Update

So, it feels like time for a bit of an update while I wait for these lads of mine to arrive. Last year wound up much faster than I expected. There were some very exciting projects that I was all set to do – a possible library mural, a book with Penguin and finishing off a draft of my YA novel. Not to mention charging along with the design work on my graphic novel… and others!

And then I discovered what pregnancy does to my stamina and ability to work on big surfaces (no stretching and leaning for me). One by one the projects dropped away, and I turned away fantastic opportunities, until I was just concentrating on getting through the Christmas period of markets alongside Peter. It was so frustrating! I know that in the past I have worked far too hard and assigned too much time to my projects (although I love it!). But I had reached a good balance, I thought, with an achievable number of jobs and all really fun ones. Then, suddenly, to have to contact people and strike project after project from my diary has felt kind of horrible and unprofessional. And then the carpal tunnel syndrome kicked in. It went from getting uncomfortable on day, to suddenly, three days later, barely being able to hold a pencil and the work just stopped.

It could have been worse but it could have been better. I miss drawing. I do occasionally try but I can only do it for a minute or so at best and the drawing isn’t great. I can’t wait to get my hands back.

So. Last year was great and challenging and difficult and all sorts of things! And this year… well, the Penguin book is back on the radar, I am desperate to paint when I have any moments of time, and I’ll be working further on all sorts of projects that are in the development phase… mainly my own ideas. That will be great.

Before you think I’m peculiar for not mentioning the twins much amongst all of this – well, I just have no idea what to expect! At the moment they are big wriggling bumps inside me. And I may well be meeting them as early as this weekend! But until they’re here I just can’t imagine what life will be like. It’s exciting and daunting and… well, I’ll let you know when they’re here. But I do know that I can’t bear to not not express this creative side of me for long. So yes, I’m planning to work, to develop ideas, to get my paintbrush onto canvasses as much as I can! Even if I’m doing it through a fug of tiredness. Maybe it will spark a new surrealist phase of work