The Changing Seasons – January 2021

Posted bySarahPosted inArt, The Changing SeasonsTags:, , , , , , ,

The theme of this month’s The Changing Seasons post is very easy to detect: colours! (And incidentally you’ll also find lots of beautiful colors in my dear friend Su’s experiments with alcoholic inks.)

It’s funny, because the world around me presents itself in its rather usual bleaky grey during winter, so maybe I just try to compensate that.

Doodle calendar January 2021

In case you’re wondering – no, that’s not me taking a shower in the first pic, I was merely watching “Flashdance” again. 😉 I’m the one doing yoga underneath it. 😉

Big highlight of this month was me finally giving in and subscribing to Netflix – and boy, am I loving it!! I freely admit that I spend far too much time watching tv now but what else can you do during a pandemic that needs you to stay inside as much as possible? And honestly there is only so much time you can spend painting and drawing.

So far I’ve happily watched or am still watching: Alias Grace, The Queen’s Gambit, Star Trek Discovery, Midnight Sky, Grace&Frankie and The Crown. Did you watch any of these? Did you like it? And do you have any recommendations for me?

First half of the month

There was a big curveball thrown at me on the 10th when there was a power cut that lasted for about 8 hours. The thing responsible was my water heater that decided to go bust. Somehow it managed to fry up all the fuses. And since all DIY shops etc are closed during the lockdown there was no way to get a new water heater or fuses myself, I had to contact my landlady who send repairmen on the way which fortunately only took two days. I can tell you that taking a shower with icy cold water is no fun in winter!

Second half of the month

Before we went into lockdown I stocked up on different kinds of fabric so as to occupy myself with tailoring my own clothes. So far I only managed two long sleeved shirts but am planning to make a pair of pyjamas and a pair of sweatpants – as you can see, mostly stuff that I’m going to wear inside the house. 😉 As soon as I feel confident enough to attack more elaborate sewing projects, I’ll let you know.

Long-sleeved shirt with a many-colored fabric that was begging me to buy it.

I’ve also made little watercolors this month, nothing big but more or less postcard sized paintings that are quick to do and lots of fun.

This is what I must have looked like when there was a power cut this month

Translucent butterfly.

This one was compared to Banksy when I posted it on Instagram – yay!

And this was it!

What have you been up to in January?

Let me know all about it in your comments!

Published by Sarah

Artist & Illustrator

85 thoughts on “The Changing Seasons – January 2021”

  1. Sarah, I’m a bit late in catching up with your blog! Love the shirt, and it would be a good one to wear cycling 😉 You are very creative, and it just a good outlet for stress and just pure enjoyment.

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    1. Thanks so much, Suzanne! Still too cold to wear the shirt alone when cycling but will keep it in mind as soon as the temperatures rise again. 😉 Also my bike’s yellow – should work well together, don’t you think? 😀
      I try my best to be creative, some days are better than others, I think that goes for many things.
      Hope you are well? I’ve heard the pandemic situation isn’t all too bad in NZ? Still, take care!

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      1. To make up for our supposely lack of virus we instead have large earthquakes that shake us awake at 2.30 am. Your yellow bike would look good beside mine 🙂

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      2. Oh no! I’ve heard about it, Suzanne. 🙁 Hope you and yours are all well?
        I find that yellow always lifts my mood, be it in fabrics, flowers or bikes. 😄

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  3. Your calendar doodles are always so colourful, bright and full of life. The first one in January really does look like the scene from Flashdance as you said. So real 😊 I actually don’t watch TV and don’t have Netflix. Haven’t watched the shows you mentioned but I have heard them mentioned by my friends and social media…they all sound very popular! That is such a lovely top you made with the colourful fabric. Not often you see that kind of colour and pattern on a shirt at the shops. I am horrible at sewing, not good at it all no matter how much I practice.

    I haven’t been up to too much in January. Work and working on a bit of writing, and also enjoying the warm weather here in Australia 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much, Mabel!
      I bet you get more writing done than I get done any creative stuff because you don’t watch TV! It takes up a lot of time that should be invested in better things I often feel. But these days it seems to be one of very few things that make me feel good that I think I’ll stick to it for now. 😉 Also since I’ve paid for Netflix it would be a shame not to watch it all. 😉 Hehe!
      I remember that you gave crocheting a try last year – did you get on with it?
      I think I got back to sewing mainly because I made all those face masks for friends and family last year, and then I thought why not sew something else too? Also I can always wear them only at home if I suck at making them! LOL!
      After two very cold weeks here in Germany (around -16 degrees! at night) we’re now facing an unusual warm spell here with spring like temperatures that makes everyone want to go out and enjoy it.
      Enjoy your Australian summer and I hope you get lots of writing done! 😀

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      1. Lol I don’t watch TV but I do like watching YouTube…so, so, so many more things to watch on there 😂 That is good TV makes you feel good and I hope you get to watch more TV. Sometimes TV is all you need to feel better 😊

        Ohhh. I actually have done a lot of crochet! I made a lot of amigurumi from Star Wars. Made a Snoopy for my friend too! And a Kerropi frog. But I am still very slow at it 😂

        That is so nice you made face masks for friends and family. I tried making some but they turned out no good at all! So I think I will stick to crochet.

