January blog post

I'm a little late posting this blog post for January. I think we can all agree it is the toughest month. Those short cold days and lengthy dark nights. It takes more effort to be strong, positive and healthy.

I can't complain too much, but despite my efforts to remain healthy mentally and physically, January was challenging. Colds and flu, difficulty sleeping. I struggled to be as productive as I needed or would like to be. But it is over now and I am looking forward to going to Egypt with my friend in March for some warm weather!

With the weather being challenging and the daylight hours short. I Spent less time outdoors, but had to be outside a lot at work. I made the most of any sunshine, getting out for a run if it was a nice day.

I also kept up with trying to keep a healthy diet and fueling myself well to workout (mostly doing indoor workouts). I have really started to focus on making simple healthy meals that are prepped on my days off, that I can either keep in the fridge or freeze. I always have a decent meal or 2 prepped in advance now. So when I am too tired or time is tight I have made a few meals in the same time I would have made one. I love soup and it is easy to make one at the time same time I cook and dinner and make a lunch. This has left me more time to go out with friends or just to relax, rest, read and paint.

I had a great day doing my first shift at Curio Emporium in Sandgate. It is 99 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone CT20 3BY.

It is a lovely shop and I just love being in Sandgate and the atmosphere there. Plus I am so thankful to be a part of the Curio community and love working with the owner and other members there. It is a great, friendly, inspiring community to be a part of. The shop is doing well too and it is amazing to see how quickly it has taken shape, since openning in late December.

I work full time at Euro tunnel, as well as being an Artist so I have to work hard to organise my time well, but I find it works well and I like the ballance between what I do, with the stability I have too. I worried working full time might hinder my art goals, but actually I am doing better than before. It is hard, especially with it being winter to be productive, but I still have days off and time around work. Art can be made quickly or slowly, but it helps me to ballance my emotions and centre myself. Art is a form of self care, I am fortunate to still have time to create with stability at the moment from my job at euro tunnel.

Sometimes there would be long periods of time where I had'nt sold a painting in a while, but thankfully 2 sold at Curio last month, and one via my online sales. There has also been lots of print sales and I have new stock avaliable, while I work to make more now too.

I have still been working on various projects, either before or after work, or on days off. I would estimate it has been about 2 sessions a week sitting at my easel still, which is not bad! I have still been creating small journal pieces at work too. I also finished my lemon painting finally too! It was an emotional process.

Finished and signed, I am calling this "The perfect lemon" because that is what I thought when I bought the lemon and took photos of it. Now to wait till this is dry, then I can varnish it and think about framing.

That's all for January. Thankful it is over. I am still working on my yellow roses painting and other projects. However I am taking it more steady, I am having to, with the season being more challenging.

Take care!

Peace and love

Gemma