Before I go to bed

Let me draw again

Give me inspiration

Let me take charge of my dreams

Create new images

Restore my life

Secure my vision.

Help me to be free

And end fear.

Dazzle myself as well as others.

Imagine anew what I drew before

(this digital drawing is eight years old and was drawn in Artrage, I wish I could remember how I did it,)

Squirrel

Squirrel with bushy tail on my garden fence yesterday. Looking in the wrong direction, the squirrel had probably retrieved a walnut that it had cached in my plant pots in autumn. The tree he is sitting “in” is my apple tree which was laden with fruit last autumn.

It’s an American grey squirrel that were introduced to Britain in the 1800’s I think? They have pushed the indigenous Red Squirrels out, which now live in the far north of the UK and in small enclaves in wilder areas. Even so I love having them as guests in my garden. X

Blanket

My sister knitted a blanket of coloured squares as a Christmas present. I’m impressed with her skill. I think if I did that I would have made a mess out of the sizes or would have struggled to sew the pieces together.

I’m sure it was appreciated, I’m thinking of asking her to make me one too. I’m impressed with her colour choices. Using medium bright tones for a cheerful result. Since making this she has started making one using variations of the colour blue. I think it takes a couple of months to knit.

Sorry if this is boring but I don’t have much to write about.

Bat hat

Making spooky hats for an upcoming play.. My friends bats on a hat.. Very random.

We are recreating the Mystery Play we put on in July, but as a bigger production. One scene has bats causing mayhem so my friend created this. They will also have bat shaped cloaks and we have a backcloth with skeletal trees and a witch flying in front of the moon. One lot of scenery done, about 8 more scenes to do!

Penkhull Theatre Group. February production.

Exercise ?

Now it’s 2026 I want to get more exercise. I want to put the past few years behind me and try and make a new start. I’ve been stuck in my world of problems for too long.

I tried table tennis over the last few months, but my health isn’t good and I do struggle with movement and motivation. I have stopped going out as much as I used to, I find myself making excuses, will the ground be too slippery? Can I walk that far? I know I’m losing strength in my muscles and I really need to do something now before I give up completely. I’m not that old, but my body is acting like it’s 10 years older.

I guess this is my new years resolution. Even if I don’t do as well as I want I will try.