        That is good it is warming up for you over there. Hope the warm weather continues for you ❤

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      2. Oh! That’s wonderful that you made all these amigurumis, and from Star Wars too – brilliant! Yoda perhaps? 😉 Wish I could see them!
        I really should get back to them, they were such fun to make, and great gifts to friends too. 😄❤

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      3. I actually haven’t made a Yoda yet! I do feel some of them are nicer than the others…need more practice 😂 It will probably be sooner rather than later you’ll get back to amigurumi or some kind of craft 😉❤

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    1. Haha! Busy is right, but fun and awesome not so much, Gill. 😉 Thank you! Hope all is well with you and yours? It’s icy cold here in Germany, so best to stay at home and drink to tea! Take care! xx

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  5. Love your drawings, Sarah! I can’t begin to tell you what happened in January other than we replaced the orange man and we celebrated in style. I’ve been busy trying to repair body parts at the doctors with great success. I can now see again a bit and walk. My daughter has been doing some water colors as well. I’m having to redo and embroidery after two attempts to trim the fabric went fatally wrong. I loved Flash Dance and watched it often. Don’t apologize for getting to Netflix. I’ve watched almost everything I can on that and have had to wander through most of Amazon, and now Discovery plus to find anything worth watching. I can’t watch anything sad. I read a lot and do my handwork while “listening” to the TV. I’m ready for Covid to be over. Almost a year now!!! Love the colors of your shirt. I can’t seem to concentrate right now. Hang in there.

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    1. Thanks so much, Marlene! I took me 3 times to get the neck binding on my new shirt correctly – jersey is such difficult fabric to work with!
      So happy your body parts repairs were all successful! Still can’t believe The Orange Man is gone!!
      Aw, thanks for reassuring me on Netflix, I was getting a bit concerned about my ongoing addiction to it. 😉 Currently watching a British series called “Bridgerton”, it’s set around 1813 I think, and I think you’d enjoy all the colors and costumes. It’s a bit Jane Austen meets Gossip Girl. 😀 Very entertaining on any case.
      Yeah – Covid being over sounds good to me too. 😉 Do you know when you’re likely to get your vaccination? Take care!

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      1. I’m not sure I can get the vaccine. I have compromised lungs and the covid in the vaccine will target it as much as the virus will. They may not let me get the vaccine. In any case, I should be at the bottom of the list as I have no essential job I have to go to. Store clerks, restaurant workers, medical personnel, teachers, etc. should come first in my opinion. If I was in a care facility I might think differently but I am quite safe in my life so I’ll wait my turn. Enjoy your viewing. You are not alone in that. 🙂 Hugs.

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      2. Oh no! I didn’t know that the vaccine could be as bad as the virus in cases like yours! 😦
        There’s been lots of discussions who should get it first here and minds like to differ. I for one think that all medical personnel should get it first. It’s very slow going here at the moment, Germany simply didn’t buy enough vaccines. We’re now divided into 3 priority groups, my mum should be in the second but so far there’s no hint when she might get the vaccine. On the other hand my aunt, who’s a year or two younger than my mum and who lives in England got hers last week! Now she keeps pestering me with statements how good it was that they did that awful Brexit – UGH!
        Anyway, try to stay safe as much as possible, and let’s hope that spring will soon be on its way!
        Hugs!

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      3. Don’t you hate it when people gloat. It serves no one. My sister can’t get the vaccine either since she is very immune compromised. Medical first is my thought also. We are at a hotel right now due to an ice storm that took out our power for a couple of days. No heat, phone or internet service so my daughter refused to stay. She’s paying for it so at least we are warm here. I’ll try to write a post on this in a bit. Hang in there. Maybe we are coming to the end soon.

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      4. I do hate it when people gloat!
        Anyway, hope you’re back home by now? I’ve heard about that horrible drop of temperatures in the US and the power and heating and water cuts. Hopping over to your blog soon! Take care!

