*Hello! I hope you enjoy this little chat about nature and summer and anxiety, a walk through a quintessential English village in midsummer and a bit of dodgy drawing at the end :) I noticed a couple of teensy glitchy bits after uploading (during the walk) - do not adjust your screens this was a weird error in the export of the video, you may not even notice :)* *Have a wonderful day whatever you are doing and whatever season you are currently in!* *Ali xx*
Ali - I never thought to ‘name’ the dread I feel when the heat of summer arrives. I feel more shut-in, tense, and emotional when the temps are 85 and the humidity is the same. My endurance is wilted and I’m forced inside under air-conditioning. I’m grateful for a cool shaded retreat, but summer was something I lived for in my first 30 years of life. Not now. I live for the change Fall brings; the changing leaves, the cool evenings, and whatever storms brew up. A gray cool day with swirling clouds and falling leaves is simply perfect and my soul feels refreshed. Then holidays, winter, snow, wood fires, good books, knit projects, and excellent shelter while watching it happen or venturing out to partake. Your sketching is excellent, then the watercolors bring it to life. Yeah you! Don’t judge yourself. Simply enjoy the journey. Life is so much better shared. Thanks
How simply special to have a dedicated beach for your dad where you memorialize him a HD create a place for you and the family to visit, remember and feel him close to you......simply priceless. You are so talented. Share your talent....don’t be at all worried as they truly are simply lovely. Stay well. I tell myself....just keep swimming, swimming, swimming and before I know it .....I make over it to the brighter side.
and here i thought i was the only one who longs for the day when days start getting shorter! by talking about how you're doing, i'm sure you're helping so many who also deal with anxiety. and you’ve taken the bull by the horns and found ways to make things a bit easier for yourself. it was so good hearing you talk about not judging yourself. you're so talented - you deserve to just let it flow and enjoy the process and the product. i wish you a smoother, calmer rest of your summer 🌈🌈
Awe Ali after all you gave us during the lockdowns. Wish we could take your anxiety away and make you well again. Hope you do feel better soon. Your sketching and vlogs are wonderful. Jane xx
flowers and nature are the things I like to focus on too during the hot months. glad you're finding ways to cope with your anxiety. great vlog and artwork!
This was truly an amazing podcast! I always enjoy your videos but this one was truly one of my most favorite of all time! Your drawing is so lovely and the walk was delightful. Thank you so very much for taking us along with you!
How lovely. I enjoyed the slow paced walk and your wonderful sketching. You might enjoy some nature journaling to add to your, “How to survive Summer”, routine. Thanks Ali. ❤️
I thoroughly enjoyed your walk. Thank you! It’s so great to see the English country side when I not able to go and visit it myself. Your drawing is amazing. All the details and character that you picked up is awww inspiring. Thank you for sharing!! ❤️ Sending hugs 🤗 to help you get through your anxiety. Your never alone!! 🤗❤️
Thanks Ali beautiful vlog, I also suffer with summer anxiety as well as other anxieties your vlogs are very encouraging and I appreciate the time you put into them. Also your drawings are so beautiful and inspiring🥰🦘
Loved this video. Loved the bench and the sketching. Loved the walk with your family and I also loved voice overs. I look forward to watching your videos. Your daily vlogs have gotten me through some of my anxiety days. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your life with us.
Thank you for sharing Ali and recommending the podcasts. Your drawing is absolutely amazing. Take care and enjoy the beautiful and wonderful nature around us, sadly too many people are too busy again to enjoy.
Beauty is everywhere for those who care to see it. A quote from a calendar from a year many many years ago. And something I think of always. I too dislike summer but when I see the dragonflies and butterflies, my heart sings. So much beauty.
