Things that I am thankful for…

Something a little different, this week. I have heard that feeling gratitude and not expressing it, is like wrapping a present and not giving it. So, I have decided to share things I am thankful for.

1.       My friends and family

I am truly blessed to have such amazing friends and family (my husband, my three children, my mother-in-law, my little brother, my big brother and extended cousins…)   In this first full year in the gallery, all have supported me in their own ways. On social media, at craft fairs, in the gallery and just generally being wonderful.

I count my blessings every time I get the chance to spend time with any and all of them. I have been lucky to make some new friends this year too, one or two (I hope) will remain friends for life.

2.       My health

I am finding this a little ironic as I am typing this with a dodgy knee. Honestly the harder I try to be fit, it seems the more I fall apart. However, as a woman of a certain age, I have learned to be grateful for everyday that I can get up out of bed and start a new day. Having struggled with my mental health over the last few years (and haven’t we all) I AM simply thankful for every day. 

3.       My Job

I LOVE my little Gallerie Schmetterling. It is a very little gallery, in a little garden room, in a small garden centre, in a small town, but it is my world.

I do always think that things happen for a reason, and if I hadn’t left a job that I was happy in, for a position that really wasn’t me, and leaving that at the beginning of 2020 (yes, that year, with everything that happened that year), I doubt very much that I would be sat here right now. So, I am thankful that that happened, because occasionally I stand in my little gallery and have to take a moment to remember that all the photographs in the gallery, on every print, canvas, cup, bottle, cushion, throw, beach towel, tote bag are mine. Every single one!

4.       Travel

If you’ve seen my work, you will know that it includes images both close to home and further away. My list of places that I would love to visit is longer than Father Christmas’s good list. Some of them I may never realise, but I will do my upmost to see as many as possible.

This year again, I was so very fortunate to visit some new places. Liverpool, Gatehouse of Fleet, Boston, Finchingfield, Holkham Beach, Slovakia, Jordan, Rouen in France, Knutsford. Most have been just a taster of wonderful places. My trip to Jordan was the most wonderful experience that I have squeezed into just four blogs, and has had the most profound effect on me. It has also made me hungry for more adventures.

5.       My Photography

I have always loved taking photographs. It started, I suppose having a very old camera from my mum and taking some really, really bad photographs on a school trip to Hamburg. I do wish I had chosen photography as an option rather than French, but hey, it is only a little regret and I have since gone back to school and done a City and Guilds in photography as an adult. Most of what I do, I have taught myself but I am always open to learning more. When people ask me to teach them, I am always a little uncertain, because I don’t yet think I have mastered the art and I am still learning myself.

I get very excited every time I have an image that I am proud of. I can’t choose my favourite, it’s like choosing a favourite child. And I really do, do a little happy dance when someone else loves my photos too and buys one in whatever format.

6.       Work

Last year, I was recommended a lady called Natalie, to give me business advice. Having never done anything like this before, I wanted to give myself the best chance to make my business a success. She has given me lots of amazing advice. I post on Facebook and Instagram, share an image of the week and write blogs every week. I love and am thankful for every ‘like’ and cherish every comment. Every small ‘like’ helps bring my work in front of new audiences.

I am thankful for my returning customers.  I had a man in here this week, that brought a friend to show him my work because he loves it. I am ever grateful to Simon and Nina, without who’s nagging I never would have thought that my photographs were good enough  (for anyone other than my family to enjoy) and have them in every room of their B&B.

I am grateful to craft fairs too. If you’ve read my blog, you’ll know that they are hard work, but I am thankful to every one that I have been to. Everyone that’s helped, everyone I have met there, other crafters and customers. I have loved meeting new people and speaking to other crafters and have learnt loads from both.

7.       My prospects

I am feeling positive about the future of Gallerie Schmetterling. I do have my doubts, occasionally, but this year has gone from strength to strength. Natalie and I have big plans for the new year. I have some fabulous craft fairs and exhibitions booked. Ideas for new products and new prints.

I am excited about the future.

8.       My husband

Robert, absolutely deserves his own section. A short paragraph really cannot convey how thankful I am to have this man in my life. He can be very annoying, and works away very often, but he has been incredibly supportive of me and my little gallery. He helps in so many ways, looking after the house in my absence, doing odd jobs at the gallery and helping me at craft fairs, spotting wildlife when we’re out, carrying my camera equipment and making me laugh.

But what I am really grateful about is that he loves me, our three children: Joshua, Anneliese and Harrison, kisses and bear hugs.

9.       The little things

I am always thankful for the little things and in no particular order, here is a short list of some of the other things that I am grateful for:

The photographs on my walls of my family; Movies that always make me laugh or cry; When your hands are full and someone opens the door for you; Holidays; Funny people, always a blessing!; Amazing restaurant food; Listening to the radio;  My ability to help; Kind strangers; Flowers: in the wild, in gardens and in bouquets; Excitement for adventures; A relaxing bath, extra hot; A relaxed weekend; Fresh morning air on my walks; Deep conversations; Feeling understood; Sweet new people; Spellchecker; Cracking a mystery before anyone else; Satnav; Nanna naps; Moments of happiness; Realization of how far I've come; A good workout – sometimes; yoga; Autumn leaves; Spring; Summer; Winter; Being warm – either in the sun or wrapped up against the cold; Eating dessert; Feeling loved; Good neighbours; girls nights out; days out with friends; spending time with family; laughing; My home; Hugs & kisses; Quiet mornings when no one is awake yet; theatre shows and concerts; Starry nights; Dancing with my husband; cuddles from the cat; Bear Hugs; Being Loved; Burnt Orange Sunsets; Rosey sunrises; Butterflies; Whatsapp; First Experiences; comfy big bed; Good Hair Days;  My home; Old Photographs; Picturesque Waterfalls; Rainbows; Birds; Hares; Owls; Deer; Wildlife in general; Someone who says ‘wow’ to my photography; A good book; Going for a walk; Crying at the TV; My car; My cameras; Walks in the woods; Seeing wildlife; Cake;