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  7. I have missed you Sarah!!!! (I am so behind in catching up with Blog Friends – thank you, Su, for The Changing Seasons). You never fail to make me laugh (re 1st square – I do recognise the quintessential Jennifer Beals pose).

    Your yoga pose is impressive – I am pretty flexible but I have always had trouble with this King Dancer pose.

    Love your shirt – your neck binding is so neatly done. The fabric looks so fun!

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    1. Aww – thanks so much for your lovely comment, Ju-Lyn! You always manage to cheer me up – and man do I need that at the moment: we’re having a snowstorm and minus 10 degrees!! Since we’re supposed to stay inside anyway that’s more than easy to do now – I hate snow!!

      Thank you for noticing the neck binding on my shirt – it took me 3 times to get it right!! Jersey is such a challenging fabric to sew!

      I have to admit that my yoga pose might look a little bit more lopsided in real life than it does in my little sketch. 😉

      Hope all is well with you and yours? Looking forward to catch up with you soon! x

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      1. I’ve heard the weather has gone positively arctic in Europe – even my Aunt got heavy snow in London! Best to stay in …. it’s prettier watching it from the window, anyway!

        Stretchy fabric is sooooo challenging to work with. You have such patience to re-work it thrice! It does look good.

        Gotta love that yoga and the challenges it puts us through!

        We are all good. Situation in Singapore is not so scary right now – which is worrying in itself because it looks like many people have forgotten that we are in a time of distancing.

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      2. Snow in London! That is unusual! 😀 😉
        The stuff is still hanging around here too, but my hopes are high it will melt this week – fingers crossed!!

        Glad to hear that the situation is good in Singapore at the moment but can understand your worry about people being too careless because of it. It’s going to be the same here once our numbers are better I guess.
        Take Care!

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      3. I know, right? And for it to stick for so long on the ground as well. Then again, I heard from my friend in Houston, Texas that it snowed there too (unheard of!!!!) Weather gone wild!

        New challenges at every turn. Be well, Sarah!

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  8. Your artwork is as beautiful as ever, Sarah! And if you need to watch a little Netflix to get you through these lockdowns, so be it. The vaccine has arrived, and hope is on the horizon. Meanwhile, we do whatever it takes to keep our spirits up, and your art certainly helps mine!

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    1. Thank you, Ann! Yes, I’ve decided that Netflix is my new get-by aid – lol! Hope is definitely on the horizon although it might take a while until we’re all vaccinated. Especially Germany has quite a bad start with the vaccination process – we’ve ordered far too little!
      Hope you had a nice blog break and I look forward to catch up with you soon!

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      1. I think all countries are struggling with the supply, which isn’t surprising considering the companies that make the vaccine are having to make enough for the whole world! But they will catch up, and more companies are coming up with them as well. I think this is going to be like the tests were when this whole mess started: very scarce at first, then more plentiful, and now anyone who wants a test can get one right away.

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  10. I like seeing your calendar again and noticing different things, like I knew the 10th was your power cut day before I read it. Hahaha! Okay Netflix shows…

    Alias Grace – heard it was only one season? so I decided not to get into it but heard great things. it’s a real shame they didn’t cont with it…
    The Queen’s Gambit – all the rage, right? so knowing me, I’ll avoid it for now. 😛
    Star Trek Discovery – I’m a fan of the original and TNG, but this one lost me… I really tried to stick with it though.
    Midnight Sky – haven’t heard of this one!
    Grace&Frankie – yes, heard it was funny.
    The Crown – twas the reason I signed up again. 😀

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    1. Hi Lani! Sorry for the late reply!
      Yes, Alias Grace is a miniseries but a really good one and you should try it. I’ve been thinking about reading the book but heard that this is quite a good adoption so might skip it. 😉
      The Queen’s Gambit is really as cool as everyone says, especially if you’re into the 60’s style of couture like I am. 😀 But I get the not-watching-it-right-now-because-everyone-says-so thing. I had that with Harry Potter!! (the books that is, when the films came out I was already hooked.)
      Midnight Sky is with George Clooney – maybe that will things speed up for you? 😉
      Just watched the last season of Grace&Frankie and so hope they’re going to continue – it’s fabulous!

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      1. 😛 Actually, George isn’t my bag. He’s a great actor, and I enjoy his humor, but he doesn’t make my knees week like other ladies. 😛 I think the BF watched that one though…it sounds familiar after you mentioned Georgie.

