Prosperous and Creative Soul Year 5

savingholmes

Thanks Lucielle, TG and Humdinger. 

Well I've been paid. Sent another £1120 to AVCs. The stock market is up currently and all my investments are happy. Need that to continue. My S&S isa vs savings is outstripping the last on roughly £10K each investment by around £450.

I'm still struggling with exhaustion not helped by severe insomnia. Hopefully things will improve but I asked HR to refer me to OHU this week. I've been told I can use leave and unpaid leave to cushion my flexi so just doing that for now and trying to limp through to the lighter days when things normally improve me. I feel totally behind currently. Not yet cleared all the Xmas decs which isn't helping with overload. I finished work early yesterday - so need to do some work on a presentation later. Not even dressed yet. Lost 2lbs this week so pleased with that.

At the end of 2025, I discovered 5.5Kg of air dry clay in a bucket I'd forgotten about!! (Over-buy much?). I had a 'playdate' with my sister's kids while the parents went out and we used the clay and had lots of fun...  Afterwards I've continued playing with clay - including on (salsa) glass jars and making little h0bb1t houses. I've also been making 'creatures' on some of my spare lids. Next time I visit Sis's kids we will have a go at making some houses together using a combo of glass, papier mache and air dry clay while the parents enjoy a 'date'. I could probably do the lot with just glass and papier mache but the clay makes it easier and the texture is more satisfying and 'regulating'. I've also started a mini lighthouse using a spice jar...  I'll try and post pictures later... While some people could use just clay - using the glass as a form takes the pressure off - and if I use lids and ensure they still fit - the item can continue to be useful if people want - or they can just put lights in them and use them for decoration. They could be a novelty item I end up selling (to free up space) or gifting to people - they are really fun to make.

I had a 2 hour chat with DS the other day which was fab - apart from it was too near bedtime and I couldn't then sleep as my mind was full. I've really missed him but it was healing to have that time with him. DS has asked me to make him a sock monkey - so there's a risk that I might have a sewing craft explosion in my future... After all I've had to order bits for that... They may become part of a future craft session with my sister's kids too.
DD came and stayed overnight this week and then did 2.5 hours sorting my garage and moving some stuff in there. It helped. She's borrowed some money off me towards a bill (planned) and was earning some of it back. She should get her backdated pay rise next month and then will be able to start clearing what she's borrowed off me recently.

I've started a box of stuff to take to charity. I may list a few things on FB too. I need to radically reduce my house contents to make everywhere more liveable - and increase my available time for art. 

savingholmes

I've also got a few 3 for 2 offers on large canvases recently which is exciting. I'm still planning for a solo show. I haven't launched YT yet - but continued to take video so I can. I'm trying to focus on my planned exhibition (no date yet) and then as it gets closer I plan to start releasing videos and reels on social media once I've also populated my website. Right now - I'm focused on trying to improve my MH and maintain my day job to fund that dream.

I'm still hoping that towards the back end of this year that there might be an option for VR so while I would desperately like to reduce my hours it doesn't feel the best timing. I'll use holidays and unpaid leave for now and then review again come April. 

TallGirl

Sounds like lots of lovely things happening even if you are feeling the overwhelm. Yes please post a picture of the houses it would be lovely to see them. Nieces and nephews are a blessing so fun to spend time with you will auntie number one I would guess.

Solo show sounds amazing just do it put yourself out there what have you got to lose. I am sure you will find a market for them I recently bought a poster 70cm x 90cm for £50 including postage so expensive I would much rather have real art so I am sure you will find a market. I have signed up for an ink blowing course hoping I can make my own picture for my master bedroom. Art is fun and sounds like it also is for you. Hope you get some downtime over the weekend. 

jwil

The clay sounds great, and lovely that you can have fun with nieces/nephews and allow the parents a date.

WelshmansDaughter

Clay sounds like fun, I'm pretty sure I have some and you've inspired me to go and look it out

KajiKita

Glad that work are being supportive and pragmatic and yes, the lighter days aren’t far away now (as we all cling on by our fingernails! 😉). 

You will gradually find a new rhythm in talking to DS - you are both still adapting to the distance. I’m smiling at the idea that he has requested a sock monkey …

The art sounds fun 😊 Love the idea of a lighthouse spice bottle 😊

KK

beanielou

Glad you chatted to DS. Food for the weary soul. 

Merlin's_Beard

You'll figure out times that work for both of you with DS eventually, but definitely don't be shy in asking to move the call if it's difficult for you.

EssexHebridean

Yep - definitely liaise with DS about the timings that suit you both for calls, no sense in having a lovely chat if you then end up not sleeping as a result! 

TallGirl

Hey just wanted to check in to see if you are OK. I know you swich off from diaries if it gets too much but just wanted to check in and say hope all is well.