Hello from a cardiganless sunny Yorkshire Tea Land ☀️ Yes the weather outside may be delightful but I am mourning the loss of my faithful sidekick cardi, although I am managing to sneak in a quick fix in the early hours of the morning when I wake up. Your sketching is a delight and the memorial bench walk was such a touching tribute to an obviously much loved parent. Take care and keep sharing your joy 🧶🧵🌼
Oh Ali! You know how much I love these vlogs, but this was gorgeous. I really hope observing and appreciating nature helps with your SAD. I know you love nature anyway. Also your sketching is just perfect in my eyes. Even as a black and white drawing it’s lovely but your watercolours just brings it to life. Oh and your dads bench and you all sitting there brought a tear to my eye. How lovely are your girls hand in hand 💛
Good morning, I would just like to say how much i enjoyed this vlog. It was so calming and tranquil. I to am not a lover of summer. I'm an Autumn girl through and through. I do love the sights and sounds of summer just not the heat. It makes me feel so tired and hot and bothered. Your water colour painting of Maypole Cottage was absolutely beautiful. I'm always in awe of people who have talent or gift for either painting, writting, photography or crafts. Keep at it and hopefully it'll help with your anxiety and mental health. Have a great weekend and keep cool. x
Lovely to see you Ali, 😊 keep doing what you are doing to help with anxiety, my best part of the days are first thing with the Dawn chorus and late evening when the sun has gone down. To sit in my garden and just listen and smell nature, the Swallows swooping for insects, the rest of hot days I just stay indoors, read 📚 watch a really good film and bake, that helps me, you take care 🙂 x
Thank you for this video! I enjoyed it very much! The drawing is awesome!! The fact that you are free enough now to create such beauty is fantastic. I hope you find healing...I don't like seeing you suffer. Sending much love and gratitude from Oregon, Valerie. P.S I highly recommend Martha Beck's New book which is a guide to wholeness and happiness by letting go of all that doesn't suit you and using creativity to adjust your life one little bit at a time until you are free and fully happy.
A beautiful walk Ali, many thanks for taking us along. As I have mentioned before, your sketches are just amazing. One of the most pleasurable things throughout my life , which I may have put off from time to time, but could never stop, is my craft, and also my oil painting, which I don’t do any more, as sewing, knitting , cross stitching & crocheting has completely taken over. I loved drawing from a very young age & kept it up for years. One of my sons has always been the same & has been an artist his whole life & makes a very good living from it. It is just wonderful if you are lucky enough to have an income from something that you really love! Cheers for now 😘🥰❤️💕😍😊
You are such a very special person Ali. I love your channels and the content is always very interesting. Being a sufferer of depression and anxiety, I can understand and feel where you are coming from, and it is so wonderful that you have a lovjng and caring family by your side. I did chuckle to myself when you mentioned the dusting in the big old homes, because that is exactly what I think and say myself. Your dad's bench seat is wonderful and how lovely of the girls to take the time to make daisy chains to decorate it. Your sketches are absolutely amazing, so take your own advice and continue doing it. Take care dear Ali, I will be thinking of you xxx
Thank you so much Jenny! ❤️ I’m sorry to hear you suffer yourself, hugs from me to you xx Yes I am grateful for Dan being so patient and laid back, we are chalk and cheese 😅
Wow that was a beautiful nature walk. I love the saying that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I'm so thankful that nothing in nature is ever perfect and that there is so much beauty in that. Your sketches are wonderful to see and has brought smiles to my face. They remind me of my father who passed away 14 years ago. He love art and had a degree in it. He was always sketching and painting or doodling on paper. So thank you for helping bringing those memories tmvack to me with your art.
You are very talented - love to see your drawings and you are very very good. I don't like summer - the only good thing about it is I stay home because it is too hot outside. Summer season is good for drawing things outdoors. Hang in there the light will get shorter.
U do beautiful work that painting is fantastic the walk was inspiring u should do more paint ur so talented I glad u r doing better nature is fantastic for u go girl n god bless
Simply sweet. I loved the girls making beautiful, dainty daisy chains for their Gramp's bench. You have a precious family & vlog. I feel for you with your anxiety, I suffer too since a horrid year in 2018 and 2019 (multiple family illnesses & deaths), and Covid fallout since. My body has turned against me, I now have a brain tumor and Lupus. I have to stay inside, away from sunlight, which seems counter-productive to my depression & anxiety (medically mandated hermitage, so to speak). But I won't let it get the best of me! I do what I can do, when I can do it. I love sketching, painting, crocheting & all other crafty endeavors as well. I pray the Lord spares us from further disease and disasters. Stay well and remain happy-go-lucky. from the U.S.
