Hibernating with tea, Merlin and a jar of wishes

It's wild outside this evening as I sit here at my desk and write this. I can hear the tree branches moving and the whistling eerie voice of the wind as it whips around the house. It  sounds like ghostly birds in a storm that have lost their way. I was hoping it would be a north wind and that it would bring snow, but it isn't. Instead rain is being blown against the inky black window panes. So far this area has missed out on any snow, except a tiny dusting that melted as soon as the morning sun came out.

I've retreated a little into hermit mode so far this new year. My bear genes again want to hibernate.

My head has been stuck in cupboards rummaging and rifling through stuff. There have been many trips and bags taken to the charity shop 'to simplify things' I don't mind calling this a new years resolution, as I know I can keep it. I get great pleasure and immense satisfaction from clearing clutter, it's a good feeling!  And on the plus side, the universe always gives you something back in return. I found a lovely coat the other day whilst browsing after dropping my bags off. Don't worry an old coat of mine went into the next bag to replace the new one coming in. ;)

This bear in me has also been drinking rather a lot of tea, reading in the bath and watching episodes of Merlin.

I have been working as well though, doing my tax return, and an illustration commission. 

And I've been playing in my sketchbook. Here's a jar of wishes for 2015. 

And another sketch which began as just a doodle. I think it's about whilst I was busy with the illustration commission, the creatures for my future paintings were waiting for me to come out to play, get my brushes out and bring them to life?  What do you think? 

Better get to it then! :)

X

A Post For A Snowy Day

“Meanwhile,’ said Mr Tumnus, ‘it is winter in Narnia, and has been for ever so long, and we shall both catch cold if we stand here talking in the snow. Daughter of Eve from the far land of Spare Oom where eternal summer reigns around the bright city of War Drobe, how would it be if you came and had tea with me?” .... CS Lewis

..........I'd be delighted thank you! Would anyone else care to join me for a cup of summertime?

That was delicious!  but now it's time to step back outside and back into Narnia......
                                                                       ~*~
Yes, Winter finally arrived on Friday we awoke to a beautiful decorated landscape.

Creatures appeared in the garden. A hare with rose hip eyes.

And a sleepy fox.

And others that wanted to come out to play..

Have you ever stood barefoot in the snow?  I hadn't ever tried it, so thought it was about time that I did. :-)

After some fun time spent with other inhabitants of Narnia, I returned home and warmed up with the help of mulled wine and hot chocolate. That evening, Mr Tumnus was still on my mind so I decided to draw him in my sketchbook. 

                                                           'Tumnus Meets A Hare'

“Narnia! It's all in the wardrobe just like I told you!” 
...CS Lewis