Disappointments are a part of life but there's always another day

I booked my accommodation in Kirkcudbright for the Scottish August Bank Holiday Weekend back in February because I'd been told how busy it is for the ArtandCraftsTrail. 

I was there in 2024 with my work in The Tolbooth Arts and Crafts Centre. This year I was hoping for a gazebo in the soaperie gardens. 

I had confirmed and paid for my trail fee and my campsite when a few days before my journey, my back went into spasm and I couldn't move. 

Meds were prescribed to get me moving but I knew in my heart, I would not be getting there. 

There were a lot of tears that Wednesday night. After three days unable to move I managed to get down the stairs step by painful step on the Saturday morning

The only slight consolation was that my back didn't go whilst I was there on my own.

Friends that I was meeting in Kirkcudbright were naturally disappointed for me though there was plenty for them to see so they still had a good time.

After cancelling, I was assured I could apply again next year.  

I've still got other exhibitions lined up this year.

At the end of August I'm involved in our local art group show in Gosforth Village Hall. This is a lovely show of mostly amateur work with refreshments served. 

Early in September I'm part of North and West Cumbria's Art Trail. I've been a part of this now for many years at Florence Arts Centre. This year I'll be showing with Rachel Metcalfe, Nanette Madan and Clare Parker. It's always a lot of fun and we all do workshops for people to learn new skills.

Trail brochures now available and an online version can be viewed on the Eden Valley Artistic Network Website.

In October I have this year's solo show. I try to have one solo show a year. A solo show is expensive because of the cost of having lots of work framed. 

This year I'm showing at The Shipping Brow Gallery in Maryport. The show is called Both Sides of the Solway. It gives me the opportunity to show work that I have made from Kirkcudbright to St Bees. 

There will be new work from the Cumbrian coast and specifically Maryport as well as some earlier work.

The preview night is on Tuesday 21st October at 6pm with a performance by Dischord Choir and perhaps a poem or two from me.

At the end of October I'll be at The Cumbria Life Fair in Keswick sharing a stand as part of Art People, a collective of five female artists including Sarah Ames, Helen Clues, Alison Marrs and Maggi Toner-Edgar and myself.

I have had some lovely messages recently from people who have bought my work in various galleries or had commissioned me to paint something for them.

Calendars are selling well. Get in touch if you want one. Great Christmas presents.  

Still lots to look forward to.