Hey, hello, hi… it’s been a minute! Last time I posted here was at the end of June and I really didn’t mean to slip away, life just got a bit busy. So let’s catch up a bit, shall we?
First things first… Covid
This virus finally caught me last week despite being safe and cautionary, it seems I couldn’t hide forever. I got struck down pretty hard and my lungs took a hit unfortunately. I’ve been spending the past week on the couch sketching, binge watching nature and history documentaries, and just trying to recover. I’m currently on day 10 and feeling a lot better than the first few days… those were rough.
I’m slowly getting back into a routine now that my husband is back at work (he also caught it) and I have a new perspective on things. I’ve been craving simplicity and pacing myself, savoring the present time as it comes and goes. As strange as it is, Covid put a lot of things into positive perspective for me and forced me to slow down. This is something I needed to do desperately, it also pushed me to put my health first finally. I’m still recovering and feeling more human day by day, but it’s going to be a long and slow recovery for sure.
Speaking of Sketching
I’ve been sketching a lot this past week and it’s been so nice! I made my way through the world of sea slugs, chickens and things on my coffee table. Nothing is off limits when I’m in the mood to sketch and my main sketchbook is finally halfway filled, which is always exciting. I took a dive into sketching an Indian Flower Mantis (above), this was an insect that intimidated me with sketching but I’m very happy with it and glad I gave it a go! This morning I ordered some new sketch pens to replace my slowly fading set, looking forward to fresh pens!
Aside from sketching, I’m currently working on a new Lenormand deck (to be named). I put a small pause on it while I binge sketch in ink and watercolor and find my rhythm again, but I’ll be back to digital art and this deck soon enough! There are 11 or 12 cards already done and the next 10 cards are already loosely sketched out. This deck will most likely go up for preorder (when ready) and then added to my deck shop for print on demand… FYI: the preorder is always the best time to grab a new deck from me. They’re hand packed and usually come with a fun tiny surprise in theme of the deck, plus a discount. Date to be announced… eventually!
Slowing Down
In other news, the garden is still thriving, plants are growing and the hens are happy. What more could I ask for. I miss the trails, I haven’t been on one in about two weeks due to Covid and my lungs hating me if I walk too far. I’m hoping to get on a short, easy trail next week and I can’t WAIT!
It’s mushroom season here in the mountains and I’m itching to do some photography and trail sketching. Last year my husband spotted several Amanita Muscaria with his brother while he was staying with us, I have yet to spot these in the wild myself. I recently also discovered that Monotropa uniflora (Ghost Pipe) grows near some trails in the higher elevations and I would love to pay this special plant alley a visit. Another species I would for sure love to see in person and pay my respects to.
Have a great week!