It has been months since my last post, and hard trying ones at that. I moved home at the end of July and threw myself into painting walls and doors rather than illustration. Typically of me, I overdid it, and there followed a period of bad health, which ended with me suffering a stroke at the end of October which affected my left side.
Once released from hospital, I spent a few weeks staring into space, trying to come to terms with what had happened to me. Since then I've been working hard on regaining my balance, learning to walk normally and getting my left hand and arm to behave. A recent breakthrough has enabled me to type with both hands again, although at nothing like the speed that I was once able.
My new home has a conservatory which I have made my art studio. It is great to have a dedicated place to paint rather than have to clear the dining room table every time I want to eat. I've been working on illustrations for "A Lifetime of Cats", and the project has been forcably extended by two new felines joining my family.
The cats have played a major part in my recovery, providing me with a reason to get out of bed in the mornings and giving comfort. Charlie, my 8 year old tabby, has taken on the role of my carer, making regular checks on me during the night and stimulating my affected hand with his tongue. He also insists on accompanying me on walks to watch that I do not fall, and it has become part of our daily routine to walk round the block and visit the allotments to see the chickens.
You can view more of my paintings and follow the progress of "A Lifetime of Cats" by liking my Facebook page.
