Thursday 3 June 2021

Back to the drawing board

WOW! Where did 6 months go?! I last posted on November 30th last year. YIKES!

Actually, I think it's fair to say that I haven't been a very good blogger over the past few years. I haven't been very productive as an artist in that time either. 

It's always been the way that, when my emotions take a hit, it directly affects my output as an artist. My Dad passing away in 2015 was the start, then estrangement from a couple of my kids in 2016, followed by medical issues requiring surgery, more family members passing away from illness, and chronic pain issues. They have all played their part in keeping me from my art. I have felt great sadness, emotional pain, even depression during those times which can be quite debilitating on its own.
 
I thought I was getting back on track in November when I took up the Art Every Month Challenge and I was so proud of myself for completing it. However, I made the mistake of giving myself a week off and, as things are always hectic for me in December, the art routine got put on the back burner. 
 
I also watched The Social Dilemma on Netflix and became disillusioned with Social Media and took a step back there too. Have you seen it? I recently deleted my Facebook account which I rarely visited anyway. Twitter is one that I don't use often but it comes in handy for local events and traffic reports. Still in two minds about Instagram which I do love for inspiration but it doesn't have the more personal aspect that blogging has. I haven't posted there since October last year. I hate that they track my every move online. I guess Google does the same but I'm fairly reliant on Google.

I started my blog in December 2006 so I doubt I will ever let that go. It has been a joy for me to look back on over the years. A huge Thank You to those of you who have been following my blog long term and have still stayed despite my periods of absence in recent years. You are all treasures and very much appreciated.

I won't list the excuses for my most recent blog absence apart from saying that life got in the way and I took a step back from being online....well, when I have, it's only in very small doses. 
 
I hope to get back to more regular posting as I do miss blogging and my blog family. Sorry for the longer than expected break. 
 
Recently, I came across this amazing artist, Andrew Tischler. His speciality is Oils and his work is so realistic.  Andrew also recommends a regular drawing practice in graphite/charcoal to better your skills as an artist. I've added one of his videos below but, if it doesn't work, here is the direct link - Better Drawing with Andrew Tischler.

 
So, going back to the drawing board and feeling inspired, I got out my graphite pencils and drew this sweet little guinea pig. Graphite is really hard to photograph well so please forgive the image quality.
 
 My thanks and credit for the Reference Image I used goes to 
 
I will be back with more drawings in my next post but I thought you'd get a kick out of this quick, silly but fun, Pen sketch I did of 'me' for New Year. hehe


And an ink and wash sketch celebrating the birth of my nephew and his partner's baby girl. 
 
OH, and you probably already know that Google are stopping their Feedburner Email Subscriptions which means there will be no more Follow by Email options in Blogger. Bummer! The Followers gadget is okay but, as far as I know, you can only follow Blogger blogs? I have implemented Feedly which can follow blogs over various platforms like Wordpress, Squarespace, etc. OR, you could always add my blog to your Blog List on your sidebar if you want to see when I put up a new post. This is what I do also. 
 
I'm looking forward to catching up with you all over the coming weeks.

Take care and Happy Blogging!

32 comments:

  1. Ohhhh Hellllloooo dear friend. I have missed you. I am sorry you have had so much sadness the last few years. If you ever need to rant email me. LOL I have missed your beautiful art, your lovely posts and your encouragement to other artist. Your little Guinea Pig is excellent as are the NY and it's a girl. Thanks for sharing the video too. If you want to get more involved check out Thursday Art Date with Rain http://www.rainfrances.com/ this weeks theme is "hands" and of course PPF. It will be the last year for PPF http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/ For me I am so happy to see you back. Have a lovely evening.

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    1. Thanks so much for your caring words, Nicole. I hope to be back more regularly. I will try to post at lease once a week, if not more. :)

      Paint Party Friday is ending forever?! I remember participating in that quite a few years back.

