Because my joy in life disappeared sometime last week. Several days of intense housework and a visit from the 'Black Dog'. This is a rare thing nowadays, so it was a bit of a shock to find myself lumped on the sofa staring at the wall, feeling bleached of all creativity. Crying hopelessly about Lord knows what. But - it really is darkest before the dawn, and I woke feeling better. Life is good again. I had a lovely call from my Art Director at Disney, who is quite wonderful at smoothing my neurotic fears and artistic vanity. The work is done and being picked up by courier on Monday. I have apparently done quite well and 'picked it up' quickly, especially considering the amount of work I had to do. Now I can look forward to seeing the results at the Spring Fair, and am moving on with the other jobs. At the moment I'm concentrating on the 'Woodland Creatures' book. I am aiming for a slightly flat, retro feel, so have been Googling vintage 50's and 60's fabric for ideas - shapes, patterns and colours. However, there's been a new pack of spreads for the 'Girly Giftbook' which I must attend to, and a new job (deadline early January) for a poster - theme left to my discretion, to be included in an educational magazine. And another commission. So - not much time for Christmas! But one of the things which really helped cheer me up was the delightful present I received from my AOI Secret Santa - 'someone' who has read about my love of all thing Gisela Graham. I was going to save it for the Big Day, but was advised to open it beforehand. I'm glad I did. Thank you Lyn, for making me smile again.