Coloured Pencil Chronicles | Chapter Thirty-Two

A Whirlwind Month: From Austin to Art Club

Hello, everyone! It's been a while since my last update, and what a month it's been! I've just returned from an incredible business mastermind in Austin, Texas, and I'm excited to share some highlights with you.

Austin Adventures

Picture this: Four days of intense masterminding, surrounded by like-minded individuals all eager to share advice, stories, and help each other grow. It was exhausting but absolutely fabulous! We even had a bit of excitement when our hotel lost power, leading to an impromptu stay at the lovely Fairmont.

The weather in Austin was crazy hot – way too humid for this Brit! But we managed to squeeze in some fun between sessions. We went on a boat ride to see the famous Austin bats (though they were a bit shy that evening) and indulged in delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. The last night felt like stepping into the Disney film Coco – I couldn't stop taking photos!

Inspiration and Learning

One of the highlights was hearing from Jay Papasan, author of "The One Thing." His talk about finding that one thing that can set off a positive domino effect was truly inspiring. We also participated in a scavenger hunt that turned out to be a brilliant lesson in strategy – sometimes, the simplest approach can yield the best results!

We also had a fantastic session on Instagram strategy with Emily Masterson from Meta. Her insights reinforced something I've been saying for a while: hashtags aren't as crucial anymore. Instead, focus on using the right keywords and creating eye-catching imagery that stops people mid-scroll.

Back to the Drawing Board

Now that I'm back in the UK, I'm diving into a new drawing project with my art club. We're tackling a raccoon on black Rising Museum board – a first for me! I'm experimenting with a new transfer method for getting my line art onto the dark surface. It's a bit messy, but it works well.

I'm also thrilled about some new art purchases from my friend Marissa of Creative Thursday. Her charming character paintings will add the perfect touch to my bedroom decor.

Personal Growth and Self-Care

The past few months have been challenging, and I found myself slipping into some not-so-great habits. But I'm proud to say I'm back on track with exercise and self-care. I've even lost 19 pounds since August!

I'm creating a cozy retreat space in my garden office, complete with a comfy chair, blankets, and some magical Harry Potter-inspired hanging candles. It's going to be the perfect spot for recharging and finding inspiration.

Looking Ahead

In October, I'm off to Portugal for a leadership retreat that combines coaching with abstract painting – I can't wait! It's all about continued growth and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

Remember, it's so important to look back and see how far you've come. Whether it's in your art, yoga practice (like me!), or any other area of life, tracking your progress can be incredibly motivating.

That's all for now, lovely people. I'm off for a well-deserved nap! Until next time, keep creating and growing!