Dusting off the Cobwebs

Where to even begin this post? It certainly has been a while with my last post being back in October 2019.

I hope it's not too late to say HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

For Australia, it was a horrific end to 2019 and horrific start to 2020 with apocalyptic fires burning across the nation. Many were out of control forcing people to evacuate. Some people even ended up fleeing for their lives into the ocean to escape the mega fires. The sheer numbers of wildlife lost is staggering — it is well over a a billion which breaks my heart. 2,400 homes were levelled by the fires and that was just in New South Wales...the number will be a lot higher when all the other States are taken into account. This truly was an event like no other in Australia's history. Climate change is definitely having an impact. I do worry how the destroyed ecosystems will recover. So much of our precious and unique wildlife gone. It hurts my heart to even think about it. Tribute video below - For the direct link to YouTube, click HERE.

We were so grateful to all the International help offered, 157 firefighters and personnel were sent from New Zealand. We were also very grateful to the American firefighters who came to help but so deeply saddened that three of those brave souls lost their lives fighting our mega-fires. See their welcome arrival in the video below (after selecting play, click on the symbol in the bottom right corner to view in full screen). For the direct link to YouTube, click HERE. As of January 14th, 34 people have lost their lives to the fires, including Australian firefighters.

 

I can't stress enough how grateful we are for the selfless work of the firefighters and the emergency service crews who put themselves on the front line. They are true heroes! 

It was bittersweet New Year's celebrations for us with so much devastation happening around the country but we did manage to have a lovely evening at my sister's and brother-in-law's home. We brought in the New Year there, then Brad and I headed home around 2am and stayed up to greet the first dawn of 2020 as is a tradition of ours...a whole, new decade awaits!

The start of the first sunrise of 2020.  It wasn't very spectacular as we did have a smoke haze hanging over us from all the fires...not noticeable in the pic. And yes, the smoke haze did flare up my asthma so I wasn't feeling 100% through November and December.

I lost my mojo in 2019 as losing our two fur-kids really hit hard. When my emotions are hit, it effects my creative output. There were quite a few hardships in 2019 including a major surgery for me and a surgery for Bradley (son). About all I could do well was read my Kindle books and I'm happy to say I did achieve my Goodreads Reading Challenge of just over 80 books for 2019.

I do have creative plans for this year but won't state them here in case they fall to the wayside which seems to happen a lot for varying reasons.

I have been doing a little sketching though. Just some simple pen sketches to help me get back into the creative flow.

We've been having a heatwave which means sauna-like conditions without the luxury of air-con in this household. Thankfully, this week is set to be a little cooler with some rain on the forecast.

I'll leave you with a pic of frangipani flowers which were blooming on the tree in our back garden.

Love, light and peace to all ~

Sketchbook: My Birkenstock dilemma

Happy 1st of the month to you! 

My sketch this week for Sunday Sketches is late, sorry. 

I figure it's still Sunday somewhere in the world so I hope it's okay.

Birkenstock sandal in A6 sketchbook 
sketched freehand with a Platinum carbon fountain pen.

You can check out the other participants for this week HERE.

I bought my Birks over two years ago 

at a time when I was suffering with very painful feet. 

I thought that Birks might help due to their design and they surely did. 

They are a very comfortable shoe to wear 

more due to their design rather than what they are made of.

I was then faced with a dilemma when
I became a vegan just over a year later

what to do with my Birkenstocks?! 

My Birks were already quite worn

so it's not like I could have donated them to charity. 

I didn't feel right about throwing them out either 

because I felt that was somehow 

dishonouring the life that once was.

So as some vegans do with their pre-vegan items, 

I opted to keep the sandals until they are completely worn out.

Every time I wear them
I acknowledge with love and respect 

the life that once was.

I recently had my first year vegan anniversary and

I am still fully committed to my vegan lifestyle.

I am also happy to report that  

VEGAN Birkenstock sandals are available 

should I decide to get another pair in the future. YAY!!!

What is a vegan? - "A philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals."

Day 2 of the 366 Daily Sketch project - another self portrait

Yesterday, I couldn't decide on which sketchbook 

to start off the year with. 

I've stocked up on quite a few over the years.
All varying sizes and papers.

Just a few from my stocks

I opted for a Hahnemuhle D & S Sketch journal. 

I hoped it would take watercolour okay

being that it is more designed for pencils/pens. 

The paper is also quite thin at only 140gsm. 