        No worries. We’re all trying to keep up in our virtual worlds ~ I’ll keep all this in mind. Take care, xo

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      2. He doesn’t actually make my knees weak either, but like you I enjoy watching him a lot and think his acting is getting better and better. 😀
        Oh, and regarding Star Trek – TNG is my favorite too, but I have to admit I rather enjoy watching Discovery. It’s very different from its predecessors but I think even the better for that!
        Take care! xo

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  11. Your month is definitely getting brighter, Sarah, or maybe you just have more time for colouring in?
    Your arts and craft are fab. So imaginative. Love it.
    I’ve watched The Queen’s Gambit, Star Trek Discovery, Midnight Sky, Grace&Frankie and the first series of The Crown (that was enough for me).

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    1. Hi Tracy! Sorry for the late reply! Thank you so much for your lovely comment! And yay to finally someone else watching Star Trek Discovery!!! 😀 Going to catch up with you soon.

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      2. Damn! I’ve been hoping other people might feel more creative than I do at the moment! 😂 You won’t believe what a huge act it was to get out bed, shower, dress and sit down at the computer today!! I consider this a day well done by the way. 😉 Hope you’re all okay? x

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      4. Oh no! 😦 Anything I can do to cheer you up? Although I’m also struggling a bit – just a look out of the window will do that to you around here – we’re having a snowstorm and minus 10 degrees!! It’s a very rare thing to happen here in Berlin.

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      6. Really wish I could do something! Take care, okay? And be nice to yourself!
        I’ve got some homemade chicken soup waiting for me for dinner today – perfect remedy against the cold! (And whiskey of course! Don’t tell anyone I said that. 😉 )

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  14. I so love the fabric of your shirt. I tackled my fabric stash during January, but didn’t get further than making tote bags — which didn’t make much of a dent in the stash at all. Sigh. Perhaps this month.
    Hope February treats you kindly my dear friend.

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    1. Thank you, Su! I think your tote bags are so lovely and don’t worry about not making much of a dent in your fabric stash – all things at their time.
      Hope February will be a beautiful and garden-busy month for you!

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  15. I’ve totally binge-watched Grace and Frankie! I, too, love your watercolors, particuarly the “Banksie.” The highlight of my January was driving up to northern Vermont with my husband to take some winter landscape photos.

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    1. So we have that in common, Liz – I managed to watch the whole 5th season in one go last weekend! That show is hilarious!
      Sounds like a beautiful highlight! I admit I rather long for spring to arrive!

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  16. Pingback: The Changing Seasons, January 2021 | Zimmerbitch

  20. I love your doodles and the sketches, particularly the blue butterfly. Netflix is the only thing that kept me sane this year. The Queen’s Gambit was truly excellent. Right now we are watching Reckoning (series) about a serial killer and just watched The Dig with Ralph Fiennes (movie). The Scandinavian series are usually good and I enjoyed the Minions of Midas (Spanish). Bridgerton is fabulous and you will love it!

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  21. I enjoyed Queen’s Gambit, Sarah, and I’ve heard that The Crown is popular (I just can’t get the hubby to watch it – sigh). Congrats on getting Netflix. It’s been a nice thing to have during this pandemic. Beautiful calendar and I love your watercolors. How colorful! Stay safe, my friend, and keep an eye out for signs of spring. 🙂

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    1. Thank you, Diana! That’s too bad you can’t convince your husband to watch The Crown, it’s really good! I think spring is a long way off here – we’re expecting minus ten degrees next week during the day! 😨 Stay safe and Well, my friend!

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      1. We just finished Black Sails (pirates and sword fights!) Ha ha. I’ll ask him to give me two episodes of The Crown to make up his mind. Yes, spring seems like it’s a ways away for you! Stay warm!

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  22. I love your doodle calendar! You have a lovely light touch! Unfortunately, I failed altogether with the January calendar as I’ve been writing, woodworking (spoons) and lots of reading! (I just can’t find the motivation to draw and I don’t know why).
    We don’t have Netflix but we did receive DVD’s for The Crown (series 1,2,3) as a Christmas present. We’re still enjoying them and trying to make it last. Even with vaccines, I don’t think things are going to be ‘normal’ again for a very long time so finding creative things to do is going to be essential for many people. Yes! Your ‘Banksy’ is excellent.

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    1. Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Ashley!
      Please don’t beat yourself up because you didn’t find enough motivation to draw in January- I think that’s the normal ebb and flow of things. You’ll probably make up for it in another month. And it’s also a real challenge to stay creative and motivated during this on going situation. I sometimes call it a success when I got out of bed and dressed. 😂
      I’m currently watching the 3rd season of The Crown and love it!
      Stay safe!

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  23. I always love your calendars–you are so talented, Sarah! Netflix….what did we do without it?! We enjoyed Schitt’s Creek a lot! That might be a fun watch for you. Lupin is also a good one. I most definitely see Banksy in your last painting. Good for you!!

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