Hello! It is time I made my way back here with something that I hope will put a smile on your face. More on that in a bit. First of all, I want to thank every one of you for staying here with me through thick and thin, as well as everyone who joined the mailing list despite my long absence. It means the world to me.
When I left in June, I was not in a good place. Unfortunately life continued to set up hurdles.
I ran. A LOT. Running takes the edge off, helps me sleep. I handmade a tiny book where I paint little “things I did”. I made this quick watercolor sketch yesterday of “me” running…finally managed an 8K/5mi run after a bad foot injury last year.
After a severe breakdown followed by 14 hours of straight, deep sleep a couple of weeks ago, I am finally starting to get myself back together. I couldn’t bring myself to do much artwork in the last few months even though I knew that was the one thing that would have helped.
Last week I posted this photo on my Instagram account. Writing this out is my attempt at easing myself back into the land of the living.
I started a new project of carving and printing small blocks. Lute had to be the first one. Here is why –
Very few things in my life have made me happier than our kitty Charlie. He has always been just a very happy boy with a penchant for “singing”.
On this day, he sat under a tree in his best clothes and sang his heart out while playing a lute. It had to be a lute that he played, didn’t matter if he was good at it or not. That is why I started my carving project with a lute.
He gave me permission to share his song as long as I added the correct inflections. He is very particular about them!
I wrote a new ballaaaaaad
But now I am so saaaaad
She won’t hear my new song
Where did I go wrooooong.
Even the thought of this makes me smile and sometimes laugh out loud. I hope it does the same for you too!
Apart from carving, I have once again started making different kinds of books. I love the tactile feel I get from book making. I didn’t get to mention it earlier, but my shop has new books and I have also added an extra colour.
If you purchase books from my shop for gifts, please make sure to place the order early. The books are made to order personally by me and they take a few days to dry properly before I can mail them.
I want to finish this post today with another block print I made of Charlie. He also gets into sticky situations, but they are always quite innocent and comical. I hope you get a smile out of this one too.
Once again, I can’t thank you enough for being here with me. Next week is Thanksgiving here in the US, which starts the holiday season here. Just in case I don’t make it back here in December, I wish you a season full of happiness and laughter. I will certainly see you early next year around February with armloads of quilting, art projects and The Girl And Her Cat stories. There will be travel photos as well.
Until next time,
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please consider paying a visit to some of them.
48 thoughts on “Something To Smile About”
Ruth March 23, 2024 at 14:52
Hi Soma, I’m sorry that you have gone through so much but I was happy to hear that after a solid rest, you are coming out of the dark times and into the light. Your Kitty’s song did put a smile on my face, thank you.
#mmbc
Sallie (FullTime-Life) February 3, 2024 at 11:23
Hello Soma. Thank you for sharing the fun and beauty of your creations. The kitty carvings are so cute — Charlie’s personality shines through.. I understand the need for breaks from blogging. Really my blog is my only “creative” outlet — just taking pictures and blogging them is what I do. I don’t have all the other wonderful things like you do so it’s amazing to me that you ever find time to share with us. But I’m so glad you do.
Speaking of blog breaks, I’ve been on an unplanned and unexplained three months off since early November when my last post appeared . (Yesterday, February 2, I started over!). I didn’t have the excuse you’ve had as I’ve been relatively well (fair shape for the shape I’m in at my age and all that)…..the break was unexplained to myself as well as to my sweet readers. Apparently I just needed some time out. So after my digital detox I’m back — I missed all my blog friends and again thank you for being one. I look forward to your next post this month and hope you are still doing well!
handmade by amalia January 1, 2024 at 22:58
Lovely artwork! Wishing you and yours all the best for this new year, dear Soma, hope it’s a good one!
Amalia
xo
Sue November 30, 2023 at 17:54
I am sorry to hear life has not been kind to you, but very happy to see your art work, the kitty pictures did make me smile, look after yourself.
Life Images by Jill November 28, 2023 at 17:39
Your art work is beautiful – I hope it brings you back into the light and to a better place for you. Enjoy your week, and thank you so much for visiting my blog this week and for your comments.
Jeanne November 27, 2023 at 08:58
Lovely artwork!
RachelSwirl November 25, 2023 at 14:15
Your illustrations are incredible – Thanks for sharing and for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot.
Sarah MumofThree World November 24, 2023 at 22:59
So sorry you’ve had such a tough time. I’m glad you are feeling a bit better and I hope that continues for you. It’s good to hear that running has helped and I love the running painting, as well as your lovely cat images.
Alison Hall November 24, 2023 at 10:42
I’m so sorry to hear what a tough year it’s been for you Soma. You have such a lot of talent. I love your Charlie story and carving.
Take care of yourself.