Oh goodness, sending hugs your way! ❤️ Crafts can help so enormously can’t they? My crochet and knitting have got me through some very difficult times. I hope you are feeling better soon and on the road to recovery ❤️
Really enjoyed this vlog Ali, sorry you have been suffering. It would seem you are doing all the right things to help your situation. Love your vlogs full of interest and lovely to see your girls being so close. Look forward to the next one x
Beautiful vlog, Ali!! I absolutely love your Maypole Cottage drawing!! You are VERY talented!! I really enjoyed your walk and seeing the bench in memory of your dad! What a precious thing to be able to go there and sit and remember him. You take care of yourself now and I look forward to seeing you next time! 😘💞
I enjoy your clogs immensely! This one seems especially poignant! Thank you for sharing about your anxiety. It just reminds me that I am not alone in struggling through some days more than others. And please keep drawing! Your sketches keep getting better and better! SuzieJ
An amazing video, I loved every minute of it. Sorry to hear you have been struggling with anxiety. I suffer from it too and it can be very difficult to cope with. Your sketches are fabulous and would look lovely framed on the wall x
What a lovely and privelidged insight into your family break. I'm so sorry that you have struggled with anxiety about the summer. It's brave of you to share that. It was so touching to see you all gathered on your dad's bench. I'd love to see you film a sketch as you do it. I think you're very good. Xxxx
What a lovely video 💕 It was so heartwarming to see your girls walking along chatting, hand in hand. And your Dad’s bench is a perfect place to sit and be together - like a big hug. Did you know Lia Leendertz does a wonderful podcast? I think it includes snippets from the book and her voice is SO relaxing 😌 Absolutely loved your drawing of the cottage - you are SO talented, Ali 🌷
Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! Your painting, your walk/talk and you! Although I thankfully don’t suffer from anxiety or depression I do detest the heat. I’m in Texas and basically go from my air conditioned home to my air conditioned car and back. I have no other advice😂. I really enjoy your videos-thank you for sharing.
The sketch of the cottage is beautiful! I like the encouragement to just complete it and move on! Very lovely bench in memory of your dad. Best wishes!
I want you to know that you have inspired me to sketch again. It's been many, many years. I actually went to college for art in the "70's" then life took over and it just faded into my past. Seeing you sketch and add color and knowing your feelings about the experience had allowed me in my own mind to once again pick up pencil and pad. Although I feel like I'm starting all over again, and essentially I am, I want to continue to work through it and resist the urge to judge myself and my work. As you said, it takes practice like anything else, and I'm am decidedly out of practice. Thank you.
How wonderful to read this Mary Jane! Have you watched any of @urbansketchingworld ‘s videos? She has some fabulous inspirational videos to help you get back into it! xx
What an enjoyable, relaxing video, Ali! Anxiety is so distressing. I keep telling myself "this, too, shall pass." Good news is that the days start getting shorter the end of this month around the 24th, I think! What a lovely tribute to your Dad! I love seeing how close your family are--it's inspiring. You have such a talent for art. You should consider making the drawings into prints or cards to sell. Have a good weekend!
We have cicadas here in Maryland USA which are not fun. They only come out for about six weeks every 17 years but it is a constant hum. It makes everyone edgy. Sending calm and relaxing thoughts your way.💕😊
Loved your drawing. Do not put yourself down - it was beautiful. I’m glad you have tried to find peace in nature - fat chance for me though in a so-called beautiful Kent village - new neighbour moved in and totally, totally loud garden music (I’m talking REALLY LOUD). Can hear through two sets of doors and a loud air con in my sitting room. Got to sleep around 2 a.m. and now on again this morning. Police officer to boot!!!!! Oh joy! Lesley x
Enjoyed your walks and your cottage sketch is wonderful. My summer good time is working in my garden getting dirty and watching nature take over. Love the idea of the nature books and almanac and am looking into finding something similar for the US. Thank you for getting my morning started !
"The lesser-spotted Phoebe" 🤣 Your Maypole Cottage drawing is beautiful! I am looking into the book by Steven Reddy. It's proving a wee hard to find so far. Unless I want to pay $351.18 USD on AbeBooks or $99 USD on amazon... People amuse me. 🙄 Update: my local library has a copy so I will place a hold on it. It seems to be focused mostly architecture and made-made items which don't usually inspire me to draw. I'm much more of a nature-inspired artist. But I think it will be helpful for the mental block to drawing and ideas on how to incorporate drawing into life more regularly.
Gorgeous video . Hope your feeling a little better in yourself now but there is no rush you need to do everything that's good for you . Drawing seems to help you and it helps us all as they are beautiful, very talented. Your girls are a credit to you and dan as wouldn't see many now a days holding hands , especially at lillia's age . Take care x
Thank you so much Cali, what a lovely comment 😘 I think the holding hands shows Lillia’s infinite patience with her younger sister 😄, I’m very proud of her ❤️
Such a great vlog Ali, thank you. I am sorry you have been having such a hard time, but it feels like you have found one of the answers, it is hard to be anxious in nature. I realise it’s not a simple thing to do, but wonder if you have considered relocating to a more rural situation,which may suit you better. More peaceful, less stress and noise. Xx
I think you depicted a summer outing in a very beautiful way! The voice over was great. Love your artwork 💕 You are very talented 💖 Please continue to give yourself the credit you deserve💕
Beautiful watercolour, Ali! I love seeing your "practice" pieces! Kind of inspiring me to give it a go. I went to art school in the late 70s, but I did not keep it up. Maybe I could pick it up like I did my crochet after a 30-year hiatus. Laughed at the "Spotted Lesser Phoebe" comment - always so enjoy your sense of humour. So sorry you have been going through a tough anxiety patch. I know what you mean about summer. Even though I look forward to it, I have a sensitivity to bright light and noise bothers me too. Maybe not to the same extent as you, but for sure I can empathize.
