It’s been a ton of work but it is just about done now. Need to read through and make any last minute edits, but it is almost finished. I’ve said it before but this book kept my mind occupied during those initial scary months of the pandemic. I had a deep focus which kept me off the couch and in the studio. This book was originally scheduled for November but, well, we all know how Covid threw a wrench in everything. But I plodded along and kept to the schedule, regardless. It was such a challenge but also such a joy since this book was both the brainchild of all my morning nature loving walks and the watercolor work I did on my last picture book. I feel like this process was a metaphor for life in some way—you stay focused, keep working hard, ignore the noise and at the end you have this thing that may not have seemed possible a year ago.
a little break...
Took a few hours to meet up with a friend yesterday and paint. A beautiful garden, combined with the sounds of birds and scampering chipmunks (oh my god so cute!) and some much needed laughs. I’ve been working so much these past few months between book projects, commissions and teaching remotely. I often work through weekends to catch up so it was a nice little escape. My day got a little longer as a result as I made up the time catching up on emails, but it was soooo nice. :)
Here are some little studies I did. We kept moving about to work on different plants and flowers. It was nice just to paint for fun.
Hygge
I just read a delightful book on the Nordic philosophy of “Hygge” (pronounced “hoo-ga”) which celebrates the simple things in life. But what resonated most with me was the idea of being in nature all four seasons. I walk year round and have learned to appreciate each season’s unique beauty. It calms me and I often find solutions to things as I walk. I recently sat outside on a 39 degree day to try and write. I needed to be in the sun and near nature. Just to hear the geese and gaze at the water was soothing.
Here is a passage from “How to Hygge” by Signe Johansen.
https://www.amazon.com/How-Hygge-Nordic-Secrets-Happy/dp/1250122031
“Nature calms you, it settles you and allows you to step back and reflect on the very essence of what living is about. To my mind, if your thoughts are clouded by anxiety, fear and stress, then getaway to a green wood, a walk by the sea or gentle hike up a mountain does more to lift the spirits than any expensive handbag or lates must-have gadget could ever do”
And as someone who loves a good handbag can attest, this is most certainly true. More stuff won’t make you happy but taking in the beauty of nature and moving your body will. The most sedentary people I know are often the unhappiest. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
There’s also wonderful passages about simplicity, freeing the mind and body, learning new skills and recipes. It was a light read but very enjoyable. Or shall I say “Hygge” ?
