Not sure where to begin today, so I will just start and hopefully the right words will find me as I write. I created this space earlier this decade as an escape, and since then it has taken on a life of its own. As not only the year but also the decade near their end, I want to mark it here while I try to find my way out.
Metamorphosis – Making a special print
Early this year, even before the world around us started falling apart, part of my world changed forever. I started a photography project of taking one picture everyday of something that reminds me to be happy, hoping it would give me a sense of direction, not knowing where the year would take us.
Midnight Cat – Another special print
As I started to pick up some of the pieces of my past life via painting and photography, another blow hit. Never have I felt so desperately helpless in my life as I did last month.
Meandering Thoughts And Stitches
That brought me back to where my year started, spending the days in a haze, pondering about existentialism and feeling completely lost at the moment.
By the frozen lake at end of the day – my favourite time
My husband and I decided to go to the mountains for a couple of days. We were listening to an Agatha Christie audiobook which made me think of the encounters we have in our lives. Sometimes they are fleeting but memorable accounts, and sometimes they are long-lasting. We never know how long each encounter will last, so we try to make the best of the time we have with each other.
Friendship in unlikely places
I am very happy to have made a few very special friends here. We live in different cities or even countries, have not met in person and we don’t even know what each one of us looks like.
Yet, that seems to never matter really, specially when one of us is scaling the wall with a little difficulty!
I made this 2 inch x 3 inch miniature book using watercolour paper. I will be making multiples of these mini books and will fill each page with one little painting per day.
The first painting is of myself with my little cat who adores winter just as much as I do. Staying warm by the cosy fire, we are happy to be with each other. A lot of the times, this is what we all need.
I will be going on my usual winter hiatus. This holiday season will not be the same without our loved ones close by, but I wish you safe and healthy holidays.
Until next time,
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them. I have joined a few new ones recently and they are a wonderful bunch!
56 thoughts on “An Unexpected Journey”
Janine Green December 28, 2020 at 08:25
Many, many hugs, Soma. I love your little book and your first picture is beautiful. I hope you will share others over time. I’m sorry 2020 didn’t treat you well. It was a pretty rubbish year for most people, I think. Soon it will be over and I’m sure 2021 will be very much better. I retreated from blogland for the ‘festive’ season and I didn’t feel right saying Merry Christmas with so little to be merry about all over the world this year but I do wish you a very Happy New Year and I really do hope and expect that next year be a much happier one :) xxx
RachelSwirl December 19, 2020 at 14:25
I adore your artwork! I love the top piece with the cat and the boy under the tree, it’s beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing and for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot.
handmade by amalia December 19, 2020 at 07:25
I love your mini book, a brilliant creative outlet.
Amalia
xo
Sarah MumofThree World December 18, 2020 at 23:53
Sorry to hear you’ve been having a tough time. I love your little book and I hope it helps you to feel better.
#mysundayphoto
My Corner of the World December 18, 2020 at 14:31
Keeping busy is good while you figure out your emotions. I, too, have met some great people by blogging and consider them my friends, too! I pray you find your way out of your fog.
I appreciate your link at ‘My Corner of the World’ this week! Thanks for joining us!
Brandy Pettit December 18, 2020 at 14:20
Hi Soma,
Just wanted to pop in and let you know I think of you every time I paper piece a quilt block, because you helped me learn how and I so appreciate it! I’m starting the Project of Doom quilt next year with my sister, it’s going to be epic… I hope you have a wonderful winter, and I look forward to seeing your art next year!
Brandy in Walla Walla, WA
Nikki - Notes of Life December 17, 2020 at 10:08
Such wonderful artwork. It’s been a tough year, hasn’t it? We can only hope 2021 gets better.
Tammie December 17, 2020 at 07:58
I am sorry you have been through hard times. Sometimes it is hard to find our way out of them.
Your watercolor journal looks beautiful. Such a lovely idea. Your first painting is charming and inspired my smile.
Lovely Solstice and beyond to you!
chickenruby December 16, 2020 at 11:35
So sorry you’re having such a difficult time, I started focusing on a one daily positive almost 6 years ago, when I was having a hard time with yet another move. I also have many friends around the world I can turn to for help and support, some of them I’ve never met, some I’ve met online then in real life have become my closest friends #mysundayphoto
Tanza Erlambang December 15, 2020 at 07:01
you have great choice to escape….
beautiful photos and drawing…. love it.
Have a wonderful day
Alison Hall December 15, 2020 at 02:30
Your art is beautiful, and I enjoyed reading your post!
Here’s to a happy and healthy Christmas and 2021.
