Hi there lovely ones, it’s Wednesday, time to show what’s on my desk this morning… and yessss, there IS some action going on in my little atelier. There’s even something you rarely see on my desk: my sewing machine and the start of a scrapbook lay-out!
Yup, I’m “back in the game” after my short blogpost and empty page last week… Julia, you must have a sixth sense (“I’m not sure that short is good Marit, your usual enthusiasm seems missing, I hope you’re feeling alright?…”) I was indeed a little ’empty’ myself…
The week before last, my ex-father-in- law and “opa” (grandfather) of my son passed away quite suddenly, after a short illness. I always stayed in contact with my former parents-in-law and his death came as a shock. In the weekend, on a day filled with rain and sleet, we drove to the province of Brabant (the drive alone was exhausting already!) where I went to the funeral. In addition to meeting my ex-family-in-law, I also saw and spoke a lot of old acquaintances ‘from a former life.’ All in all, it was a strange and quite emotional day and after I got home, I kinda crashed… On top of that, the weather was cold, rainy and grey all week which wasn’t very uplifting to my mood.
I did show up in my atelier every day, and managed to create a weekly spread on that empty page… I added a plastic pocket to the pages to preserve the funeral- and memory card (the blurred part)
The Chronicles of Marit 2019 – Week 5 (left side)
The Chronicles of Marit 2019 – Week 5 (right side)
Last weekend, I watched the video-tutorial my fellow-teacher Tangie Baxter posted in the workshop “Book of Days” and lo and behold ~ grey clouds seem to disappear and I spend all day drawing faces and tearing & pasting pieces of paper. This is what came out of my hand… not my normal style but it was fun and I felt a lot better!
This week, I finished the spread
The Chronicles of Marit 2019 – Week 6
And yes, now I am working on a scrapbooking lay-out… I saw an old scrapbook challenge blog “Dutch Dares” return after a break of 2 years. They provide new challenges, not on the blog but in a Facebook Group this time. Although I find the challenge “Love” (’cause it’s almost Valentine’s day) rather cliché, I thought I’d give it a try.
The sun is shining and Spring is in the air. The weather forecast prodicts this kind of weather for the next days too and my beloved and I plan a long hike (forest-dunes-beach) tomorrow… that will be our “Valentine’s day” together. I hope you have a lovely week, hug your loved ones (not only on Valentine’s day!) and here’s a big, warm, digital {{{HUG}}} from me to you!
Sending hugs your way, I too knew something was wrong. Been there done that. Love your desk today ! And great to hear the tutorial brought fun new excitement. Your page is beautiful. I love the colors and a great job on the image. May you and yours enjoy your day together, sounds perfect. Nature has a way of soothing the soul. Have a good week . #19
I’m so sorry to hear your news. A very emotional time for you. I hope you bounce back and can get creative again soon.
Big hugs,
Annie x #2
Oh, I’m sorry – deaths like that affect us in so many different ways. And when it’s someone you’re close to, then it’s even harder. We all have to have time out after stuff like that – I’m glad that some art therapy was the thing to help lift you out of the doldrums. The journal page is big and bold and I like it very much.
Sending big hugs to you Marit,
LLJ 15 xxx
I’m sorry you had to have such a day – I have been there and I know there are highs and lows to meeting up again. I’m pleased that you are now back to creating.
Love the recent page and will defo check out the video, thanks for sharing.
have a good week
Christine #18
Oh Marit – I’m so sorry for your loss. I would be exhausted too, after the funeral experience with all the former life people. I’m glad you took some down time. Love seeing your chronicles page! What a good idea to weave it into your weekly journal page. I am going to do some of that too. Hugs from Minnesota.
Hi Marit. Sorry to hear of the death of your ex-father in law – ex or not, he obviously meant a lot to you, and so you were bound to feel somewhat “empty” after the journey and the funeral. Take time to mourn.
You have done lots to your page and now with the sewing machine out – who knows what will come next!
Take care. Enjoy the walk tomorrow. God bless.
Margaret #9
Great space this week. Have a good week xx Jan (22)
I understand all these feelings. Last year was a sad time for my family and friends too. I think our crafting helps though as it’s a good distraction. Your journal pages are very inspiring. Hope your woyww is good and wishing you a happy creative week, Angela x5x
So glad that you are starting to feel a little more like yourself Marit. Such a difficult time and a long drive on top makes everything worse. Love the journal spread with the tangle girl (I’d seen it already on FB in the group). Look forward to seeing how the scrapbook page turns out too. Happy WOYWW. Sarah #8
Hi Marit, so sorry to hear of your loss. Not at all surprised you felt ’empty’ after such a day. I do hope you are feeling better now. Have a lovely week, Hugs, Shaz #1 X
Ah Marit, I was hoping to be wrong, am sorry for your loss, losing a friend, whatever the formal relationship, is tough. I love to see you pulling your art into therapy mode and doing something less usual, and tomorrow’s day together will be a lovely life and love affirming way to spend the day. Xxx
Marit- I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like the time you have spent creating art since has been very healing and beneficial to your overall well-being, however. I love the spread that you completed in your journal, whether your “normal style” or not. Stepping outside of a usual style, and doing things completely differently can have it’s own rewards. I consider my own art journal my “Creative Safe House” where anything can happen, good or bad, and nothing is judged! You never know where creative play may lead, and even if I am not happy with the marks and the art I am making I simply try to turn the page and move on to something else. Have a wonderful Valentines Day outing!
Oh, and I see that “The Artist’s Way” is sitting on your work table! Enjoy!
So sorry to hear of your loss and emotional challenging time. I absolutely love your chronicles, so vibrant and full of life and love. Wish I had the skill and courage to try something like this. Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week. With love & God Bless, Caro x (#27)
As always I love your journal pages.
sorry you had such a tough time last week – understandable reaction, it would seem. I always kept in touch with my ex inlaws and family too. Have a creative week. Helen #4
(((Marit))) I know there are no right words to help take away the sadness and at times we all need to take a moment for ourselves. I too lost someone close recently and there was no other way for me than to step away and spend time with those who knew him too. I hope that you can now find comfort and continue to express through your beautiful and inspirational artwork. I’m looking forward to seeing what you get up too with your sewing machine.
Big Hugs Tracey 6/10 xx
Dear Marit,
So sorry for your lost. Wish you a wonderfull hike with your beloved today.
Xx