      I know Rain from when we did the Scribble Picnic weekly art challenge. I have yet to participate in her challenge but I may see you 'there' next week for the 'In the Water' prompt.

      Hugs,
      Serena xx

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  2. yay your back 😀 sorry to read about the estrangement and yeah google tracks everything! its scary, john turned off some things on my phone and on my google accounts so they cant track everything

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    1. Thanks, Jen. Yep, it's like our every move is tracked by one platform or another. :(

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  3. so glad to see you again. Life does indeed get in the way, I don't blog much anymore either, but I do love checking in with old friends from time to time.
    xo

    Jo

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    1. Thanks, Jo. I hope to be more present on my blog from here-on.

      Serena xx

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  4. So glad to see you blogging and to see some of your lovely artwork! Love the guinea pig and I shall have to watch the video, too. love and hugs Times have been rough, my friend.

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    1. Thanks, Rita. Hopefully, I'll be able to get my act together and manage to blog more regularly from here-on.

      Serena xx

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  5. Welcome back Serena lovely to see your art again. Life sure has its ups and downs so hard to cope sometimes.

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  6. Serena,

    The past year+ has been difficult on many. Although the pandemic way of life didn't impact my daily activity too much meaning I don't work outside the home nor do I venture out much, so the restrictions didn't affect me as it did others. Or, at least I didn't think it did but the truth is it did and I found myself sitting longer in front of the computer throwing myself into my blog or sketching or creating in the kitchen. The creative outlets helped to release stress but I let my daily exercise routine slip which I do not like and hope to correct while on my summer blogging schedule. I'm not leaving Blogosphere completely. I will keep the Monday's Music Moves Me dance party going each week and presenting a Battle of the Bands at the first of each month. I will catch up with the A to Z bloggers I fell behind on, colorize my A2Z illustrations, and periodically give an update on my progression probably in my Wednesday time slot. I'm going to take it easy this summer. You'll find your way back to blogging again, I'm sure. Try to use it as a positive in your life, even when you're not feeling the energy. Tell yourself the only way to break the chains of negativity is by doing something you love and soon joy will fill you. :)

    I'd read Goggle email subscription service is being discontinued. Google is so good for doing stuff like that. How aggravating! I'm glad you found some alternatives. I'm still getting your post via my inbox, do you know when the service will end? I just now created a new browser folder so I can bookmark my bloggy pals so that I won't forget. My normal blog routine I am able to stay connected pretty well through the various daily memes I participate in but now that I'm slacking off for the summer I hope I don't miss someone should the emails stop showing up. Anywho, I'm happy to see you back in Blogosphere. Don't be surprised if you find it tricky to pick up where you left off. I know I always do even when I put things sort of aside during the summers. Have a good day and happy blogging! ;)

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    1. Thanks, Cathy.

      For sure, it's been a crazy past year for a lot of people. I'm so thankful that Australia did so well during the pandemic. It was heartbreaking to see what was going on in other countries. So much loss. :(

      My son will most likely be visiting your blog as he is a huge music fan!

      The Blogger (Feedburner) Email subscription service will cease from July 1st. I am sad to see it go.

      Enjoy your weekend,
      Serena xx

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    2. Serena,

      The loss the world has felt due to Covid has been difficult and yet I keep saying, we've seen the same kinds of loss with the flu each year but the world does shut down over it. Covid is serious as it should be guarded but I think more than anything this has been a test for those in authority to see what they can easily get away with to control our lives. All it takes is common sense to avoid those who are sick and to have a strict regime to keep oneself free of germs. I've said it time and time again, the pandemic hasn't changed the way people do things. They still crowd others too much, they do not keep their hands away from their faces while touching public surfaces, they do not wash their hands, they lay their phones on bathroom sinks, they.... You see what I mean? I betcha you've seen these sorts of behavior, too. Oh well...enough of that. It is, what it is. We shouldn't allow the government to have this kind of control over us because worse things will follow. Alright, I'm hush now. :)

      Oh do tell your son to stop by! :D Thanks for letting me know that the email subscriptions end next month. I did bookmark your site so to not loose you. Do you take part in Rain's Thursday art dates? If not this might be an excellent way for you to get going with your blogging again while returning to your creative passion.

