BOOK COMPLETED
To finish creating anything , a book, an artwork, anything creative, is a very strange mix of emotions.
This week, Friday at 2:30pm Sydney time to be exact, I completed writing what I refer to as my 'Big Book'.
Well, it's not particularly big but it has filled a very big part of my world for decades. It's a book I wanted and couldn't find and it's a book which is particularly special as I feel it brings all my work together and provides a very good foundation for what is to come.
I got to a certain point with the book two months ago and I realised something additional needed to be included and I have worked solidly around the clock to make that happen for Deadline. It has meant that I did need to put many things aside and I haven't been the best friend, family member or even participant in a lot of things while I made it all happen. My mind, body and soul were 100% focused on the book for that time.
Some relationships were tested and others strengthened by it and new ones emerged because there is no more selfish thing to do than to completely give yourself over to a creative project, without out-sourced administration or a daily living infrastructure to support you. The bottom line, I can not afford either and need to be pretty much the soul provider of these these things for various reasons. I think if I could afford to provide these things? I would probably love a cleaner, a manager and an assistant. In that order.
Now I am out the other side, I have to say that as wonderful as the moment is, it didn't come without a few scars. I've put on a few kilos. I went to the gym 5 times a week but sitting on your bum all those hours and getting the nibbles because you gave up coffee will do it! So the mission is on to remove those now. I've missed really good opportunities as I have not been able to follow up on them or notice them before it was too late and I've not participated in many activities, groups and involvements which I enjoy. Oh and my house is as dusty as a haunted house and let's not go into the fridge/science experiment!
But the garden is wonderful.
planting winter goodness
The seasons stop for nothing and without my dawn gardening daily ritual, I think I would of 'lost it'.
I am incredibly grateful for those who supported me with their friendship, love and interest.
There are many people who follow my work surrounding Botanical History and the branch of Ethnobotany I follow with the focus I have with Flowers and I am blessed with the path crossings and the time we spend together. While it is also true I have also experienced a few disappointments along the way recently, the majority of people are really lovely and genuine, without an agenda and with an honest interest in this field of work and for that I have found a lot to be grateful for.
So the 'Big Book' is completed and I have illustrations to tidy up and finish over the next week and then await the machinations of publishing to happen. It's an exciting time and a funny time. You finish and now you wait and wonder what will be for your baby, but you need to let go. Of course I wonder and worry if I did enough, if I did it 'right' but I did what was in my heart and I created from a place of loving nature, botany, gardening and people and it comes from the foundation all the work I have done and all the experiences I have had in this field for over three decades so if nothing else, there is complete truth to the work.
Now off you go book, fly and be free and may you land in the hands of those who love the subject as I do and perhaps bring sunshine and warmth as you have me.
YOGA
So through all this last couple of months, I joined the local gym, found an amazing Personal Trainer, who happens to be the gym Yoga Teacher so not only did i start doing some more serious working out but I began doing Yoga. I love both. Firstly Helen, my trainer, has done amazing things getting me to do weights again by working around the injury issues I have, to the point that I can now raise my arm to all extension (yes I'm amazed!) I've also overcome my fear of Yoga. Well not Yoga itself, just the uber competitiveness and cliqueiness of any classes I've tried. Helen runs the most wonderful space and I adore going.
Not only have I begun Yoga, so has Mr Darcey!
that's a pretty good tree
TRAVEL
Sadly we have had to postpone our trip to Uluru in a few weeks for personal reasons. We did share with all our friends and family that this was happening but as those close to us know, it really won't be possible right now. All things sometimes for a reason.
We are now looking at September and perhaps may even be able to extend to a bit of a Wildflower Trek as well.
FLOWER GARDENING
It's defiantly Nasturtium time for me!
Yes they can run wild and need to be looked after but there's something uplifting and enlivening about these flowers happily tumbling over everything isn't there? They are connected with vitality and victory and heal those feeling deflated or exhausted. They seem to give you that kick you need to get over the line. Yes yes, I did find much strength with my Nasturtium friends in the garden the past few weeks myself ;)
So easy to grow and they are delicious in salads, wraps and sandwiches. I grow mine in areas which are challenging for other plants as they provide a pretty fill while still being useful. As I said, you need to watch these cheeky guys as they will take over! I've planted standards, climbing and dwarf and hopefully will have some black velvets to show you in the coming weeks.
WHAT'S COMING UP?
Well my poor old social media sites, websites and so on are looking sad at the moment so you can look forward to new energy over at my Youtube Channel this week with Flower of The Day Videos beginning! I know how much you all love the postcards so this is an extension of that
Hop on over and subscribe so you never miss an episode:
FLORASPHERE YOUTUBE CHANNEL LINK
More colouring in and creativity videos are also on their way ~ all with Flower love and inspiration!
I have just noticed I seem to have somehow lost my URL and need to find out what happened there. Ah another technical task to do this week.
FLORA FLOWER
I have shared Flora publicly for a few years now after being frightened for a very long time of someone 'stealing' her.
Silly as she deserved to be out in the sunshine.
I've shared the story of the young flower girl who loves gardening and nature with many people for many years before that and I've often wondered where she would 'end up'. I'm still not sue but rest assured that behind the scenes I have been working on a few projects which involve her. My dream is to see her animated one day but before that in a series of books.
You can be her friend on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/MsFloraFlower
and follow her board on Pinterest
https://au.pinterest.com/florasphere/flora/
THIS SUNDAY
So looking forward to this wonderful day at Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden.
I have a few of these days planned for the rest of the year too and one later in the year in Brisbane.
If you are in Sydney, you are most certainly invited. More information here: https://www.facebook.com/events/186234388411774/
So until next week,
May Nature always bless you and may you always be a blessing to Nature!
Bunches of Love,
Cheralyn xx