I've reached the age and stage in life where I hanker after peace and simplicity - having retired we have fewer possessions (although we do keep adding books ...) and we like it that way. Yet, despite trying quite hard not to take on extra commitments (will we run the church jumble sale, no) our days seem to be filled with things we don't necessarily want to do. This week has two hospital appointments and one dentist, leaving little energy for the nice things in life.
However, even if I'm having to rest a lot in between, I can usually still find solace in my journal ... and my concern to simplify what feels like an over-complicated life naturally came out on the page.
As ever, my backgrounds are simple, just acrylic paint. I never see any need to do fancy ones as I usually cover them up with doodles etc. I see some lovely techniques on Pinterest and You Tube but mostly conclude that they are too nice to cover up. Plus I'm lazy and they take a) too much effort or b) new equipment!
My collage materials are mainly free - I often use copies of my old pages or bits gleaned here and there from catalogues or magazines. Putting a simple border around a page like this is one of my favourite techniques for getting started when inspiration is slow to strike.
Adding black outlines and a grey shadow makes all the difference, as you can see, and you probably already know how much I love Modigliani ladies - also free from internet image sources. Among my stash of collage materials I found the phrase "simplify life" which drew a resounding yes from my innermost being!
For me this is a relatively simple page, but it says what I needed it to. I know I shouldn't complain about frequent hospital appointments because people are trying their very best to help me, but toxic medications mean constant checking of my liver function, and regular discussions about the balance of benefits with nasty side effects.
Still, it would be nice to have a week which stretched peacefully in front of us and an empty calendar ... is that too much to ask? Probably yes!!
2 comments:
Hello again. I do like the doodly bits on the page and the combinations of blues and greens xx
Oh Rosie, if ever you produce a poster of this, please sign me up immediately! Wonderful. I love everything about it: the pretty patterns, the sense of spaciousness in the uncluttered blue, the sideways look of your lady, the sentiment ... Hoping that you find, or can create, just what you need. Thank-you for being so inspiring!
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