      Have a good weekend, dearie!

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    3. Yes, I hope to take part in Rain's art dates. Rain and I used to participate in the Scribble Picnic art co-op together. :)

      Brad will stop by your blog for sure. :)

      I think we have different opinions on the Covid pandemic.

      The Australian government took fast and strict action to protect us which the majority of Australians were very grateful for. We had lock-downs and restrictions, plus contact tracing was put in place. Some things like social distancing and sanitisers being available on entry to every store, plus digitally logging our presence in restaurants/cafes, are still in place, despite our very low infection rates. New Zealand did the same and they also had very low infection rates. I'm not a fan of governments in general but I am proud of how the Aussie government handled, and continue to handle the pandemic, especially being that I have a son with a life-threatening condition.

      Currently, Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is in another lock-down from June 3rd to the 10th, with 78 active Covid cases...all quarantined now but, there was something like 350 exposure sites hence the lock-down....it helps to stop further spread. Currently Queensland (my state) only has 10 active cases in quarantine. Most of our cases are acquired from Aussies returning home from other countries. They go into quarantine for 2 weeks but, unfortunately, mistakes happen...some get released too soon, or they flouted the rules, and that's how the infection gets out to the general public. Lock-downs help to stop the spread, no doubt about it. I don't see it as our government controlling us but rather, them protecting us and they have proven that it works.

      Yes, our economy may have suffered to some extent but the government financially assisted people and businesses. Our economy will recover.

      I do hope that, with the vaccines, Covid won't be as rampant.

      Take care and stay safe.

      Enjoy your weekend,

      Serena xx

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  7. Lovely to see you here Serena and hope it will happen often - always love to see what you you have created with your pens and brushes!
    Life has changed for us all these past many months and hopefully we are on the way back to life as it was.......but of course it will never be exactly the same!!!! Meanwhile hope things pick up for you dear - stay well and safe.
    BTW, I now have 'silver' hair like you! At least the pandemic spurred me on to stop coloring and grow out my red - and I'm totally happy with it!
    Hugs - Mary

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    1. Hi Mary,

      I'm glad to hear life is starting to return to something resembling normal for you now that the Covid vaccine is helping. Heartbreaking loss across the globe due to Covid...it certainly caused a lot of havoc. I'm very thankful that Australia didn't suffer the losses that other countries did. We felt reasonably safe here despite the occasional lock-down for a few days here and there. Our Southern states didn't fair as well as we did here in Queensland. I think Melbourne was on another lock-down this past week but it may be lifting shortly.

      I'm so happy to hear that you are a Silver Sister too! I love my silver-white hair and my only regret is that I didn't grow it out sooner.

      Big hugs to you,

      Serena xx

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  8. Serena, lovely to see you! Seriously, your blog post could be me, exactly. it's spooky just how much our journey lately compares, three deaths, illness, cancer, pandemic and the "trying to get back to normal" in November bu alas, no go. I too, miss the blogging and friends online and stopped social media at the same time you did. Spooky. But I see value in continuing to try. As long as we don't give up we're still here. Hugs to you my friend.

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    1. Hi Jenn!

      Thanks for your lovely comment. Uncanny that we are paralleling each other on the blogging/creativity front. We can continue to try for sure.

      Big hugs back at ya,
      Serena xx

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  9. Lovely to see you back Serena!
    Naturally I love your little guinea pig sketch, and your other sketches are wonderful too.
    Hugs,
    Alison

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    1. Thanks, Alison. I hope you will be seeing more posts from me. I have sure missed visiting your blog.

