the spring, has relit my creative spark this summer.

The first thing I did was to buy a painting that spoke to me. It is called, The Spirit Within, by artist Mary Morey. She had her woodland collection showing The Captain's Gallery in Chester, NS.

https://www.carolhansenartist.com/mary-morey

I started noticing artwork, especially abstract work and I bought a course by Susan Allard called 31 Bright and Fun Sketchbook Paintings and I really have been having fun. Painting every day.

The paintings are in progress.