Thank you Roxi! Oh definitely get back to drawing if you’re thinking about it, I waited way way too long to find the confidence to do it again, I’m so happy now that I’ve started 😃😘✨
Dearest Ali, I admit to being a bit misty-eyed watching, but smiling, too. Seeing you and Dan and the girls sitting at your Dad's bench - such a special moment of time! Thank you for sharing the books, and your charming artwork. I'm sorry about the difficult patch, I hope things are easier each day 💗
I highly recommend reading ‘The Nature Fix: Why Nature makes us Healthier, Happier and More Creative’ by Florence Williams. I also hate the heat of summer, but small doses of nature I find spark joy and restore my balance.
Thank you so much. What a beautiful spot. Love the hedges and the red brick dwellings. The house drawing and the painting is really lovely. Thanks for sharing.
*Hello! I hope you enjoy this little chat about nature and summer and anxiety, a walk through a quintessential English village in midsummer and a bit of dodgy drawing at the end :) I noticed a couple of teensy glitchy bits after uploading (during the walk) - do not adjust your screens this was a weird error in the export of the video, you may not even notice :)*
*Have a wonderful day whatever you are doing and whatever season you are currently in!*
*Ali xx*
“ thank you for watching “ No it’s THANK YOU for filming
The Maypole House sketch is beautiful Ali
How nice to sit a bit with Dad 🍷🥂
Ali - I never thought to ‘name’ the dread I feel when the heat of summer arrives. I feel more shut-in, tense, and emotional when the temps are 85 and the humidity is the same. My endurance is wilted and I’m forced inside under air-conditioning. I’m grateful for a cool shaded retreat, but summer was something I lived for in my first 30 years of life. Not now. I live for the change Fall brings; the changing leaves, the cool evenings, and whatever storms brew up. A gray cool day with swirling clouds and falling leaves is simply perfect and my soul feels refreshed. Then holidays, winter, snow, wood fires, good books, knit projects, and excellent shelter while watching it happen or venturing out to partake. Your sketching is excellent, then the watercolors bring it to life. Yeah you! Don’t judge yourself. Simply enjoy the journey. Life is so much better shared. Thanks
ایسی خواہشوں کو آگ لگا دو
جن میں رب کے سوا کسی اور کے سامنے جھکنا پڑے❤️🔥🔥
That's a lovely sketch!!!wow,,,You are so so good!!!
Enjoyed it all ,Ali,,,,
Elaine🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡
How simply special to have a dedicated beach for your dad where you memorialize him a HD create a place for you and the family to visit, remember and feel him close to you......simply priceless. You are so talented. Share your talent....don’t be at all worried as they truly are simply lovely. Stay well. I tell myself....just keep swimming, swimming, swimming and before I know it .....I make over it to the brighter side.
That’s a wondered piece of advice Annette, thank you! ❤️
Thank you for sharing your family and talents with us! 🎨
Hi thankyou for sharing ,I loved the walks . How lovely to have a bench in memory of your father where you can sit a remember him.
and here i thought i was the only one who longs for the day when days start getting shorter! by talking about how you're doing, i'm sure you're helping so many who also deal with anxiety. and you’ve taken the bull by the horns and found ways to make things a bit easier for yourself. it was so good hearing you talk about not judging yourself. you're so talented - you deserve to just let it flow and enjoy the process and the product. i wish you a smoother, calmer rest of your summer 🌈🌈
Awe Ali after all you gave us during the lockdowns. Wish we could take your anxiety away and make you well again. Hope you do feel better soon. Your sketching and vlogs are wonderful. Jane xx
Ali, you bring me so much joy with your beautiful vlogs & your lovely family!
flowers and nature are the things I like to focus on too during the hot months. glad you're finding ways to cope with your anxiety. great vlog and artwork!
Your drawings are absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing the beauty around you.
This was truly an amazing podcast! I always enjoy your videos but this one was truly one of my most favorite of all time! Your drawing is so lovely and the walk was delightful. Thank you so very much for taking us along with you!
