Here, I’ll share insights into how I incorporate play, learning, and curiosity into my life as an educator, mother, illustrator, and artist. And plenty of sneak peeks into my daily sketchbook.

**Image above, a peek into my sketchbook. At least 10 minutes everyday.**

Being open letting others see me try, stumble, learn is still a vulnerable place for me. Recently, I signed my daughter up for piano lessons, after a giving it a go she wasn’t sure she wanted to do the lesson, so I asked if I could take it at her pace. In wanting to inspire her, I opened myself to learning, I’ve never played an instrument or had a music lesson in my life. I truly believed reading music was something I’d never be able to do. But after one lesson, I was seeing what I thought would be forever foreign symbols and translating them into sounds, I walked away quite proud! I am of course capable of so much more than I’d allowed myself to believe. I’m almost a 40 year old woman and can now say I am brave enough to be a the embarrassing beginnings.

Music

I went for a spontaneous gig with a friend, the supporting act what a friend of hers. Matt Emery , the song Dare to Dream, was got me thinking about the piano lessons. His latest album as been a companion in the studio, car and cooking. I’ve had a little weep to its beauty.

Exhibition

I for the first time went to the BABE Bristol Artists' Book Event ) is a biennial international showcase of artists' books, small presses, and creative printmaking.

It was incredible to see so many delightfully and carefully made books in one place; it was truly delicious. I felt so full and hopeful to see so many people sharing what I see as a shy and modest art form, not meant to be hung on your wall for all to see, but to live quietly on your bookshelf, ready for you to visit with pure personal pleasure: a closed world ready to be upended, touched, and cradled, then placed back for the next time you need it.

Listen This weeks Blind boy podcast really made me chuckle, essays of heatwaves, science and coming to learning in alternative ways away from the class room that sparked imagination and curiosity.

Listening to Stangers on a bench where unsuspected people end up sharing their lives story’s and walking aways feeling like something incredibly has happened to them by telling their story.

And of course Creative Pep Talk . Ive listened to this every-week for the last 8 years. Andy lets you know your’e not alone with any doubts, wonderings and hopes on your creative challenges thought pattern and rabbit holes that may take you down.

Watch

David Attenborough: Secret Garden

Quite Proud