In Celebration of Nostalgia

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A Slice of Solent, miniature colored pencil landscape drawing

The first week in August usually finds me in a nostalgic mood and maybe just a wee bit homesick too. My hometown of Cowes, Isle of Wight awakens from its pleasant year long snooze to host an invading armada, aka Cowes Week Sailing Regatta

and everything just seems to double

The population, energy levels, entertainment venues, the noise, the price of drinks, the time it takes to get served at the bar...

For those of my friends who made it home this year, I trust you managed to raise a glass of Mount Gay for me - hope to see you next year!

Bus Trip back to Summer

miniature color pencil landscape 3.5" x 2.5"

narrow bridge 3.5" x 2.5"

We had a brief burst of Spring weather this week, and I have been clearing wet leaves from around the new bulbs shoots, smelling the warming earth and seeing which plants have started to bud.  And with the clocks going forward this weekend, I am fully anticipating the return of summer.

Last summer we headed back home for my brother's wedding and spent one day being bounced along the winding country lanes of the Isle of Wight on the top of a double decker bus. Best of all we had the front seats and got to "drive" the bus. I acted like a total tourist and took photos all the way (gotta love that digital). It was a lovely day, with memories of jolly days out with Nan and Grandad and anticipating trips to come with my new nephew.

And, at the end of the ride, an ice cream at the seaside. Can't beat that.

Isle of Wight hedgerows, color pencil miniature landscape