How lovely. I enjoyed the slow paced walk and your wonderful sketching. You might enjoy some nature journaling to add to your, “How to survive Summer”, routine. Thanks Ali. ❤️
I thoroughly enjoyed your walk. Thank you! It’s so great to see the English country side when I not able to go and visit it myself. Your drawing is amazing. All the details and character that you picked up is awww inspiring. Thank you for sharing!! ❤️ Sending hugs 🤗 to help you get through your anxiety. Your never alone!! 🤗❤️
Thank you so much for such a lovely, peaceful and beautiful vlog. The walk looked so pretty and I love to see the close bond between your girls.
Thanks Ali beautiful vlog, I also suffer with summer anxiety as well as other anxieties your vlogs are very encouraging and I appreciate the time you put into them. Also your drawings are so beautiful and inspiring🥰🦘
What a lovely 20 minutes! Thank you for sharing.
Loved this video. Loved the bench and the sketching. Loved the walk with your family and I also loved voice overs. I look forward to watching your videos. Your daily vlogs have gotten me through some of my anxiety days. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your life with us.
Love your drawing of the Wisteria Cottage. Such a lovely tranquil vlog, thanks xx
Thank you for sharing Ali and recommending the podcasts. Your drawing is absolutely amazing. Take care and enjoy the beautiful and wonderful nature around us, sadly too many people are too busy again to enjoy.
Lovely sketch very artistic, the watercolor is wonderful. Always enjoy your videos very relaxing.
Your sketch was wonderful! I really enjoyed this vlog - it was a beautiful day and a joy to see you and your family! ❤️
Beauty is everywhere for those who care to see it. A quote from a calendar from a year many many years ago. And something I think of always. I too dislike summer but when I see the dragonflies and butterflies, my heart sings. So much beauty.
What a beautiful quote! Thanks so much for sharing 🦋
beautiful again so nice to let my mind take a walk without the body crushing fatigue
Lovely and soothing……….haaaaaah 😌
Hello from a cardiganless sunny Yorkshire Tea Land ☀️ Yes the weather outside may be delightful but I am mourning the loss of my faithful sidekick cardi, although I am managing to sneak in a quick fix in the early hours of the morning when I wake up. Your sketching is a delight and the memorial bench walk was such a touching tribute to an obviously much loved parent. Take care and keep sharing your joy 🧶🧵🌼
Oh Ali! You know how much I love these vlogs, but this was gorgeous. I really hope observing and appreciating nature helps with your SAD. I know you love nature anyway. Also your sketching is just perfect in my eyes. Even as a black and white drawing it’s lovely but your watercolours just brings it to life. Oh and your dads bench and you all sitting there brought a tear to my eye. How lovely are your girls hand in hand 💛
Absolutely love this vlog! It was just perfect.
Thank you for sharing ♥️
So much talent you have, Ali, from your video skills to your art and you have a wonderful positive attitude. Thank you for sharing your life.
Thank you so much Kelly ❤️
Your sketch is so lovely! So talented.
What a nice video, with the family at your Dad's bench. Come sit with me...😪♥️
Lovely blog Ali your cottage sketch is fab. Really just loved everything about this blog 🥰👏🏼🎨 xx
Good morning, I would just like to say how much i enjoyed this vlog. It was so calming and tranquil. I to am not a lover of summer. I'm an Autumn girl through and through. I do love the sights and sounds of summer just not the heat. It makes me feel so tired and hot and bothered. Your water colour painting of Maypole Cottage was absolutely beautiful. I'm always in awe of people who have talent or gift for either painting, writting, photography or crafts. Keep at it and hopefully it'll help with your anxiety and mental health. Have a great weekend and keep cool. x
Thank you so much Ali, that was beautiful xx
Lovely to see you Ali, 😊 keep doing what you are doing to help with anxiety, my best part of the days are first thing with the Dawn chorus and late evening when the sun has gone down. To sit in my garden and just listen and smell nature, the Swallows swooping for insects, the rest of hot days I just stay indoors, read 📚 watch a really good film and bake, that helps me, you take care 🙂 x
The sketch of the cottage is so beautiful …. I love seeing your drawings 😊 you are so talented 🌸🌸
Thank you for this video! I enjoyed it very much! The drawing is awesome!! The fact that you are free enough now to create such beauty is fantastic. I hope you find healing...I don't like seeing you suffer. Sending much love and gratitude from Oregon, Valerie. P.S I highly recommend Martha Beck's New book which is a guide to wholeness and happiness by letting go of all that doesn't suit you and using creativity to adjust your life one little bit at a time until you are free and fully happy.