      Hugs,
      Serena xx

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  10. It's fantastic to see a post from you again! I'm sorry you've been having such a rough time still, and hope things improve.

    You've only been blogging a few months less than me... I started mine in May 2006.

    By the way, your blog is also on Bloglovin' where people can follow you and get post notifications delivered to their eMail. It's the option I've gone with to make sure I don't lose you when Feedburner stops working like it used to. Just thought I'd mention that for any of your followers who might use that and want to make use of the option. You can also make use of that option yourself if you want to go use that to follow mine, since my blog is also on there.

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    1. WOW....so your blog has been going quite a while too. Cool!

      I deleted my account on Bloglovin' a year or so back. I wondered if people would still be able to access my blog via their platform. Apparently, once you sign up to Bloglovin', even if you leave, they keep your Blog feed going which a lot of users weren't happy about. Out of curiosity, on Bloglovin', do you get my full blog post or a snippet? I'll add your blog to my sidebar Blog List and also on Feedly. I may even check out Bloglovin' again.

      Enjoy your weekend, Tori.

      Hugs,
      Serena xx

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  11. Good to see you back Serena. And good to see your drawings too. Sometimes life just makes us want to take a break, but the good news is people will still be waiting for you when you come back. Hope we don't have to wait 6 more months, but if so, we'll still be around. Happy June. Hugs-Erika

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    1. Thanks, Erika. It feels good to be back.I sure hope I don't ever have such a long break again.

      Happy June to you also,

      Hugs,
      Serena xx

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  12. I was THRILLED to see you back on your blog, Serena. I am late visiting, but I wanted to drop by because I am always happy to see your art. You draw SO well and so realistically, dear. Your little guinea pig is adorable.

    I'm ONLY a blogger, so none of those other sites interest me and never have. I have so many people to visit and I post every day, I would never get anything done if I spent time on other platforms.

    Do you want a search engine that doesn't track you EVER? Then https://duckduckgo.com/ is for you. It has been my go to search engine for years. I am never tracked and I do a LOT of research on the web. Not sure what I'm going to do about Feedburner yet, but I still have a few weeks. Options for me include Mailchimp,follow.it, and Feedly so far. Just so glad you are back online, dear. I've missed you.

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Elizabeth. Sometimes, I wish I'd just stayed with being a Blogger only and I may well get back to that.

      Thanks for the heads up on the Search Engine...don't think I've heard of it before so will check it out.

      Be aware that Mailchimp includes your personal home address on all outgoing emails, including to your Blog Subscribers, and you can't opt out of it. I didn't like that one bit so deleted my new Mailchimp account as soon as I found that out. I think Mailchimp is directed more at businesses. The only way around it would be to get a P. O. Box address.

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    2. Thanks for letting me know about Mailchimp.

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  13. So glad you are back. I've always enjoyed seeing what latest art you produced. I know life can get in the way and it sounds like you have had quite a lot going on ever since your dad died. I hope your health issues are leveling out and you and the family are having a good time together in this life.

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    1. Thanks, Sandy. I hope to get back to regular blogging again. I'm learning to live with chronic pain but life is good...focusing on the positives. xx

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    2. absolutely - positives are good but i know sometimes with chronic pain it must be a challenge.

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  14. On Bloglovin' itself, it's just a snippet. I have to click on something (either your post title, or a link that says, "read more," or "continue reading," or something like that). Oh, and not having been on there yourself doesn't stop your blog being on there anyhow, since people who are on there can add any blog they want, it's just that they have to have access to the ability to post things on it to be able to claim it as their own.

    Enjoy whatever's left of your weekend too.

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    1. Thanks for getting back to me on that, Tori. I always thought they could only follow blogs that were members of Bloglovin'...then even if the blogger leaves, their feed is retained on Bloglovin'. Thanks for the clarification. I'm glad that people are able to follow my blog there, especially with Feedburner ceasing to work from July 1st.

      Thanks...enjoy your weekend too. xx

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