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Writer's pictureAlanda Calmus

Time to Thrive.

“Life is all about balance. You don’t always need to be getting stuff done. Sometimes it’s perfectly ok, and absolutely necessary, to shut down, kick back and do nothing.” Lori Deschene

Here is a photo taken during a wee break away in our caravan. Me kicking back in my velour PJs and Dastan the Squirrel living his best life getting all the cuddles.


The Squirrel and I.

Oh, I tell you I did not want to leave but alas there’s always stuff to do at home.

It has been 10 days since I came back from attending the Christmas Market event in Eden Court. Since then, I have been trying to “rest”!

This was my first time doing anything like this. It was very fruitful but physically demanding. I don’t know how the others there manage it week after week. My hat’s off to them.

My husband had been due home before the show and was going to help me set up. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it back in time so it all fell to me.

That meant a lot of heavy lifting while running back and forth to the car. It was exhausting and I ended up covered in bruises. My legs looked like I was turning into a dalmatian with all the black spots! I must invest in a trolley next time.

I had a great weekend though. I sold lots of original artworks ranging from teeny tiny ones to some of my bigger pieces, prints, and cards.

The small works were particularly popular. There are only a few left. They are now available on the website. You can see them all here:

Small Works

On my return, I knew I would have to find space for everything including the new display equipment I’d bought. Here is a short video of me contemplating the task the day after I got back.


I have to be honest and say, it is not much better than that now, 10 days later.

It was a conscious decision to rest for a bit since I don’t have any pressing commitments for the rest of the year. I decided a while back that I wouldn’t take any commissions for Christmas. That way I could use the time to reconnect with friends and family.

I wanted to be able to embrace the season and enjoy a more relaxed version of myself than I have in the past.

However, I’m back and straight into office work. I’ve been managing Aether to Easel. This is the online gallery I created for intuitive artists like myself.

The Winter Collection is now showing and I am promoting each of the artists in turn.


It’s important that I do my best for everyone who has opted to show their work with Aether to Easel. I’ve done course after course on sales and marketing. There’s a lot to take in and I’m gaining traction with this new business but it is at the expense of my own work.

There are only so many hours in the day. As a working artist, businesswoman, mum, wife, and dog owner, where do I find time for myself? What would I even do with that time if I had it?

That is the question and I intend to find out over the next couple of months as I practice the art of reviving myself.

That starts with making dates to catch up with friends.

It also means tackling the studio so that I can make space for painting.

I know you’re wondering why I need to do that if I’m recharging. Well, part of that process is painting for myself instead of for a set purpose.

It’s important that I continue to grow as an artist so I need some time to paint. Without the pressures of having to take a piece to completion, I can explore new techniques.

This is a time for me to experiment. To make a mess and not need to fix it. Time to discover what’s next for my work. I’m excited to find out. Are you?

Thank you for reading and continuing to follow my progress. You’re always appreciated.

Love and gratitude

Alanda xx

P.S. I have some mounted and framed Limited Edition Wildlife prints available for dispatch direct from my studio that would make great Christmas presents. Free postage to the UK. Order before 10th Dec for best chance of delivery in time for the big day.

They aren’t loaded on the website but you can drop me a line for more details or visit my Facebook page by clicking the icon below.

The Chase

First Forage

Hare Today, Gone Tomorrow.

To Have

To Hold

Alight

The Tail End of Things

Close Encounter

The Balancing Act

The Night Shift

Obstructed View

Keeping an Eye on You

Colourful Coi

Another Lazy Day

Young Buck

You can also order the prints unframed which will be sent direct from the print service provider here.


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