So lovely and enjoyable. Your sketch is wonderful!!
A beautiful walk Ali, many thanks for taking us along. As I have mentioned before, your sketches are just amazing. One of the most pleasurable things throughout my life , which I may have put off from time to time, but could never stop, is my craft, and also my oil painting, which I don’t do any more, as sewing, knitting , cross stitching & crocheting has completely taken over. I loved drawing from a very young age & kept it up for years. One of my sons has always been the same & has been an artist his whole life & makes a very good living from it. It is just wonderful if you are lucky enough to have an income from something that you really love! Cheers for now 😘🥰❤️💕😍😊
Thank you Joan! How wonderful that your son has made a career from his art, that is just wonderful ❤️
Thank you so much Ali! I will check out your suggestions. xx
You are such a very special person Ali. I love your channels and the content is always very interesting. Being a sufferer of depression and anxiety, I can understand and feel where you are coming from, and it is so wonderful that you have a lovjng and caring family by your side. I did chuckle to myself when you mentioned the dusting in the big old homes, because that is exactly what I think and say myself. Your dad's bench seat is wonderful and how lovely of the girls to take the time to make daisy chains to decorate it. Your sketches are absolutely amazing, so take your own advice and continue doing it. Take care dear Ali, I will be thinking of you xxx
Thank you so much Jenny! ❤️ I’m sorry to hear you suffer yourself, hugs from me to you xx Yes I am grateful for Dan being so patient and laid back, we are chalk and cheese 😅
Wow that was a beautiful nature walk. I love the saying that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I'm so thankful that nothing in nature is ever perfect and that there is so much beauty in that. Your sketches are wonderful to see and has brought smiles to my face. They remind me of my father who passed away 14 years ago. He love art and had a degree in it. He was always sketching and painting or doodling on paper. So thank you for helping bringing those memories tmvack to me with your art.
The lesser spotted Phoebe is real cute. :-)
You are very talented - love to see your drawings and you are very very good. I don't like summer - the only good thing about it is I stay home because it is too hot outside. Summer season is good for drawing things outdoors. Hang in there the light will get shorter.
Ali, your art work is sooo good! Don’t underestimate yourself. I wish I could draw, but couldn’t draw a deep breath!🤣🤣🤣
Your sketching is beautiful!! I would buy cards, Ali. So talented 🎨🖼️
This was lovely! Thank you! The sketch came out beautiful. I am glad you share it with us! Cheers to a joyful summer! I pray for that. ❤️
Thank you so much! ❤️
A beautiful vlog. You are so very talented. Glad you had special time on your Dad’s bench. You have a lovely family. Thank you.
Thank you Jane 😘
So peaceful.
U do beautiful work that painting is fantastic the walk was inspiring u should do more paint ur so talented I glad u r doing better nature is fantastic for u go girl n god bless
Simply sweet. I loved the girls making beautiful, dainty daisy chains for their Gramp's bench. You have a precious family & vlog.
I feel for you with your anxiety, I suffer too since a horrid year in 2018 and 2019 (multiple family illnesses & deaths), and Covid fallout since. My body has turned against me, I now have a brain tumor and Lupus. I have to stay inside, away from sunlight, which seems counter-productive to my depression & anxiety (medically mandated hermitage, so to speak). But I won't let it get the best of me! I do what I can do, when I can do it.
I love sketching, painting, crocheting & all other crafty endeavors as well.
I pray the Lord spares us from further disease and disasters. Stay well and remain happy-go-lucky.
from the U.S.
Oh goodness, sending hugs your way! ❤️ Crafts can help so enormously can’t they? My crochet and knitting have got me through some very difficult times. I hope you are feeling better soon and on the road to recovery ❤️
Really enjoyed this vlog Ali, sorry you have been suffering. It would seem you are doing all the right things to help your situation. Love your vlogs full of interest and lovely to see your girls being so close. Look forward to the next one x
Lovely and relaxing! Loved the drawing. Hugs from Virginia!
Beautiful vlog, Ali!! I absolutely love your Maypole Cottage drawing!! You are VERY talented!! I really enjoyed your walk and seeing the bench in memory of your dad! What a precious thing to be able to go there and sit and remember him. You take care of yourself now and I look forward to seeing you next time! 😘💞
Thank you so much Debbie 😘 I’m so happy you enjoyed it! x
Waw Alie your can draw and thank you to sharing your beautiful walk, love to 👂 your voice agin lots of love.
