Return of joy

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.

Cotswolds shopping

Blogging very little at the moment, as the deadline for final Disney artworks is looming and I am up to my neck. But today was reserved for a day out. Winter has stamped his authority on the land and we wake to thick frost.

The woodburner is kept going 24 hours now. There was another powercut today - so our breakfast was gently warmed through on the stovetop. A true Scot would scorn my porridge recipe, which includes milk, flaked almonds, sultanas and cinnamon. Oh, and dark brown sugar to top.







First a quick trip to Burford Garden Center, who always have a splendid range of Christmas decorations, including my favourite Gisela Graham collection. If I had a dream job - apart from working for Disney - it would be designing baubles and gee-gaws.

On to nearby Foxbury Farmshop. Foxbury Farm produces and butchers its own meat - so you know exactly where your Gloucestershire Old Spot sausages came from and how the 'ingredients' were reared. They also sell a great range of fresh baked bread, local vegetables, regional cheeses and in season game meats. It's a valuable local employer and a small 'refusnik' against the encroaching dreary might of the supermarkets. And value for money too.

Finally, with the week's groceries sorted out, a quick half at The Fox at Barrington, before heading for home and the warmth of the fire. I managed a couple of scenic mini-movies but the good folks at Google are still approving them before publication...