Mindfulness Meditation

There seems like no better time than now to post my new illustration for Mindfulness. What makes this post even more poignant is the onset of the Summer holidays. The kids will be off school meaning even more reason for us to have that Mindful moment or two. Maybe a candlelit bath, Mindful walk or even a Mindful trip to the park with the kids. Yes, once you get used to the regular daily practice of meditations you can to find peace wherever you are.  What is there not to LOVE about that!!!!

I’ve been undergoing this very slow transformation from the inside for two years now and as the days, weeks and months go by the symbol of the Butterfly has become very important to me. They feature greatly in my meditations and are regularly released as negative feelings which I let flutter away from me.

I’m always thinking of ways to illustrate the positivity and freedom Mindfulness Meditation has given me. But, with time who knows maybe one day I will elaborate more for those who are interested in learning more about the simple art of ‘Being’. I’ll be happy to share with you how it has reduced my anxiety, heightened my positivity, increased my memory and physical stamina. Happiness isn’t just for other people anymore! 

So reader, this is dedicated to wonderful you. For dropping by and sharing  your precious time with me. Live, Love & Doodle Mindfully  x x x  

Elena x

Christmas is coming!!!

Well It's certainly festive in here. The Christmas tunes are keeping me busy whilst I work away at my doodles and I love it! 

I've had the pleasure of seeing a couple of school Nativity plays today. I found it so inspiring that I'm contemplating taking my sketch book up to bed with me where I will cwtsh up with my hot water bottle and see what I come up with. It's just the sweetest thing seeing the kids on stage singing their little hearts out. As parents all round smile with pride. I always like to look out for the characters. The one that isn't happy to be dressed up, the one who eagerly searches out for their family and waves with happiness once they've been located and finally the cheeky one who will stand there and stick their tongue out and pull faces. It's all fabulously heart warming! x x x

If I don't get to be on here before the big day arrives I will wish you al now a wonderful Christmas and leave you with a few old festive illustrations.

Big Warm and hugs to you all x x

Elena x x x x x 

Illustration Friday- Radio

Hello to you all x x x Just a short post. I'm so busy at the moment wrapping up the book that I'm working on that I had to raid through my portfolio to see what illustrations I have that contained a radio!

 I eventually found one from last years London Welsh Fun Day. It was a lovely little commission which had me painting and photoshopping confidently (Hurray I tell the world proudly!) the London Skyline and every Welsh Speaking child's favourite TV chick. 'CYW' X 

Good night to you all. Remember if you are on Facebook you can see more of my work. Just search for Live, Love & Doodle. Come on over it's a happy page x 

 

Metamorphosis- From Water Baby to Academic x

Just a quick post today as I have a million and one things to get on with. Primarily a search for my youngest daughters school bag? Where could it be? 

I haven't participated on Illustration Friday for like EVER!!!!!!! So here is my submission for metamorphosis. I have real mixed emotions about this transition. As a kid the only thing that got me through it was the knowledge that September would bring my Birthday. Now as an adult I get excited for my girls. The wonder of knowledge and how fortunate they are to have such freedom to play, grow and develop x x 

My dear friends. I am so embarrassed that I have been away for so long. It seems I find it hard to do everything. My Blogger has been neglected! * Hangs head low and slaps wrist*

 I can't believe it has been a whole year since I last posted. *What a year it has been* 

                            Book covers have been illustrated and sold

                                          Fights have been had

                                                            Anxiety has followed

                                 And thankfully Mindfulness restored

If I could have one of those film montages you would have see a woman at the brink, saved, enlightened and once again on track and heading for triumph. Hurray I hear you say!!! 

So like countless other mothers I find myself at the end of another summer holiday. *Looks at watch counts the hours, seconds and minutes* I think it's the smell of all the new school stationary in the air. The sharp pencils and empty notebooks ready to be filled with ideas. New beginnings. Everything is possible. 

It's great to be back and I look forward to sharing my news with you. Here's to all who live and work hard for the dream xx 

Be kind to yourselves, It's best feeling in the world x x x x x x 

Equality

Just a quick update seeing as though I've got a lot of work to get on with before I once again head off on the school run to pick up the little darlings. For regular updates go to my facebook page. Live, Love & Doodle.  My world is so hectic it's much easier to update my comings and goings from my phone. Go on pay me a little visit and 'LIKE'. My worlds a happy one x x x 

Now that the studio is all set up I am looking to build a new website. I'm taking a deep breath and preparing myself for a lot of all nighters. A tough job to do when the little ones depend on you the next day. I do often wish that I had a normal husband, with a normal job that saw him home of an evening. But that would not have then been my boy. He dreamt of making movies and there he is now living that dream. Together the girls and I will hold the fort until he returns and when he does we will glow with happiness of being a Whole once again. 

Have a wonderful week. Love to you all x x x

Sweet

Don't you just love the word sweet?  It says it all for me. I can taste it, feel it and smell it. This week I'm submitting this illustration for IF. It was a Christmas commission for a film loving Grandmother who loves no better those sweet moments when she gets to take all her grandchildren to the cinema.

We all have those special places. There is nothing better than being with the ones that we love and sharing moments of togetherness. Whether it's over a cup of tea and a biscuit, a trip to the shopping centre, a walk in the country or simply snuggled up on the sofa enjoying the peace and a small get away from life and all its problems.

This week has me working on a few projects. I have a few photoshop projects to get on with, character designing and the writing of my book. Half term had me away from the drawing board so it felt good this morning to sit by my in tray and sort out my work load. 

I hope you all have a good week. I am going to leave you with two illustrations that I did as birthday gifts last month.

Lots of love to you all. Maybe see you all again with another doodle if I get the chance x