Thank you so much Ramya 😘
It’s so beautiful and your drawing is extremely beautiful x
I enjoy your clogs immensely! This one seems especially poignant! Thank you for sharing about your anxiety. It just reminds me that I am not alone in struggling through some days more than others. And please keep drawing! Your sketches keep getting better and better! SuzieJ
Thank you so very much Suzie, you are not alone ❤️
Wow That sketch is fabulous!
An amazing video, I loved every minute of it. Sorry to hear you have been struggling with anxiety. I suffer from it too and it can be very difficult to cope with. Your sketches are fabulous and would look lovely framed on the wall x
What a lovely and privelidged insight into your family break. I'm so sorry that you have struggled with anxiety about the summer. It's brave of you to share that. It was so touching to see you all gathered on your dad's bench. I'd love to see you film a sketch as you do it. I think you're very good. Xxxx
Thank you so much Julie for the encouraging comment! I shall attempt to film a sketch from the start 😃
Love the walks, how is the lesser spotted Phoebe😁😁. Glad to hear your coping beter with the summer.💐💐
Really pretty what a lovely village, and your drawing is gorgeous xx
Lovely catch up Ali, your dad's bench is beautiful, I've yet to be able to go to the uk to visit my dad's... I must remember to take some wine 🙌 😘
So lovely to see you and your family again. It is such a glorious yet relaxing vlog Take care of yourself xxx
Thank you Barbara ❤️
What a lovely video 💕 It was so heartwarming to see your girls walking along chatting, hand in hand. And your Dad’s bench is a perfect place to sit and be together - like a big hug. Did you know Lia Leendertz does a wonderful podcast? I think it includes snippets from the book and her voice is SO relaxing 😌 Absolutely loved your drawing of the cottage - you are SO talented, Ali 🌷
Lia Leendertz has a podcast?! 😃 I have just run off to find that and will enjoy listening on my next walk, thanks! 😘
Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! Your painting, your walk/talk and you! Although I thankfully don’t suffer from anxiety or depression I do detest the heat. I’m in Texas and basically go from my air conditioned home to my air conditioned car and back. I have no other advice😂. I really enjoy your videos-thank you for sharing.
That sounds like an air conditioned dream 😄 🧊 Thank you Judy 😘
Enjoyed the walk; it was nice to see the girls agin.
The sketch of the cottage is beautiful! I like the encouragement to just complete it and move on! Very lovely bench in memory of your dad. Best wishes!
I absolutely loved this!!
I want you to know that you have inspired me to sketch again. It's been many, many years. I actually went to college for art in the "70's" then life took over and it just faded into my past. Seeing you sketch and add color and knowing your feelings about the experience had allowed me in my own mind to once again pick up pencil and pad. Although I feel like I'm starting all over again, and essentially I am, I want to continue to work through it and resist the urge to judge myself and my work. As you said, it takes practice like anything else, and I'm am decidedly out of practice. Thank you.
How wonderful to read this Mary Jane! Have you watched any of @urbansketchingworld ‘s videos? She has some fabulous inspirational videos to help you get back into it! xx
I am definitely going to check that out. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing 💕
What an enjoyable, relaxing video, Ali! Anxiety is so distressing. I keep telling myself "this, too, shall pass." Good news is that the days start getting shorter the end of this month around the 24th, I think! What a lovely tribute to your Dad! I love seeing how close your family are--it's inspiring. You have such a talent for art. You should consider making the drawings into prints or cards to sell. Have a good weekend!
Aw thank you Patty! Yes not long until we pass the summer solstice 😃✨
We have cicadas here in Maryland USA which are not fun. They only come out for about six weeks every 17 years but it is a constant hum. It makes everyone edgy. Sending calm and relaxing thoughts your way.💕😊
Ooo how unusual! I can’t imagine that constant hum. Only every 17 years though? xx
Beautiful relaxing walk. I love seeing the scenery. Your sketch is lovely. You are so talented!
Thank you for you very kind comment Mel 😘
I loved your comment and video about the moths- very interesting! I have a daughter who loves bugs so this was great to share with her
I’m so glad you liked it! The moth are so eerie to see but it’s lovely to know what they are and what they’ll grow up into 😃
What a very pretty walk you went on . And that’s a lovely tribute to your Dad . Your Drawing is beautiful thanks for sharing x
Thank you 😘
Loved this Ali …especially the sketching…you are very talented x
Thank you so much Carol 😘
You are so talented your paintings are amazing x
A really beautiful blog. It melts my heart every time I see your girls so close and holding hands. Ali, you are talented in sooo many ways.
Beautiful vlog!
I like your sketch of the cottage very much!
Thank you Inge!
