We went on a mini cruise

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity last week to take my two girls away on a 4 night P&O staycation cruise. A one off present for the three of us to have some fun and relax. 

What with the school holidays and prior commitments it was a nerve wracking two week lead up to getting on the boat and getting our negatives results, but we made it and we all had a lovely time.

I picked this cruise due to the Covid restrictions in place and I have to say that P&O made us feel very safe whilst on board. There were no excursions, all 4 days were spent on the cruise ship Britannia, everybody on board had to have had both vaccinations and test negative on the day, masks had to be worn at all times whilst walking around internally on the boat and hand sanitiser was everywhere. 

It was so good that I may well be going again in two weeks time with Roy on the Iona, this time for 7 nights, but again a UK staycation cruise.

Queuing to get our covid test at the terminal

Finally on the boat

View in port from our balcony whilst in port

Bottle of champagne in our room

All dressed up for a show and dinner

Celebration night

Cocaktails in the crows nest bar

Cocktails around the pool

Floating past Lundy Island

Chilling out

Silent disco on the last night

A linocut of my girl

I had to say goodbye to my beautiful girl a few weeks ago, she was a huge presence in our home and we miss her terribly. 

Theres a guilt that comes along with feeling so devastated over the loss of a family pet, when the world as a whole is suffering in so many ways, but I am trying to deal with the grief that is in my heart over her loss and keeping busy.

I also have guilt that I am already considering getting a puppy within the next few months, not to replace as that could never happen, but to fill the massive void that Bertie has left in our lives. 

I didn't think for a minute that I could consider another miniature schnauzer, but it was pointed out that to me that although Bertie was very special, its also the breed character and qualities that I like and after a lot of soul searching I have decided that yes I do want another miniature schnauzer, but not another salt and pepper just yet.

For me personally it has been a healing process to look forward, to having a new baby in my life to love, to spend time training and to take on my walks, but I am aware that others aren't at that stage yet.

Photo from 2014

Last week I made a linocut print of Bertie, from a photograph I had taken a few years ago and it now hangs in pride of place within my art space. Its not the best linocut and I forgot to reverse the photograph before transferring to my Lino, but that doesn't matter, its just for me and I'm happy with it.

Teddy - A portrait on Gouache

I managed to get my paints out again last week and got to enjoy some quiet time, that enabled me to shut my mind down for a few hours. Things have been a struggle of late and it was just what I needed.

Although I do paint with gouache it was a new way of painting for me and one which I hope I can emulate at a future date, as I was really pleased with the outcome.

It was a present for my next door neighbour and she seemed very happy.