This Little Stories collection is all about finding comfort in everyday things, celebrating them, and unwinding. Unwinding is a hard word for me. I tend to reprimand myself for sitting around and doing nothing, but it is so important for any work. So, when I struggle with focusing and need to unwind, I let my mind wander while letting my hand do some easy work.
This is another set of the daily photos of simple, everyday things I took between Feb. 2020 – Feb. 2021. They possibly represent my version of unwinding better than I could ever do with words.
Simple 365 – Set 7
Please Click on the image thumbnails to see the photos and read the captions.
I also created a page with all the previously shared photos from Simple365. I will add more photos to that page as well, as I share them here.
Little Memories
I learned to play chess from my grandfather. He and I used to play every night after having dinner together. If I had too much homework, he would always wait for me so we could spend that time together. These are his fountain pens. I love to jot down little thoughts and notes with them. My love for printing and book making is a credit to him.
A Little Story
Mr. Nigel Forsythe Castleton is the proprietor of the Lost Pages Bookstore. Owing to the bookstore being in a very old stone building, it is very drafty and cold, even on the warmest of days. Mr. Castleton loves nothing more than to spend his days in the bookstore, but the poor thing is always very cold even though he is made of wool. Luckily, the bookstore has a wonderfully big fireplace, where he keeps a fire going at all times. He pours himself a glass of ginger wine and sits by the fireplace, perusing those lost pages.
This time he is visiting his friend who also has an antiquities book shop full of books of magic and alchemy. He loves the old city of York, so he has decided to spend some time there.
I have knitted and introduced Mr. Castleton before, but if you are new here and don’t know him, he is a very gentle fellow who loves all things books.
A Not So Little Celebration
Winter is a celebratory season at our home with tons of birthdays, starting with Charlie. He celebrated his 18th birthday very recently. Even though he is not allowed, he loves to sneak in sweets made of dairy. For his birthday, he got a special treat – a very sizeable portion of cheesecake.
He was looking up at my husband to sit with him while he enjoyed his birthday cake. They have a very special bond. Although Charlie is a perpetual kitten, I thought I paint this dignified version of him for my husband.
Little Journals
Growing up as an only child, I have always lived most of my days in the worlds of stories and books.
Hand-binding books for those stories while listening to an audio-book is one of my favourite ways to unwind while staying mildly focused. This moss green journal was the very first 3″ x 4″ journal I made for myself with a special drawing theme in mind. I look forward to starting on that soon.
(handbound by me pocket journals are available in my shop)
Girl And Her Cat – Wandering Pages
I painted the Girl and Her Cat stories in little 2″ x 3″ books. This is the last set of paintings from the the Girl And Her Cat – Wandering Pages book.
Please click on the image thumbnails to see the pictures and read about their wanderings –
You can see the full Wandering Pages book here.
The Girl and Her Cat decided to become lost in the mist for a while, visiting the land of the snowy owls. It is also time for me to go on my winter hiatus. I wish you the most magical holidays with lots of rest.
Thank you so much for being here with me and for your most lovely and encouraging words. I will be back around March.
See you then,
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them.
P.S. The Ink Torrents Graphics shop remains open. I will continue to mail orders, as always. You can also purchase quilting patterns, which you can access immediately via Instant Download. I will also be available via email. Thank you for continuing to shop from my store.
43 thoughts on “Little Stories – Unwind”
handmade by amalia January 30, 2022 at 22:47
I love your wintery scene and little bridge – it looks like the beginning of a wonderful adventure.
Amalia
xo
Michelle December 26, 2021 at 09:57
I love these glimpses into your creative muses. I was an only child too. I get it. Happy birthday, Charlie!
Michelle
Tammie December 26, 2021 at 07:11
You truly captured winter in your top journal pages.
Reading of you and your grandfather touched my heart, what a sweet experience. I wish I had had that.
Wonderful portrait of Charlie.
Sarah MumofThree World December 25, 2021 at 22:46
I love the painting of Charlie enjoying his birthday! How lovely to read about you playing chess with your grandfather too.
