New Book and a Competition!
I’ve spent time working on a few more DoodleWorlds colouring templates for a book I’m going to self-publish, most probably in November 2017.
I’ve gone ‘old school’ on these – pen and paper – simply because drawing on the screen was starting to irritate me just a bit. Also, a change is as good as a rest for sure!
The coloured artwork on the covers is going to be provided by the winners of a competition running on both the facebook group Angela Porter’s Coloring Book Fans and the Colorist app.
So, if you fancy having a go at colouring in the template to be found in either the facebook group on on the Colorist app, then head on over there – closing date is midnight on Hallowe’en.
Here’s a sneaky peek at one of the new templates for the book. I used my Chameleon Pens to colour this one in.
I’ve added some new items to my Vida Collection, typically ‘Angela’ style abstract art focusing on line and colour. The collection includes scarves, tops, wraps, leggings, bags, jewellery, cushions/pillows and tapestries.
Later today I’ll be adding new leather products to the collection, including passport holders and baggage tags.
Although I didn’t do anything in particular on Tuesday 10th October 2017 for World Mental Health Day (other than re-tweet and re-post relevant articles that is), I did do an anti-stigma talk on Thursday 12th October 2017.
I delivered my talk and story to a group of front-line police officers who were receiving training. It seemed to go well and be received well. I’ve not read the feedback forms though, nor am I likely to, as even if 99% of them are positive, the 1% that may not be all the positive or says I made no change is the one that I’ll focus on and will end up worrying and fretting and being hard on myself…
What did surprise me was how anxious I was when I woke and on my way to, during and after my talk, far more than I’ve been before.
Gnawing stomach, shaky, hypervigilant, cold sweaty palms, unable to speak in order…
I’d almost forgotten what it’s like to be like that, or that was how I lived every day of my life for many, many years while I was still a teacher.
Well, not quite like that – it was worse back then, a lot worse!
Echoes of it reminds me of how far I’ve come, how much better I am now.
Of course, after the talk and driving and getting home, I had the post-anxiety ‘crash’ where I felt shaky, wobbly, my eyesight was still very acute, and a headachy tiredness grew.
A huge mug of tea, a couple of Jaffa Cakes, and an afternoon sleep with cat cuddles saw me a bit better in the evening, but I was still emotionally drained. So, I too it easy, ordered a take-away, though I didn’t have much of an appetite.
Friday I was still a little wobbly, but today I feel more like myself again.
Art always helps me calm and ground, so that has been my therapy, and will continue to be so I’m sure.
Art is the Adventure 