Alison x
Sandee @ CP November 22, 2023 at 07:09
I hope things get better for you.
You’re most talented.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday and rest of the week. ♥
Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie November 21, 2023 at 21:00
Hello Soma – I am sorry to hear that you have had a rough time and hope things are looking up for you now. Your artwork is beautiful and soulful and so glad that you stopped by my blog for a visit so I could ‘find’ you. Wishing you peace for the holiday season. x Karen
Peabea November 21, 2023 at 13:33
Oh I’m in love with Charlie already. Hope to read more Charlie adventures. Glad you’re on the mend and making your way back to the blogging world so we can come visit.
Margo November 21, 2023 at 09:47
Hi Soma,
So sorry you’ve had a rough time. We’ve been there one time or another. Glad to hear that you’re on your way back. Running is a great therapy, for me it’s walking. Your art works are awesome, love Charlie and his lute.
Also thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. You made my day!
Bill November 21, 2023 at 05:34
I’m so glad you are back and feeling better. My son seems to be coming out of his darkness at last. Just to put a smile on your face back in August my wife , son and I entered the local flower show with items. My son entered two drawings, my wife a drawing and knitted jumper I entered a load of photos, some woodwork and a couple of cucumbers. we came away with 7 first places along with seconds, thirds and highly commended. I also won two silver cups.You could say it was smiles all round.
I look froward to seeing more of your posts
Veronica Lee November 20, 2023 at 18:45
Wonderful to have you back, Soma!
Sorry to hear that you’ve been going through a rough patch.
I’ve missed seeing your beautiful art.
Hugs and blessings
Tammie November 20, 2023 at 10:33
Hello and welcome back. So glad your foot has healed and you can run again.
Your prints are lovely. I can see your style in them. Always fun to see someones unique style.
I am glad you are sketching and enjoying art again.
Debbie November 20, 2023 at 08:23
you are so brave to share this here, i hope it helped. you are so talented, a real artist…love yourself like you deserve to be loved!!
your work is gorgeous!! your books are as well!!
Ruth@playworkeatrepeat November 20, 2023 at 02:34
Hi Soma! It’s so great to “see” you back. Sorry to hear that you have had some struggles, I hope things continue to get better. Sending hugs xxx
Kim Carberry November 20, 2023 at 01:38
Welcome back!
Well done with the running, it sounds like it really helped. I hope things are better for you soon. x
Lisa | Handmade in Israel November 20, 2023 at 00:06
I am sorry to hear that you have been through a bad patch. Your carvings are gorgeous! #MMBC
Nikki - Notes of Life November 19, 2023 at 14:25
I’m so sorry to hear things have been rough for you this year, I really hope things continue to improve. I just love that cat blockprint.
Take care.
Susan November 18, 2023 at 16:42
So relieved to see your post. The arts are therapeutic and it is something you are good at. I love the lute and Charlie’s song. I pray you continue to heal within.
Andrea Jacqueline Priebe November 18, 2023 at 12:54
Yes, it has been awhile … welcome back. I hope all is well with you now and will stay that way. I enjoy your art and especially your little kitty. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving …
Andrea @ From the Sol
Kathleen November 18, 2023 at 11:47
Good to hear from you again. Keep well.
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs November 18, 2023 at 11:25
So happy to see you back Soma! I’m sorry to hear about your struggles and I hope there are many happier and calmer times ahead for you.
Hope to see you join us back at #MMBC when you’re ready, we’ve missed you! Sending hugs. xx
A ShutterBug Explores November 18, 2023 at 10:24
So glad to see you back with your awesome art work ~ Charlie is a delight with his lute ~
sending you lots of distant reiki healing hugs,
I have been struggling myself at times ~ life is up and down ~ and I try not to get caught in the ‘hole’ ~ rather walk around it but not always easy ~ sigh ~ so many are struggling with sad feelings and loss ~ Xo
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Amy Johnson November 18, 2023 at 05:12
It’a good to see you back! I’ve missed seeing your art. I’m sorry about your struggles. Beautiful, sweet artwork as always! Looking forward to seeing your quilts and travels!
magiceye November 18, 2023 at 04:48
Charlie looks so cute!
Eileen November 18, 2023 at 02:45
Hello Soma,
Welcome back, it is good to see your post and your beautiful art work. You are creative. Cute drawings of your Charlie, he makes me smile.
Happy Thanksgiving to you! I hope to see more updates from you, stay well. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend.
PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Karen November 17, 2023 at 17:43
I know I missed you and it looks like others did too – glad you are getting back to normal and love your drawings!
Carol November 17, 2023 at 16:51
I always enjoy your art.
Connie Griffin November 17, 2023 at 15:49
Sorry to hear that you have gone through some rough times, yes being creative sure does help me to get through some rough times for sure.
