Hello, how are you?
It’s Mother’s Day soon. A tricky one for lots of us, but none-the-less a time to celebrate, remember and embrace the wonder that mums are across the land.
As many of you know I lost my mum in 2020. This will be Mother’s Day number 4 without her.
Like many mother daughter relationships ours wasn’t always the smoothest of rides, but I loved her. I think about her every day and miss her so very much.
Mum had cancer and the end was tough, we all needed a bit of respite here and there to stay sane. The day mum died I’d started playing around with painting again. Something I’d not done, just for paintings sake, for a very long time. I painted some clouds, also something I’d wanted to do for a very long time but never quite thought I’d be able to do it. That day I did, and I carried on, quite obsessively for 18 months or so afterwards. I felt (and still feel) so connected to her when I paint clouds.
Loosing her also made me realise how important drawing has always been for me and my wellbeing. Being creative is something I’ve been very lucky to build a career out of, but it’s also always, I realised, been the place I go to when I need to feel calmer. It’s a real sanctuary when times are tough. And this realisation is where my Creative Doodling workshops stemmed from.
Wanting to believe mum has helped guide me down this new path, finding comfort in feeling that she’s somewhere around chivvying me on (and spelling/grammar/detail checking obviously). Whatever it is, I really do feel she’s somehow helped to cement this new direction I’ve found myself going in over these past 4 years.
It’s taken me a very long time but I’ve even been brave enough to start writing stories again, after a couple of years where it was really difficult. Mum was always the one I sent my children’s story ideas to first. These were the times we really connected, the spelling/grammar checking was always there (again OBVS) and the feedback was honest and raw, but they used to make her laugh out loud and that was very nice.
I’m so grateful to everyone for following me on this journey, and so pleased when I hear how appreciated a painted portrait has been, how much a doodle class has soothed after a rubbish day, how an illustrated bottom has raised a giggle, how it’s…helped.
And as a mummy myself now it’s lovely to have two little ones to squidge when feeling happy/sad/knackered/silly… any day of the year.
So here’s to all the mums. Loved, lost, close by, far away. Forever mum.
For those on the lookout for something special then perhaps have a peek at the below. I’d love to make something for you.
“Absolutely perfect!! My friend will love him - thank you SO much!!” Georgina Beail
“Had to message you straight away your parcel has just arrived and I’m absolutely thrilled with it ! Thank you so much it’s perfect” Elizabeth Baldwin Martin
“I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for the beautiful 'Bottoms Up' drawing - it arrived a few days ago and is just PERFECT! It will make the most beautiful and special gift, I'm absolutely thrilled - thank you thank you thank you!” Jessie Davie
“I’ve just received my orders and they are sooooooooooo beautiful, I can’t wait to gift them.” Virginia Cleveland
And as a special for Mother’s Day, Creative dOOdling is £50/ year (usually £64) for subscribers only up until 10th March.
OR why not join me in person for a workshop in my garden studio in SE London?
Gift cards available. Workshops can be booked in advance and tailored just for you (and your mum).