Alison
Lavender Dreams December 14, 2020 at 08:04
I took my new sketching journal out this morning and put it on my desk. I desperately need to do some art every day. I have missed it! And the little book with art every day may be something I could do too. Thanks for inspiring me today! Hope your week is a good one! holiday hugs
Eileen December 14, 2020 at 02:14
Hello,
I love all your art work, the cats are so pretty. A daily photo and art work can be like therapy. It is a trying time for all of us, with so much loss.
I wish you much joy and peace, stay safe and well. Take care, have a happy day and a great new week!
Lady Fi December 13, 2020 at 23:35
So sorry to hear about your trying times – made even worse in a year like this one.
Your artwork is amazing!
Angie December 13, 2020 at 22:01
Soma – loss can be deep and lasting and overwhelming. You are in my thoughts, and hope that your hiatus can bring you some peace. Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday despite your troubles.
Margy December 13, 2020 at 18:37
Such a great idea to take a picture a day of something that makes you happy. With a phone camera that makes it easy. – Margy
Veronica Lee December 13, 2020 at 17:49
I love your artwork! How amazing!
Happy Monday!
Michelle December 13, 2020 at 14:46
You have been blessed with such talent. Enjoy your hiatus. You will be missed. Thank you for taking the time to link up.
Kim Carberry December 13, 2020 at 06:44
Your artwork is amazing, so beautiful! You are a very talented.
Take care and wishing you all the best x
NatureFootstep December 13, 2020 at 05:41
such a wonderful post :) You make such beautiful art and I love the idea of your small book for daily doodles. :)
My favorite image are the icy lake. That is a place I would visit often if I had it close.
Wish you a nice holiday season and see you later on.
Take care!
Carol December 13, 2020 at 05:01
Beautiful art – very expressive. My favorite is the little cat climbing a wall. I feel like that sometimes.
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin December 13, 2020 at 04:20
Sending love.
Darren Coleshill December 13, 2020 at 03:42
Such amazing artwork. I wish I could draw and paint. Love these
Thank you for linking up to #MySundayPhoto
BLOGitse December 13, 2020 at 03:15
Hope you’ll have better, sunnier days ahead!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful art.
I’ll have a blogging break – Happy Holidays!
Jenni December 13, 2020 at 00:39
Such beautiful illustrations. Wishing you the best for 2021 #sundaysnapshot
John Adams December 12, 2020 at 23:01
It does sound like you have had a demanding year. Wishing you all the best for for 2021. Loving the illustrations btw. Much better than I could do. Headed over from #MySundayPhoto
A ShutterBug Explores December 12, 2020 at 14:59
Absolutely adore your first painting of the tree ~ kitty and you ~ it is a style that reminds me of what I used to try and do ~ Beautiful artwork ~ Happy Holidays to you ^_^
Live each moment with love,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Tarang December 12, 2020 at 05:17
Hello Soma. Lovely artworks and touching post. It’s a very tough time. Painting and reading work for me. Stay well and take care.
And your sketchbook is really cute. :)
Rain Frances December 12, 2020 at 03:17
Hello Soma :) Your art is beautiful. I love the frozen lake photo. I’m sad to read that you are not doing so well, and I wish you all the best in the world. Take care. xxx
Christine December 11, 2020 at 13:57
A lively look back enjoyed your beautiful art!
Gillena Cox December 11, 2020 at 12:10
Hi Soma
Enjoyed your art and thoughts shared with us
Happy PPF
Much❤love
Linda Kunsman December 11, 2020 at 12:09
Your post is so touching, and I think many of us can relate in one way or another regarding this year. Wishing you love and healing through your hardships my friend. Your art is always a joy to see- so much talent! Happy PPF, rest well. Love and hugs!
Linda Calverley December 11, 2020 at 11:11
Love your little book and the cats are lovely. Let’s hope 2021 will be a great year. Keep safe.
by EAGHL December 11, 2020 at 09:15
Love every inch of your posted art today. Such talent!
Michelle December 11, 2020 at 09:02
This has been a very rough year. I am sorry you are struggling so, but I totally understand. I have good days and bad ones. Thank you for sharing your art with us. Hopefully 2021 will be better to us all.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shasta December 11, 2020 at 07:54
Taking a photo and making a drawing a day to remind you of the positive aspects are especially important this year. Seeing the artwork of people who are more talented than me and seeing positive things from them helps me see the positive aspects as well. Thank you for being one of those people who make my day brighter.