Great carvings you have done.
Hope you enjoy a great Thanksgiving!
Carol Swift November 17, 2023 at 12:50
You are gifted in so many artsy ways, including this carving. I love it! I wouldn’t even know where to begin and would probably gouge my hands more than the wood. I’m really happy to see you working yourself back into the groove of writing and creativity. Sometimes life beats the heck out of us and makes us really work hard to get back to the top. Take care of yourself, enjoy the happy moments as you can, and eat lots of turkey on Thanksgiving! xo
Terri in BC November 17, 2023 at 11:15
It’s nice to see you back. I’m currently struggling and have empathy for what you have been going through.
tomthebackroadstraveller November 17, 2023 at 05:26
…easing yourself back into the land living is wonderful. Take care and be well.
Gillena Cox November 17, 2023 at 05:24
life happens. happy you are back blogging and sharing
muchlove
Erika N November 17, 2023 at 05:14
These prints are great Soma. It’s good to see you and your art back online. It sounds like there was a lot going on, but isn’t it great how we all have “our own thing” that helps keep us focused? Or at least gets us through the tough times. Take care. hugs-Erika
jeanie November 16, 2023 at 19:23
Soma, your block printing is spectacular. I love the lute and of course, Charlie. What a great sounding cat! A vocalist and a lute player! I’m sorry you’ve been having a bad run of late and it’s a delight to see you back here in the blogosphere and sharing your art. I send all good wishes for a very happy Thanksgiving and holiday season, along with my thanks for your visit to Marmelade Gypsy!
The Joyful Quilter November 16, 2023 at 19:06
Oh, Soma! So sorry to hear that this summer wasn’t a good one for you. My heart breaks for you that you weren’t even up for any art projects. Glad to hear that you are feeling better now and your new block prints are wonderful! And what’s this about quilting to share coming up? You are back to quilting? Yay!!
Carola Bartz November 16, 2023 at 16:45
Soma, I am so glad you are back in this space. Charlie is wonderful and I can hear him sing that song! But he really should beware of getting into those sticky situtations!
The cover of the book reminds me of Yosemite Valley, especially the tree to the left. I know that you love it there, so it might have been the inspiration for this beautiful cover.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Soma, and also a peaceful holiday season. Take good care of yourself.
Dixie November 16, 2023 at 13:22
Welcome back, Soma!
Charlie looks so sweet playing his lute.
Very pleasant and wonderful blog post. Love your artwork.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Best Wishes…
Mary November 16, 2023 at 12:07
I’m so sorry that you’ve had such a rough road lately, Soma, but I’m so thrilled to see you coming out of the fog. Your art always put a smile on my face. Love seeing Charlie with his lute. Your carving is sooo impressive. I always admire runners. I’m glad that foot is allowing you to heal with running. 5 miles is fantastic and it’s great you were able to sketch it out. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I hope we see more of you soon.
John's Island November 16, 2023 at 09:07
Soma, Bless your heart! It is great to see you back and your post definitely puts a smile on my face. Your creativity is wonderful. I love the drawing of you running and congrats on your 8K/5mi! Your carvings are delightful. Thank you to Charlie :-) for allowing you to share his song. I’ll be heading over to your shop later today to check out possibilities for holiday gifts. Until we hear from you again, take good care. Wishing you happy days ahead! John
Joanne November 16, 2023 at 07:13
Welcome back! I had missed your posts and all your lovely art work. I’m glad you are feeling a bit better and are starting to find peace in your art work again.
Rain Frances November 16, 2023 at 07:10
So nice to see your post Soma! ☺☺ Your kittie Charlie is adorable, despite his poor broken heart, boo hoo…but he definitely made me smile! And wowsa, congrats on the run! That’s super! I’m so happy for you that you accomplished that! Breakdowns and sleep…yes, I can relate, feel well hun. ♥
Lavender Dreams November 16, 2023 at 06:48
I’m very glad to see you here with an update. I hope you continue to feel better and enjoy your art. I love seeing what you’ve made. The cover with the trees is gorgeous! Happy Thanksgiving my friend!
Christine November 16, 2023 at 06:36
Enjoyed your post
Linda at Texas Quilt Gal November 16, 2023 at 05:01
Welcome back Soma. I am sorry to hear about your struggles but happy to hear that you overcame the dark times. I’m glad you have Charlie. My son and daughter-in-law have a cat who “sings”. My SIL sends me videos and it just cracks me up. Congratulations on your running accomplishments! I miss “jogging” as we used to call it. Now I settle for the treadmill! Take care, and if we don’t “see” each other before Thanksgiving, I hope you continue to have reasons to smile during the holidays!