Loved your drawing. Do not put yourself down - it was beautiful. I’m glad you have tried to find peace in nature - fat chance for me though in a so-called beautiful Kent village - new neighbour moved in and totally, totally loud garden music (I’m talking REALLY LOUD). Can hear through two sets of doors and a loud air con in my sitting room. Got to sleep around 2 a.m. and now on again this morning. Police officer to boot!!!!! Oh joy! Lesley x
Ugh!!! That is just the worst Lesley!! So inconsiderate playing music like that, report him to the council! 😠
Enjoyed your walks and your cottage sketch is wonderful. My summer good time is working in my garden getting dirty and watching nature take over. Love the idea of the nature books and almanac and am looking into finding something similar for the US. Thank you for getting my morning started !
Thank you Judith! Watching nature do it’s thing, and learning a bit about local wildlife, has definitely helped me 😘 🌱
"The lesser-spotted Phoebe" 🤣 Your Maypole Cottage drawing is beautiful! I am looking into the book by Steven Reddy. It's proving a wee hard to find so far. Unless I want to pay $351.18 USD on AbeBooks or $99 USD on amazon... People amuse me. 🙄
Update: my local library has a copy so I will place a hold on it. It seems to be focused mostly architecture and made-made items which don't usually inspire me to draw. I'm much more of a nature-inspired artist. But I think it will be helpful for the mental block to drawing and ideas on how to incorporate drawing into life more regularly.
Beautiful vlog as always your art is amazing 💕
Such a restful spot. What a lovely tribute to their granddad!
Thankyou for sharing, your drawing is lovely
Gorgeous video . Hope your feeling a little better in yourself now but there is no rush you need to do everything that's good for you . Drawing seems to help you and it helps us all as they are beautiful, very talented. Your girls are a credit to you and dan as wouldn't see many now a days holding hands , especially at lillia's age . Take care x
Thank you so much Cali, what a lovely comment 😘 I think the holding hands shows Lillia’s infinite patience with her younger sister 😄, I’m very proud of her ❤️
Thanks for sharing!
Such a great vlog Ali, thank you. I am sorry you have been having such a hard time, but it feels like you have found one of the answers, it is hard to be anxious in nature. I realise it’s not a simple thing to do, but wonder if you have considered relocating to a more rural situation,which may suit you better. More peaceful, less stress and noise. Xx
I think you depicted a summer outing in a very beautiful way! The voice over was great. Love your artwork 💕 You are very talented 💖 Please continue to give yourself the credit you deserve💕
Beautiful watercolour, Ali! I love seeing your "practice" pieces! Kind of inspiring me to give it a go. I went to art school in the late 70s, but I did not keep it up. Maybe I could pick it up like I did my crochet after a 30-year hiatus. Laughed at the "Spotted Lesser Phoebe" comment - always so enjoy your sense of humour. So sorry you have been going through a tough anxiety patch. I know what you mean about summer. Even though I look forward to it, I have a sensitivity to bright light and noise bothers me too. Maybe not to the same extent as you, but for sure I can empathize.
Thank you Roxi! Oh definitely get back to drawing if you’re thinking about it, I waited way way too long to find the confidence to do it again, I’m so happy now that I’ve started 😃😘✨
Dearest Ali, I admit to being a bit misty-eyed watching, but smiling, too. Seeing you and Dan and the girls sitting at your Dad's bench - such a special moment of time! Thank you for sharing the books, and your charming artwork. I'm sorry about the difficult patch, I hope things are easier each day 💗
🩲(adored this 🪑)
Loved your drawing. You are so talented..x
The village you live is so lovely
Thank you Lily! This is not where I live unfortunately but the village where my Dad lived, it is so lovely ❤️
Lovely drawing and walk. I also have summer anxiety and feel better during colder months. Your ideas sound great to enjoy summer nature.
Thank you Jennifer! It has certainly been helping me to cope better, some days I do better than others 😅 But I’ve been amazed at the difference 🌱
@@ThisLittleWonderfulLife wonderful! 💓
You really need to do prints of your drawings and sell in your Esty Shop. 🥰🥰🥰♥️🥰🥰🥰
I highly recommend reading ‘The Nature Fix: Why Nature makes us Healthier, Happier and More Creative’ by Florence Williams. I also hate the heat of summer, but small doses of nature I find spark joy and restore my balance.
Thanks for the recommendation Julie! I’ll look that one up! 😃🌱
Thank you so much. What a beautiful spot. Love the hedges and the red brick dwellings. The house drawing and the painting is really lovely. Thanks for sharing.