LA Paylor December 11, 2020 at 07:50
I feel a strong longing too lately. Who am I in this strange world, and where are others like me who feel deeply and yearn for more. I felt a strong affinity for you today Soma and a connection. I felt this post was so honest. Thank you. Love, LeeAnna
Nicole/DVArtist December 11, 2020 at 07:18
I think your post reveals so much about you and others that are going through the same things. Yes, find something that make you happy. I love that idea of a photo. Your art is expressive and beautiful. Find that place that makes you happy and hold on to it.
Mountain Quiltworks December 11, 2020 at 07:06
Art and creativity is a wonderful way to channel our minds. The world rotates too fast without that in our lives.
Loving to see yours works through the Peacock Party.
Luisella December 11, 2020 at 06:42
Hello,
I like your Midnight cat very much.
I wish you a happy Advent time.
Wendy k December 11, 2020 at 04:30
Some fabulous art, love the cats especially. Love your mini painting book, what a great idea. keep safe.
riitta k December 11, 2020 at 02:05
This strange year and Christmas arouse many thoughts. But we have to seize the moment and live it to the fullest. I have decided not to meet children and grandchildren in person, instead take video contacts. It is sad of course, but this is what the government proposes. Your little book with a painting each day sounds such a cute and joyful idea. Happy Advent time.
Cat December 11, 2020 at 01:59
Hang in there, Soma, I hope your winter hiatus will help you with your sorrows. This year has been so hard on many of us, I really can relate.
Stay safe and healthy, and thank you for sharing your beautiful art with us.
Cat
Kokopelli Design December 10, 2020 at 23:13
Touching post! I hope you can find a way out, following the path of your art. If you like write me an email and we can chat for a little while. That miniature book is adorable. Can’t wait to see the paintings!
Angie December 10, 2020 at 20:49
Soma – not exactly sure what you are dealing with, and it really is none of my business. I hope you “find your way out”. I find my crafting, whatever form it takes, is a great release for me!!!
Jennifer Jilks December 10, 2020 at 17:52
It’s been so terrible a time for so many. I am so sorry. I hope you can get your way through to the light.
My hubby had his cancer treatment this morning. That was good for us.
Dixie December 10, 2020 at 16:05
What sweet little books. I love the winter scene with your lovely kitty.
Your “Metamorphosis” and the “Midnight Cat” paintings are so beautiful.
So nice that you were able to get away with your husband for a few days.
What a glorious picture of the lake.
Sending you peace and blessings, Soma.
Best wishes,
Dixie
Susan December 10, 2020 at 15:05
I am so sorry you have been going through such a rough time. I always enjoy your quilting, photos, sketches, paintings and hearing about your trips. Do what you have to do to be well, happy and serene. Know that you will be in my prayers.
Kim December 10, 2020 at 14:31
Goodness, Soma, it sounds like you’ve had a rough time of it recently. I hope that some cosy quiet over the winter months allow you to heal, and figure out the complexities of life.
Sue December 10, 2020 at 13:45
I am sorry to hear you have had a rough month, life send us curve balls doesn’t it. Your mini book is beautiful, love the first show painting you have done. Keep safe.
The Joyful Quilter December 10, 2020 at 13:09
As you know, Soma, I love your artwork. I’m sorry to hear that you had a tough month last month. It’s been lovely getting to know you a little bit through your paintings (and before that your quilts.) That tiny book you’ve made blows my mind! Even though the holidays may not be as merry as many others, I hope the season will somehow be restorative for you. Looking forward to better times in 2021.
Kim December 10, 2020 at 11:31
Soma, I have tears in my eyes reading your words. As you doodle in your little book each day, with your sweet little cat nearby may you joy in the company of each other and find strength and comfort with each new day. Please take care, dear Soma.
Mary December 10, 2020 at 11:09
It will be so nice to put this year to bed for many of us, but even more so for you. I hope the new year dawns with new adventures and will be filled with great memories for you. I am hoping to see treasured glimpses of joy jump from the pages of that sweet little book. Enjoy your retreat and know that I am sending special wishes for you this Christmas season.
Kathleen Kingsbury December 10, 2020 at 10:02
So happy to hear from you and to know you are as well as can be. I know you will fill those sweet tiny books with sweet tiny pictures! Thank you for posting. Take care.
Susie December 10, 2020 at 09:39
Wishing you many warm moments during your winter solitude, dear friend!
I do love your handmade , mini painting book! I think you will find ways to heal , as your creativity will meander and refocus, and land just where it is meant to be, little Renaissance Lady!!
Tammy S Asad December 10, 2020 at 02:05
Sending blessings of peace your way. A daily doodle can be a form of therapy and gratitude as it reminds us of the gifts all around us. Take care.