RachelSwirl December 23, 2021 at 16:42
Every week I say the same thing – you are such a talented, gifted artist. WOW
Thanks so much for sharing and for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot. Have a great Christmas and a great new year!
Sue December 22, 2021 at 21:37
Lovely post Soma, wishing you a very happy Christmas.
Sharon Wagner December 22, 2021 at 11:06
I love Mr. Cat. Happy Holidays to you!
Lillian December 21, 2021 at 05:31
Fascinating armor
Michele Morin December 21, 2021 at 04:28
Every picture tells a story!
Little Wandering Wren December 20, 2021 at 23:17
Happy Christmas Soma – I love the idea to unwind that has just helped me tremendously as I wonder sometimes why I take a while to write about some of my experiences, I used to say I was decompressing but unwinding is gentler! Love the idea of wandering pages! Lovely post & happy holidays!
Wren x
Angie December 20, 2021 at 21:22
P.S. Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
image-in-ing weeklly photo linky December 20, 2021 at 09:10
Such talent you have! Marvelous!
Thank you so much for sharing at
Veronica Lee December 20, 2021 at 07:35
Your art is beautiful, as always, Soma.
Love the stories too.
Happy Monday!
BLOGitse December 20, 2021 at 01:42
Oh, you’re talented! Beautiful books and art.
Happy holidays from winterland, Finland! :)
Sam December 19, 2021 at 12:56
Sometimes doing enough can lead to creativity x #mysundaysnapshot
Kim Carberry December 19, 2021 at 05:32
It is hard to unwind. I often feel like I am wasting time when I just sit around. What beautiful photos. x
NatureFootstep December 18, 2021 at 14:11
a great way to share a little story. And beautiful art :)
A ShutterBug Explores December 18, 2021 at 10:49
Your artwork is divine ~ love how you played chess with your grand father ~ how wonderful! Xo
Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
John's Island December 18, 2021 at 10:37
Hi, Found you on Saturday’s Critters. Wow, can’t believe I’ve been missing your wonderful blog. I just purchased one of your handmade clothbound journals. They look excellent. Just wish I was a good enough artist to draw like you do! :-) Your black and white photo journey in 2020 & 2021 is also a joy. Thank you for sharing! John
John's Island January 1, 2022 at 08:08
Hi Soma, I received the handmade clothbound pocket journal ordered from your shop. It is so cool! It is so neat that I am seriously challenged to draw in it! :-) Thank you so much! Happy New Year Soma! John
Amy Johnson December 18, 2021 at 08:09
Such beautiful stories. I loved hearing about them.
Bill December 18, 2021 at 07:55
You do some really nice work and I do love your story of the Girl and her Cat. The knitted cat looks cute. You mentioned in a reply you would like to see my wife’s knitting. There is a sample at the end of this blog
Have a good Christmas Break
Lavender Dreams December 18, 2021 at 07:05
I love penquins and puffins! And your art is delightful! Happy holidays sweet lady!
Alison Hall December 18, 2021 at 06:41
A wonderful post Soma! I enjoyed reading it and looking at your beautiful art.
With best wishes for a wonderful Christmas.
Alison
Nikki - Notes of Life December 18, 2021 at 06:08
Wow! I’m loving your artwork and Mr. Castleton! You’re very talented :)
Eileen December 18, 2021 at 02:38
Hello,
Happy belated birthday to Charlie! Your art work and stories are wonderful. I always enjoy stories about bookstores.
It is great you have your grandfather’s pens and happy memories of your times together.
I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Take care, enjoy your break!
Luisella December 18, 2021 at 00:40
Hello, I enjoyed your pictures and drawings.
Happy birthday to Charlie and happy blessed 4th Advent Sunday to you.
Stay safe!
Kathyinozarks December 17, 2021 at 19:16
Good evening, I really enjoyed this post with all the photos beautiful art hugs Kathy
Connie Griffin December 17, 2021 at 18:51
I understand the need to unwind, going into my craft room and creating gives me such calm and peace.
