Embracing Love in Challenging Times

For the love born out of trauma

I’ll kick things off with a little nugget from ‘Fourteen Days’. This isn’t the brainchild of just one author, but a brilliant mashup of literary minds, all curated by the fabulous Margaret Atwood—talk about a literary potluck! So, there’s this couple who decide to adopt a pet rabbit, and thinking it’d be a rather furry love story, they go ahead and get a second rabbit to keep the first one company.

Spoiler alert: it’s more like a rabbit version of “Survivor” as they bicker more than an old married couple. The couple, practically pulling their hair out, turns to a psychologist for help. And what’s the grand advice? To shove both bunnies in a box with no windows and roll it around like it’s a game of rabbit roulette for 15 minutes each day! They’re torn between their moral compass and sheer desperation, and guess what? They take that advice to heart—tale as old as time, right?

In a week’s time, the two rabbits have become such harmonious roommates that you’d think they were plotting a cute rabbit reality show. Now, before anyone starts calling the rabbit police, let me clarify: this is purely fictional, and no actual bunnies were harmed in the making of this tale. Seriously, folks, don’t try this with your pets who are as mischievous as a cat at a laser pointer convention! But the real kicker here is that, just like our fluffy friends, we humans also tend to band together and shine our finest selves in the face of shared chaos—it’s the unspoken bond that turns tragedy into a quirky group hug!

More love, less hate

February heralds the marketing-heavy, social media-enhanced celebration of Valentine’s Day, a time that can stir mixed emotions for many. I recall some of the most confusing moments of my youth coinciding with this date, and I want to acknowledge that it’s completely normal to feel that way.

For anyone who resonates with these feelings, remember this: you matter deeply, and your worth is equal to every other person on this planet. Love transcends Valentine’s Day outings and presents; it’s a much more intricate tapestry of actions and emotions, as I’ve gleaned from Shakespeare’s works.

I cannot stress enough, especially to the younger versions of ourselves, that peer pressure plays a significant role in leading to poor decisions, as we often envy the lives we see others portray. It’s crucial to remember that what you see on social media doesn’t reflect reality. So if you ever thought JLo looks that flawless all the time, you might want to reconsider; even she has her moments!

And last but certainly not least, we definitely need more love, more tolerance, and more care in this chaotic world of ours—especially now!

In the studio

Aviary of tits (birds)

The captivating tits, delightful chickadees, and charming titmice unite to form the enchanting family of Paridae, small passerine birds that flutter through the Northern Hemisphere and Africa, bringing joy to all who behold them. My beloved aviary, featuring the stunning bearded tit, whimsical long-tailed tit, elegant crested tit, quirky penduline tit, striking blue tit, and charming marsh tit, is transformed into a vibrant masterpiece with Himi gel gouache, vibrant Caran d’ache gouache palettes, and a glossy finish on luxurious watercolour paper. Additionally, enjoy the forsythia, apple blossoms, tulips, and honeysuckle, evoking the essence of awakening spring.

Dove-tales

Pigeons and doves are such familiar sights that we often overlook their stunning beauty and presence in nature. While it’s true that the larger birds may dominate my bird feeder, the charming dove is truly a delight. Picture an urban garden adorned with the graceful turtle dove, the elegant collared dove, and the lovely stock dove, all set against a backdrop of vibrant gardenia shrubs and lively pineapple weed. I’ve once again embraced Himi gel gouache and a glossy medium on watercolor paper to capture this joyful scene.

Bibliophile

Kill for me, Kill for you by Steve Cavanagh ***

A gripping psychological thriller set in New York City, focusing on two women, Amanda and Wendy, who form a dangerous pact of revenge. Through shared experiences of loneliness and a desire for vengeance against the men who hurt them, they agree to kill for each other, leading to a chilling and immersive narrative that captivates readers in a single day.

The Echo Man by Sam Holland ***

The Echo Man, by Sam Holland, is the first book in the Major Crimes series, featuring Jess Ambrose, a housewife who becomes the prime suspect in a series of brutal murders mimicking infamous serial killers after her husband dies in a house fire. As she flees, she enlists the help of disgraced detective Nate Griffin, who seeks to prove her innocence and connect her husband’s death to a sadistic killer, making the novel a gripping thriller of the year.

The Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown **

The story follows sisters Maya and Naomi, who gain admission to Princeton College despite their unprivileged backgrounds. They navigate friendships and identities while encountering the intrigue of the Sterling Club, an ‘eating society,’ which involves murder. Although some writing aspects are appreciated, the pacing feels slow at times, yet the book may still appeal to some readers.

Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney ***

The story revolves around the Darker family, particularly their youngest daughter Daisy, who suffers from a congenital heart disease. Set in Cornwall, the family includes divorced parents Mr. and Mrs. Darker and their three daughters—Rose, Lily, and Daisy. The narrative, told from Daisy’s perspective, explores themes of dysfunction, rivalry, secrets, and heartbreak, all while showcasing Feeney’s captivating writing style.

Fourteen Days – Margaret Atwood/ Douglas Preston (edited by) ****

One week into lockdown, the tenants of a Manhattan apartment building have ignited a spark of camaraderie, gathering on the rooftop each evening to weave their stories in this captivating new twist on the novel. With each night that passes, a vibrant tapestry of neighbours assembles, bringing chairs, milk crates, and overturned buckets, their laughter echoing into the twilight. Gradually, the tenants – many of whom held their tongues before – blossom into true neighbours, forging powerful connections. Each character, crafted by a different, illustrious literary voice—from Margaret Atwood to John Grisham and Celeste Ng—makes Fourteen Days an exhilarating, heartwarming tribute to the transformative power of storytelling and the unbreakable bonds of human connection.

The Butcher Game by Alaina Urquhart ***

In this sequel to The Butcher and the Wren, Dr. Wren continues her pursuit of the Bayou Butcher, Jeremy Rose, while grappling with her past traumas. As he retreats north in search of safety, he plots revenge against Wren, the only victim to have escaped him before, vowing to force her to follow his perverse rules.

The Trial by Rob Rinder **

This courtroom drama centers on convicted criminal Jimmy Knight, who is on trial for murdering a police officer and national superhero DI Grant Cliveden. Adam, a junior at Stag Court, becomes a crucial member of the defense team, as the case draws significant media attention. The gripping story is available for 99p on Kindle.

On the screen

Juror #2 (Amazon Prime) ***

Directed by Clint Eastwood and featuring Nicholas Hoult as Justin, this engaging courtroom drama offers a thoughtful exploration of its lead characters. In a dramatic night-time rainstorm, Justin encounters what he initially thinks is a deer but soon discovers is a woman walking home after a heated argument with her boyfriend, the accused. Before you can say “Objection!”, Justin is researching “vehicular homicide” and reaching out to his lawyer friend (Kiefer Sutherland) who candidly advises him (“You’re in for a challenge!”). Determined to guide his fellow jurors towards a fair verdict, he seeks to navigate the situation with integrity. Despite the mixed reviews, I believe that every artistic endeavour deserves appreciation because, let’s be honest, it takes a dedicated team to bring a vision to life on stage or screen.

The Brutalist (Curzon cinemas) ****

Brady Corbet’s remarkable and captivating epic, The Brutalist, boldly explores the design of postwar America and the elements woven into its foundations during the building stage. It challenges us to confront the brutalism of the title and its implications beyond architecture, while contemplating the inevitable decline of our youthful aspirations. The film tackles antisemitism and the capitalist adventure, delves into the unassimilated immigrant experience, and contrasts American can-do naivety with the profound, often painful, depths of European culture and expertise. Adrian Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce deliver stellar performances as the brooding, talented Hungarian architect, his wife, and the architect’s generous patron, respectively.

Longer days

When the spring bulbs begin to emerge in my garden, it fills me with a sense of hope, reminding me that the days will soon grow longer and the refreshing embrace of spring will soon be at my doorstep. Whether you’re alone or with a loved one during this dreary winter, it’s important to remember to be kind to yourself and others. Having grown up in the tropics, I often took the warm sun for granted while yearning for the rain. Now, while I may not yearn for rain in the same way, I find myself longing for the brighter days, the warmth of the sun, and the vibrant colours that fade away in the shadows of black and grey.

To end, here’s a treasure from A. A Milne

Daffodowndilly

She wore her yellow sun-bonnet,
She wore her greenest gown;
She turned to the south wind
And curtsied up and down.
She turned to the sunlight
And shook her yellow head,
And whispered to her neighbour:
“Winter is dead.”