September

September feels very much like the start of a new year for me. I don't know if that's left over programming from being a student for most of my life, or if it's being super in tune with the seasons...but it's a nice feeling. A fresh start. The whitethorn is busy blushing away outside. Most things are beginning to take on a little golden glow, while the flowers are on their last stretch...some late bloomers and second flushes stand out like neon against everything else.

I am busy writing and making lists. The last month has been so busy, formative, enlightening, wonderful and inspiring. I have *too many* pet projects at the moment. But it's brilliant. I don't think I've ever had so many ideas and little side projects going at the same time, so it feels great!

One thing I'm working on at the moment is a self portrait, something I haven't even thought of doing since...maybe 2nd year of college? This is a tiny clip of it. My plan is for it to be quite massive, incorporating quite a few ideas that have been swimming around in my head for some time. Drawing myself has been a learning experience for sure. It was very tempting when I started to alter my shape and size, for purely vain reasons. But I was very strict with myself. A self portrait is a self portrait...if your going to start editing yourself it loses all meaning. There's enough fantastical things going on without me cutting down my dress size. Besides...aren't we supposed to be living in a more accepting, bikini body, feminist etc society?

The number 5 seems to hold a significance in my life that I am only now beginning to explore and understand. It has been 5 years since my last proper visit to Kylemore (where I went to school for 5th and 6th year). Most of my relationships last in and around 5 years unless they are particularly strong or deep. When I clocked this I delved a little further. Numerology looks at the shape of the number as well as other factors. And 5 is the most dynamic and energetic of all the single digit numbers. It is also in constant need of change. Which would explain this 5 year phenomena that appears to govern my life. It is something that deeply interests me and I would like to look at in more detail and drag in to my work :)

I spent 3 lovely days with a really amazing friend recently. The energy and inspiration from that magical time has food for my soul.