However, the natural white paper appealed to me 

and I wanted to play with a new book.

Another quick self-portrait today.

2/366 daily sketch
D & S sketch journal - A5 size, 140gsm, landscape format 
Drawn directly with Platinum Carbon and LAMY fountain pens 
painted with watercolours. 
© Serena Lewis

As for my opinion on the D & S Sketch journal?

So far, I like it a lot.
I'd prefer the paper to be a tad more thick
because I can slightly see the previous page through it
but not bad enough to be a problem.
The ink doesn't bleed through which is a plus for me
and it takes light layers of watercolour just fine.
Can't complain....

Stay tuned for more daily sketches

A blog change and some sketches

You have probably noticed the HUGE change 

in my blog's current appearance. 

It was a spur of the moment thing. 

I came across a website that used the
brown toned background
with a pale font and
I found it a pleasant change to 

the dark font on glaring white backgrounds. 

So, I instantly started playing with my blog. 

I chose a font colour that I feel 

is easier on the eyes.

I do think the images stand out better 

and I'm happy with how it is for now. 

It could just be a passing phase 

and I may change it again 

when the novelty wears off. 

Please tell me whether you find it 

easy or difficult to read. 

Your feedback is appreciated. 

***************************

I just thought I'd share a few quick sketches 

that I fitted in here and there 

over the past few months.

I registered with Sktchy after installing their app on my ipad.

It's a place where artists can put up photographic images, mostly portraits, 

and other artists are free to use them to sketch/paint.

The Sktchy app is only available for Apple IOS products.

If you're on Sktchy,
my profile name is - Serena Lewis

This is a sketch of Ashley Goeltz,
a Sktchy member/artist.

I used a Platinum Carbon pen, a Lamy Joy,
and a Pentel pocket brush pen
in an A5 Moleskine sketchbook.

And a couple of quick sketches.
I'm trying to grab moments where I can
even if it's just for simple sketches.

This year has been so hectic
and it doesn't seem to have slowed down much at all.

I have three Christmas ornaments to paint this year
as it will be little Mackenzie's first Christmas.
She is growing so fast already and very alert!

Have a lovely weekend!

more journal pages

it's been another busy week here

and quite cold too with the westerly winds making their usual appearance for this time of year.

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE

for some reason the images appear blurry in smaller format

last sunday, aaron and i sat outside under the pergola and sketched some potted plants in our new moleskine journals.  this sketch is of my aeonium saucer plant.  i didn't think this plant was ever going to progress as it stayed small for so long until, one day, aaron re-potted it into a larger pot and within a few weeks it trebled in size. now i know why they call it a saucer plant....it's HUGE!

during the week, i did the following sketch to commemorate reece bringing home another trophy in a Fight World Cup 6 bout!
HE WON!!!

the ref called it in just 46 seconds into the first round

and, as yesterday was friday 13th, i decided to play with a 'dark' theme in my journal.

 the day was quite uneventful however we did watch 'What Lies Beneath' on DVD last night (13th) to mark the occasion.

------------------------------------------------------------------

BABY NEWS!

michelle went for her 20 weeks scan and, according to the scan, she is having a baby click this link to find out!

-------------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE ON BRAD
brad's symptoms persist and we recently found out that his aunt was admitted to hospital this past week with upper body neurological symptoms.......her eyelids refuse to open, she is suffering extreme head pain intermittently and she is having difficulty swallowing on an intermittent basis because messages from the brain don't seem to be getting through.....scary stuff, huh?  the common factor that we have noted is that brad and his aunt both started having neurological symptoms about a week to two weeks after having the flu shot (which includes the H1N1 swine flu). from what i have since found out, some neurological disorders have been linked to the swine flu vaccine.  the scary part is that brad's aunt had her flu shot back in april and her mild symptoms gradually worsened over the past four months. we're hoping that nothing further develops with brad being that he only had the flu shot a month ago.

the MADDENING part is that specialists are trying to insinuate that brad's aunt is suffering depression, hence all these symptoms she is having.  this is ridiculous!  naturally, brad's aunt is frightened and upset at what is happening to her but, normally, she would be no more depressed than me.  she has an MRI scheduled for monday so, hopefully, it will uncover the real cause behind the symptoms.

will keep you posted

~ love, light and peace ~

Happy 1st Birthday to my Blog!!!