Love your portrait of Charlie, we too have a ginger cat and have just adopted a little all black kitten, so you can imagine how crazy life is around here. Our past cats lived to be 18 and 19.
Enjoyed your wondering pages and my favorite is your scene of the bridge.
I hope you have a nice time off and enjoy the Holidays with your family!
Susan December 17, 2021 at 18:01
Love the stories and paintings. Happy belated birthday to Charlie. My last two cats lived to the ripe old age of 18+. May your hiatus be restful, your heart be at peace, & your hopes renewed, and may contentment fill your thoughts as you embrace the little things that bring you joy. Will be looking forward to your return.
Wendy K December 17, 2021 at 08:10
Fantastic art, with wonderful stories. Have a lovely Christmas.
Linda Calverley December 17, 2021 at 08:08
Beautiful paintings and interesting photos.
Mary December 17, 2021 at 07:07
Your grandfather’s pens are treasures! I’m sure they bring back wonderful memories of him (and some wild chess matches).
Nigel looks like me this winter – bundled to the max! He does a good job of guarding for you. Happy, Happy birthday to Charlie. It’s so nice to see him so healthy after all he went through. Enjoy your break and all the simple things that life provides. Merry, merry Christmas.
Christine December 17, 2021 at 06:21
Beautiful art!
Debbie December 17, 2021 at 06:16
your little story is one we all desire, sometimes it feels unreachable. your art work is gorgeous, i like the portrait of charlie!! the quilt piece is really special too!!
Linda Kunsman December 17, 2021 at 05:57
Little stories, little art but they have a big impact and are sweet. Wonderful storytelling in your B & W photos as well. Happy birthday to Charlie. And happy PPF and holidays to you dear Soma!
riitta k December 17, 2021 at 04:13
Oh, I love the portrait of Charlie <3 He is a handsome guy and 18 years is a high age. Glad that he has kept his playful character. Mr. Castleton is also so, so sweet. Thank you very much for these cat related things as I live now under the command of Silva and Selma :DD Happy 4th Advent.
Carol December 17, 2021 at 03:44
I love that you have built your own little world with your drawings and other creative pastimes. Your little friends like Mr. Castleton are a wonderful addition to your fantasy world. I was more fanciful as a child and I remember when I went to college I decided to become more rational and logical. I am wishing you a blessed holiday season and plenty of time to unwind. I look forward to visitng again at the end of January to see your new musings.
Carol
Valerie-Jael December 17, 2021 at 03:04
Soma, your art is brilliant, as always. My fave today is Charlie enjoying his cheesecake. Everything you do is beautiful. To unwind I always go for a walk along the Rhine, it always calms me. Happy POF, hugs, Valerie
Angie December 16, 2021 at 22:16
Soma – I also have great difficulty “unwinding”. A work in progress, to be sure. Love Mr. Castleton!
Dixie December 16, 2021 at 15:37
Such a wonderful post.
Happy, delightful birthday to dear Charlie!
Mr. Nigel Forsythe Castleton looks like a very knowledgeable book store owner.
I bet he has many tales to tell.
Love your new”Girl and Her Cat” pages.
A very lovely holiday to you and yours, Soma!
Best Wishes too!
The Joyful Quilter December 16, 2021 at 15:10
Happy Birthday to Charlie and Happy Holidays to you, Soma!!
Kim December 16, 2021 at 12:13
Happy, Happy Birthday to Charlie; and doesn’t he look as pleased as punch sitting there enjoying his cheesecake. I want to sit in The Lost Pages Bookstore with Nigel Forsythe Castleton, warming up before the fire and chat with him. I feel the conversation would be fascinating. He would have the most interesting insights into the many books he has read. Why, he could recommend a book….or two, to me. I find the photo of your grandfather’s pens touching; so many beautiful memories for you, and yes, one is never too old for knights’ tales. A beautiful post, Soma. It is always a joyous day when I visit your beautiful and whimsical place. The stories and paintings, especially, sing to my heart. Have a lovely break and a blessed holiday season. Oh….and a beautiful birthday! I look forward to popping into your place next year to see what sweet stories and paintings you imagine. Xx