photographs

Finally, finally, finally, I have got myself organised with my Photobox Pro Gallery.  It is now possible for people to buy some of my photographs online.  However, I need to be able to let folk know that they are there, available to be bought (not just photos, but exciting things like coasters and framed prints, as well!).  So far, there are four albums.  More will be added when I find the time/decide which ones merit going up there. 

Should you wish to peruse, they are at :
http://www.photoboxgallery.com/pebblesonthebeach

One of the photographs is included above to (hopefully) tempt you.

dogs

Two new dogs joined our family last week.  I say "new" in the loosest form of the word, as they are eight and twelve years old.  You might say, if you're not that keen on dogs, that they are secondhand.  We have rehomed them, certainly, and many folk have said how good we are to have done so, and how lucky they (the dogs) are to have found us.  So far, we are feeling lucky to have found them!  They are lively, obedient (mostly, as far as a beagle's nature can allow), happy, relaxed boys and have made us all smile a lot more in this house than we have been doing recently...

publishing

Three firsts yesterday :

First ever short story publication -  one year and one month after ceasing work. 
Feels good, feels very good, in fact! 

First ever public reading of my own creative writing also under my belt.  Survived; enjoyed it, even.

First signing of my own publication (creative) - along with other contributors, and committee, a copy of Pushing Out the Boat that may be auctioned one day...

You can visit the Pushing Out the Boat website here :

http://www.pushingouttheboat.co.uk/

gardening

Finally, I think my interest in gardening has been rekindled.  By what, I do not know.  Well, I do have a fairly good idea, but am not going into that right now.  Major life events might have something to do with it.  There are probably deep psychological reasons, but I am not bothered right now about delving into those depths.  I am interested in plants again.  Not just flowers, but plants; roots, bark, leaves, textures, colours, scents, petals, buds.... yes, it's spring again and I have noticed.  Crathes Castle was a wonderful place to visit yesterday.  These few photos are from there...

painting

Spent most of the day in and around Stonehaven, sketching, painting, taking photographs and watching the world go by.  Very pleasant in the spring sunshine.  Cooler when the sun disappeared behind a cloud.  Ended up taking lots of photos of this wrought iron seat on the clifftop just south of the town.  I also drew it a couple of times to practise my perspective - trickier than it first appears! 

In amongst this pursuit of artistic activity, trying to book flights and accommodation in Northern Ireland for the middle of next week...

bookmaking

shed window in Stonehaven

I have discovered the delights of Blurb and have been busy making books today.  One with lots and lots of photos of our beloved basset hound who passed away at the end of March.  A celebration of her long and happy life.  And the other, a little book of haiku, probably just spring haiku, along with associated photographs.  This is all very enjoyable "work" but I am finding that it consumes rather a large amount of time.  It will be important, I think, to recognise when a book is finished, then to stop, publish, put it up for sale and move on to the next project.

Speaking of next projects, the launch of Pushing out The Boat is this Sunday in Stonehaven.  I will have to practise reading my story out loud so that I do not stumble over my words.

getting going

Spring is in the air and I feel the need to be doing things.  I have registered to take part in NEOS (North East Open Studios) this year - 10th - 18th September, in and around Aberdeen, and am now wondering whether I am mad or stupid, or possibly both?  Some days I believe that my paintings and photos are quite good, some are even rather good, but on other days I think that people will look at them and wonder what I am playing at, putting them on public display!  Oh well, it's that old self-doubt creeping in again and I say Pah!  Go away!  And do not darken the door of my lovely little shed ever again.  That works for a while.  In the meantime, here are some photos from our glorious week's break in the beautiful Andalucian sunshine...