Graphic courtesy of Snogirl Graphics - Thank you

WOW! It's hard to believe that I have been blogging for one whole year now!! This past year has been an amazing experience. I LOVE blogging as it has enriched my life in numerous ways. I have also met and befriended some wonderful people via their own blogs and/or the Every Day Matters group which I joined in May. I have laughed and cried while visiting other blogs and I have also been inspired and encouraged. Thank you to all the people who take the time to visit my blog and even leave me a comment. It is so much appreciated ~

So......one year of blogging under my belt.....I invite you to keep on dropping by, stay awhile if you are so inclined and enjoy a nice cuppa (tea, coffee, hot chocolate)......You are always welcome!

EDM Challenge #4 - Draw a Mug
Pigma Micron .05 pen & Derwent Coloured pencils - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge

EDM challenge # 105 - Draw some scissors

I've always cut my hair on impulse and Sunday was the day. Maybe it was because I've been feeling down of late but, generally, I just reach a point where I've had enough of my hair too long so out come the scissors. I have cut and dyed my own hair for over ten years now because I no longer trust hairdressers after too many disasters. That said, my nephew is now a hairdresser so I would trust him to do my hair but, unfortunately, Grant wasn't around on Sunday and when the impulse strikes me......it strikes! My hair is really much the same style, only shorter with layers....around shoulder length. Graphite in A5 sketchbook - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge

EDM challenge #45 - Draw something holdiday themed

Thanks to the warm and caring encouragement from my wonderful readers/friends, I took a step towards breaking my creative drought today. Hopefully, I will be able to keep it going. Thanks everyone for you support....it truly means a lot to me ~
Pigma Micron pen and coloured pencil in A5 sketchbook - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge

EDM challenge # 15 - Draw some leaves

The Every Day Matters challenge #15 was to draw a tree, trees, branches or leaves.

These leaves belong to one of my succulents - Desert Rose - which my Mum gave to me some time ago. The Botanical name is - Adenium Obesum. I love the shiny, waxy look to the leaves and its flowers are a beautiful pink.Graphite in A5 sketchbook - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge

Stop the Whale Slaughter

Today, Japan launched its whaling fleet to the Southern Ocean Sanctuary around Antarctica where it plans to kill more than 1000 whales over several months under the guise of 'scientific research'. You don't need to kill whales to research them! How stupid do they think we are?! They plan to kill 50 threatened humpback whales, 50 endangered fin whales and around 930 minke whales. I am so upset and outraged at this news. It has been condemned internationally and even the International Whaling Commission has called for an end to the killing of whales in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary but yet, Japan persists. The Greenpeace ship, Esperanza, is just off the coast of Japan with plans to follow the whaling fleet and, no doubt, try to stop the senseless slaughter. Click here to keep up to date via the Esperanza crew's blog. Visit Greenpeace International to find out how you can help.
Gentle Giant - Graphite in A5 sketchbook - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge

Sketched from imagination

Earlier this evening, I had the urge to sketch but I wasn't keen on any of the subjects within view and, being too lazy to get up and find something to draw, I decided to go with what was in my head. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm...that could have been dangerous! Anyways, this is the image that evolved on the page of my sketchbook. I know the eyes are massive but I just went with the flow and didn't restrict myself to rules of proportion.
Graphite in A5 Sketchbook - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge

On another note - My son won two Silver tickets to go and see Elton John in concert on the 25th!!! YAY, Bradley!!! His younger brother, Reece, will be taking him as I've already been to one Elton concert with Brad. Reece likes Elton John too so it will be a great night for the both of them.

Random Fact # 8

Brussels sprouts happen to be my favourite vegetable! I adore their rich, strong flavour and I feel all the better knowing that they are very high in nutritional value. They are also known to produce sulforaphane which boosts the body's detoxification enzymes thereby helping to clear potentially carcinogenic matter more quickly from the body. Graphite and coloured pencil in A5 sketchbook - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge

Random Fact # 7

I found some spare time this afternoon to fit in a quick sketch so I decided to do Random Fact #7 which also doubles as an EDM challenge #60 - Draw an automobile.

I used to drive a (197?) VW Kombi automatic van......meet ROXY!!! I owned this baby for nine years and loved every minute of it! I liked the solid build, the spaciousness and the reliability. She was a beauty! Micron Pigma pen & Coloured Pencil in A5 sketchbook - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge

Random Fact # 6

Here it is - Random Fact #6 which also doubles for one my Every Day Matters challenges #43 - Draw something china or ceramic.

