What a beautiful world we live in

2023 was a funny old year.  For various reasons I completely lost my creative mojo. The realisation that my full time Mothering life has changed since my youngest emigrated halfway across the world and the total break down of my health and vitality due to arthritis of the spine , exasperated by being knocked down by a car some years ago, but which had been going on for a very long time, had became so bad that I could not see any future for myself.  Long time lack of sleep due to pain,  had robbed my joy and also my concentration,  I was barely existing and most definitely not thriving.  I had ended 2022 with a successful solo exhibition and lots of plans for painting and teaching but most of that went awry. My art had been the one thing that kept me going and distracted me from pain.  But it eventually got to the stage where I could not even paint!   As anyone who has been through the health system will testify, it takes a long time and serious dedication to get a proper diagnosis, treatment plan and road to some recovery.  I was fortunate to eventually find a wonderful rheumatologist and to  be able to do a course with Arthritis Ireland, called "Living well with Arthritis" which has helped me enormously.  I would highly recommend the course to anyone living with arthritis.  There is no miraculous cure, but I am learning to accept where I am and adjust things where necessary. 

So as we head into 2024 I am beginning again, finding new ways to do things,  exploring new avenues of creativity and of course connecting with Nature every minute I can.  Mother Nature has been my balm, my joy, and my one true love throughout all of life's trials and tribulations ( apart from my wonderful loving family of course).  The one simple daily joy that I was determined to continue with, was get out into nature each day, even if it  was only for a short walk with my lovable rascals, Kali and Dobby, and feed the birds, which is one of my favourite things to do.

I have lots of ideas for new paintings which I cannot wait to explore and enJOY!   And for once I promise to allow myself to take plenty of time to feel my way forward rather than rushing to "produce" work.   I also plan to share my love of nature through this blog, with anyone that may like to read it.  I did start that last year but as I mentioned earlier, things didn't really go according to plan! LOL

May I take this time to wish you, dear reader, a very happy, healthy and joyfilled 2024.

With much love and blessings,

Aisling xx