Finn update

What a wonderful dog Finn is becoming. He's really settled in to our life now and seems to be very happy in his new routine. He's very loving and obviously up for all the walking that is expected of him.

It was Gra's birthday last week so we spent the day out walking, beachcombing, collecting and photographing. Plus a bit of eating and drinking too - the perfect day. Below are pictures of paint on the bottom of boats.

East Head at Wittering was very stormy but beautiful. I did a #2minutebeachclean and in the picture of the sand you can see the tiny pieces of plastic littering the beach - all the black and white bits are plastic too. They can be found all along the sand dunes now and this shocks me every time I see it. I also collected some shells and seaweed to draw.

Beachcombing

Walking along the beach, collecting things is one of my pleasures. Even picking up rubbish on a #2minutebeachclean is enjoyable for me! Here is my collection from the last beachcombing walk at Pagham beach - the inspiration too behind my latest illustration.

Winter

I don't love winter but I'm glad to live in a country with definite seasons. In nature colours, plants and light change dramatically to give a totally different atmosphere which means there's always something new to see and to inspire me.

Here is my mood board inspiration for the last illustration - woodland collection.

2016

Happy 2016 - very late but better late than never, I'm hoping this will be a good year. We had lots of lovely walks over Christmas - I actually managed a beach clean on Christmas Day but the most important news of all is Finn's first anniversary. Unbelievable that he's been with us a year now. We had a little family party for him - it was important for my sister to be there as she found him for us. He was the centre of attention and loved all the fuss!

weekend

Finn's first trip

We've been away to the West Country - walking the coastal paths - which is my favourite thing to do. This time we've had Finn with us - his first holiday (that we know of). I was unsure how he would behave as he's a very impetuous dog and can be hard to handle at times. I needn't have worried - he was a good boy. He became bored easily while Gra was searching for fossils and I was drawing but only disgraced himself once when he did a runner from our hotel room and was eventually stopped by a German guest with a very large suitcase! I think we wore him out in the end.

Busy

I've been busy with work lately so here's a pictorial update of what I've been up to.

I visited West Dean Gardens - it's so inspiring there - I must go more often with my sketchbook.

I've been doing housework - as you can see Finn is very settled - when I change the bed he always snuggles into the washing pile!

I had a birthday and a lovely long weekend of dinner in the Horseguard's Inn, a day walk at Firle Beacon, a picnic and visit to Goodwood Sculpture Park and an afternoon in Arundel to go around the art trail and have afternoon tea .... phew!!!!

The start of new mini-adventures

I've been lost without a dog and it was so painful to lose Bill that I was unsure whether to get another one. But life was not the same and we had no companion to share our adventures with - then along came Finn. Last week we went over to East Sussex to walk part of the South Downs Way. It was a beautiful day - I get a real sense of freedom when walking in the countryside. We met a man who was out hunting with his Jack Russell and Harris Hawk, which Finn was really interested in. The bird would not move while he was around as another dog is apparently a threat to his pack - fascinating.

July

Apologies as my blogging is a little very sporadic at the moment - we are in the middle of a glorious summer and the temptation to be outside is too great.

I visited Arundel Castle Gardens again and loved them as much the second time round. I would like to be entombed with my favourite dog at my feet when the time comes but think it is highly unlikely to happen.

Visited London to see the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition on the hottest day of the year which was a bit silly, but the exhibition was well worth it. I also saw a lot of Patrick Blanc inspired gardens.

Went to  Standen House for the William Morris Exhibition. It was in a tiny room and so quite disappointing but the rest of the house is well worth a visit - especially to see the Rossetti paintings. Apart from this amazing spurt of cultural activity I've also been doing the usual things - walking, swimming, collecting, jam making and painting.

Flaming June? - Occasionally!

June so far: Alf merging with the carpet, he is such a sweet dog and has been a real comfort, new leaves unfurling on a plant I thought I had killed, beautiful scented honeysuckle, a coastal walk when the weather turned murky and the South Downs on a hot sunny evening.

May

May has gone and Summer is now here although no sign of nice weather yet. I am having a creative block with my drawing which always happens when I'm sad or anxious. Although I love taking photos and recording all the things that interest me, mainly dogs, nature and food - which does help.

Arundel florist's display, Petworth Park where there was much debate about whether this was a Magnolia or Gardenia - we decided on Magnolia Grandiflora - if anyone knows differently please let me know, wild foxgloves, homemade strawberry tart and grass silhouettes from an evening walk.

A visit to Lewes which I always love, a lot of the shops are independent which makes a nice change, woodland walking and cousin Gif who gave me a lovely cuddle.

Keeping busy

I'm trying to keep busy at the moment as being without Bill is proving to be even more difficult than I imagined. We are doing a lot of walking so hopefully I will soon be fit and svelte like!

Some instagram pics - beautiful tree, flowers, feathers and Alf!  These peonies from my sister were just lovely. Walks in the Spring countryside and a trip to London to see the Matisse cut-out exhibition at Tate Modern. No cameras allowed inside unfortunately and it was so very crowded - even on a Monday which spoiled my enjoyment a little. The pictures were brilliant but it was annoying to have to queue to see each one.

Away

I've been away from my computer for a week - a good break, although the weather change was a bit of a shock. Definitely picked the wrong week there!

A lovely new restaurant found and a content Jack Russell - a holiday isn't the same without him.

Some stormy walks, a trip to Dorset, an inspiring painter and wilderness.

My favourite thing

This was a hard one but I decided upon the unglamourous picture of my walking boots as they have taken me on many great walks - which is my favourite thing to do - especially with Bill. Also I've posted so many pictures of him sleeping that I wanted to show he does still go for walks!

Sacred

Day 23 and the word for the August Break is sacred.  There are many places that feel sacred to me - they are always outside when I'm surrounded by nature and the elements. Even better if I'm with my JRT - Bill. The first pic is Pagham Harbour, the second is Start Point in Devon. 

Far Away

Skyline

Love

Day 4 of August Break - LOVE -it has to be my JRT having a Sunday morning lie in!

And my love of walking - up on the South Downs in the sunshine - what could be better? Unfortunately we have to leave Bill behind now as he can't manage such long walks. 

Another adventure

Another adventure with Gra, who planned a walk in a neighbouring county and again forgot the map! So we parked up and set off in the direction we thought best, only to find ourselves high up on a bleak part of the downs just as the heavens opened. We got drenched. I was not in the best of moods but I don't like to give up on a walk once we've started and I'm glad I didn't as soon the sun came out and we quickly dried off. 
Coming down the hill we spotted a beautiful little church in the middle of fields so had to go and investigate. It was the 12th Century St. Hubert's Chapel at Idsworth and inside were 14th Century wall paintings. I'm so glad I didn't miss this as it hadn't been on our original route.
Walking back we got caught in the rain again but warmed up by a roaring fire with a pint and packet of crisps in The Red Lion at Chalton. 

Patterns and textures

One of my favourite things to do - searching for patterns and textures around the marina, there's always something new to see.