In my late teens, I had always wanted to own a collection of something but could never make up my mind exactly what I wanted to collect. After much procrastination, I decided that I would collect pigs being that I was born in The Year of the Pig/Boar......and so an exciting, new endeavour began. I had so much fun and had actually amassed quite a grand collection of ornamental pigs when, over time, I found myself drawn to anything Native American and so, as all good things must come to an end some time, the pigs got their marching orders. That said, I still have a soft spot for them and this little piggybank sits on the desk in my room as a reminder of what once was. Now I'm back to square one and don't collect a set theme of anything in particular however I feel that familiar urge rising again.......maybe the pigs will make a comeback? Graphite, Micron pen and coloured pencil in A5 sketchbook - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge

EDM #79 - Draw an ear

Another EDM challenge for today. I drew my son's ear while he was watching TV and, again, I perched myself in front of a mirror to draw mine. You may notice some scarring on my ear...the highlighted part in the mid-section of my ear which is actually a raised ridge. I received this battlewound when, as a young child, I absentmindedly ran in front of a child on a swing in full motion. The swing clipped my ear and split it open. My parents took me to the nearest hospital where I received numerous stitches to repair the damage. I can still remember it clearly.Graphite in A5 sketchbook - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge

EDM #61 - Draw a group of two or more similar objects

I had a bit of spare time this afternoon so seized the moment to do another EDM challenge. Pigma Micron pen and Derwent coloured pencils in A5 sketchbook - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge

Random Fact # 5

Again, I'm going to double this fact as one of my EDM challenges - Challenge #26 - Draw anything you like.

Random fact #5 - SAMBOY barbecue flavoured potato chips are a major weakness of mine. I simply can't say no to them and SAMBOY barbecue chips are the only flavoured chips I will eat. Other than that, I am purely a plain-salt, potato chip gal! Sometimes, when I open a packet and munch into that first chip, the taste and smell instantly transport me back to a time when I was around 20 years of age and at a Drive-In to see the first Rocky movie. Kinda like when a certain song will drag up a past memory. Do any of you get that reaction with a certain food too? I can tell you this drawing was lucky to make it this far as it took all my willpower not to grab the bag of chips, open them and just munch away. lol
Pigma Pen and Derwent coloured pencils in A5 sketchbook - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge

Random Fact # 4

Sorry to be a party-pooper but I don't like clowns. Rather than make me laugh, they just give me the creeps. I'm not afraid of them, I just find them....freaky! I don't like clown paraphernalia either whether it be ornaments, toys, pictures or dolls....no thank you!! I have to admit that even drawing a clown for this random fact about myself was difficult. I started out with one image in my mind more like the clown out of Stephen King's IT (even though I've never seen the movie) but once I started, my pencil did the talking and, the drawing changed a few times ending up more a child clown.....not my intention but I do wonder if there is a significance behind it.

Child Clown - Graphite in A5 sketchbook - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge

Random Fact # 3

An opportunity to also write off another EDM Challenge - #44 Draw an animal.

My favourite animal of all time is the wolf. I have always felt drawn to them ever since childhood. I think they are a beautiful animal and often misunderstood. Native Americans see the wolf as a symbol of truth, loyalty, strength and knowledge and you can learn more about wolves at the International Wolf Center.
Wolf - Graphite in A5 Sketchbook - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge

EDM # 56 - Self Portrait

This was indeed a real challenge for me. My first ever self-portrait! I placed a mirror on a chair and sat opposite while I did my best to draw the image looking back at me. One thing I discovered is that it's definitely not easy trying to relax, hold a pose and, at the same time, concentrate on drawing my own image. I can see a likeness and the kids agree, however, I can see areas that are not right....my nose is not that long so I think, if it were shortened a little, and the eyes and upper part of my head were moved down a fraction thereby rounding my face a little more, it would have looked more like me. Another point to note is that this is drawn from a mirror image and, in reality, my hair clasp is on the right side of my head etc. Next time, I think a few glasses of vodka and orange juice before I start drawing wouldn't go astray either.

Self-portrait - Graphite in A5 sketchbook - © Serena LewisClick on image to enlarge
Added to post on 24-09-07 - As a matter of interest and to see if my observations in where I went wrong were correct, I took the pic into Paintshop Pro and shortened the nose area, then I moved the top part of my head down....I think it is definitely more like me in this altered pic as my face is more the round shape it should be. This challenge, while daunting, has been a wonderful lesson for me.Self-portrait digitally adjustedClick on image to enlarge