juno-84-journal-press

JUNO Magazine – issue 84

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The Alchemy of Summer

I always feel that as soon as the longest day has been, summer is already starting to wave farewell. Silly really, as the longest day is actually before the school summer holidays! And there are plenty of opportunities to revel in the long summery days, even though they are starting to dwindle.

But it is a turning point in nature’s calendar. And as I observe the fauna and flora around my home more and more, I am starting to lean into the ways of the wilderness. I am acknowledging the suggestions, from the seasons, as to what speed I should travel.

In high summer, the sound of the birds in the early morning is so exuberant. It’s beautiful to wake up to. And beautiful to take a wander in.

Now the birds aren’t quite so busy in the early hours. It’s noticeably quieter, darker and the days are shortening. I feel less eager to get up early. But, there is still joy to be found on an early morning walk. The stillness all around is captivating.

Either way, in the early morning the whole world feels more… well… natural. And I always find it is a great time for me to check in with myself before my day begins.

It has been quite a few weeks since the longest day. Already the Autumn Equinox has passed. And I realise I haven’t shared my feature in JUNO’s Summer magazine yet!

In issue number 84, I reflect on growing and flourishing in nature and in motherhood. Taking the chances that nature offers us to reflect back and realise the strength we all have within us.

Read it below…

An illustration of a woman holding a plant.
The Alchemy of Summer – a short story

“The warmth of the sun pours over her face as she lifts her head to enjoy the indulgence that early summer offers. Spring’s weather roulette has passed. Days are easier.

Her body, gratefully enjoying the affection that the warmer day is offering, relaxes and tension begins to ease. Eyes closed, she stands tall. There is an amplified awareness of her surroundings. The warm terracotta pot she holds close is smooth to the touch. Its weight reassuring. The newly homed plant offers her a feeling of thankfulness as its pleasant scent drifts up with gratitude – even sweeter and ‘greener’ than previously noted. 

‘Why, thank you,’ she replies in her thoughts.

The birds sing at their greatest height of choral song. And the harmonious bees form a gentle and diligent hum that swathes around her. Nature’s white noise offers a chance to escape. Anywhere is everywhere, and just for a moment she melts into a new world.

A big breath in… And a long exhalation out.

Anchored to the ground, held, supported – grateful.

Alone time is bliss. And felt even more fondly when the contrast to being on constant call looms. She savours the calm and stillness. Time to feel, to listen, and to understand her own presence and vitality. These moments are punctuated with epiphanies. Grow – flourish – thrive. The parallels of nature and motherhood. Oh, there is so much growth during motherhood and it’s a wonderful thing to observe: the growth of her children and not simply physically; the growing independence and maturity; the growing depth of conversations; and most beautifully, the growing and ever-evolving friends that she delightfully meets through the years.

But her own growth is what quietly amazes her. The ability to cope, to adapt, to stand tall come rain or shine – and to still find calm. Her children’s constant vying for attention is echoed in her garden – but also equalled with the enduring love she receives from both.

And that is what anchors her, holds her, supports her.

The holidays are just around the corner. Moments like this will be fewer, and bids for her attention will abound. But oh, how she needs and loves the latter.

Some overly exuberant daisies promptly provoke a smile as she reopens her eyes. Their carefree and jovial appearance bobbing in the breeze – each appearing to sing ‘Look at me!’

Summer is such a ‘full-on’ time but she adores the variety it brings. Knowing that for every bit of love she bestows, she receives an alchemy of magic in return.”

Photo of JUNO magazine open on the page showing The Alchemy of Summer story.
Have you read my previous story?

If you haven’t already, click the link below to read my previous JUNO story from their Early Spring magazine.

Spring Beckons – JUNO mgazine – issue 82

JUNO is a wonderful magazine for parents or carers who want to adopt a more natural approach to parenting. You can see more of what they share in their magazines here and you can also buy online or subscribe.

I would love to hear your thoughts about my stories and if they resonate with you somehow. 

Juliana x

Logo featuring As featured in JUNO magazine
juno-82-journal-press

JUNO Magazine – issue 82

by
Spring Beckons

I am a little late in sharing with you my Early Spring feature in JUNO Magazine – Spring Beckons. A little late, as I have already had another feature printed in their current Summer issue! So exciting! I will share that one at a later date.

My features in JUNO have been a great introduction for me to write about motherhood and the parallels, I feel, it shares with nature. I have found I absolutely adore writing and I also love illustrating to accompany my stories.

Being outside in the garden or going for a walk in the countryside always clears my head and reintroduces calm into my sometimes overwhelmed mind. I hope that being able to share my thoughts in this way, may resonate with you? Or at least bring you a moment of calm to your day.

You can read my story below. It is set out just as it appeared in the magazine.

Spring Beckons Issue 82
Spring Beckons Issue 82
Have you read my previous story?

If you haven’t already, click the green link below to read my previous JUNO story from their Autumn magazine last year. (If you have enjoyed this story, I am sure you will enjoy that one too :))

Autumn’s Worth – JUNO mgazine – issue 80

JUNO is a wonderful magazine for parents or carers who want to adopt a more natural approach to parenting. You can see more of what they share in their magazines here and you can also buy online or subscribe.

I would love to hear your thoughts about my stories and if they resonate with you somehow. Just add a comment below. I would appreciate your time greatly.

Juliana x

Logo featuring As featured in JUNO magazine
juno-80-journal-press

JUNO Magazine – issue 80

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Good things come in three’s. Absolutely for last year! 2022 was a year for trying new things – and one was to be featured in the press. This post shares my first published story ‘Autumn’s Worth’. Have a read of my last two posts if you haven’t, as they share my other two press articles printed earlier in the year.

‘Slowing Down’ – JUNO magazine – issue 79

‘Meet the Artist’ – The Green Parent magazine – issue 107

Getting my first feature in The Green Parent magazine was amazing, it introduced myself and my work. And even though small, it showed me what was possible. Then getting my second feature was like… ‘Wow! Really?’ I was asked to write a longer article and I adored that JUNO loved what I had to say. I then thought – I have to be even braver here and ask JUNO if they would like me to write a short story just for them and illustrate it too. They said yes! This blew me away – and Saffia the editor even said my words resonated with her. I was beyond grateful. I have shared my feature ‘Autumn’s Worth’ below.

So at this moment, I am very happily waiting to see my third feature in JUNO Magazine. Another story and illustration. It is similar to this one, in the way that I write it from the perspective of a mother. It offers the feeling that Mother Nature is forever present and also how the seasons can help guide us to a more delightful way of being.

You can see more of what JUNO share in their magazines by following this link.

Juliana x

Autumn's Worth Issue 80
Autumn's Worth Issue 80
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JUNO Magazine – issue 79

by with No Comment

Now for my first large feature – a three page spread in JUNO magazine none the less! It is titled ‘Slowing Down’ and shares how I find happiness in the small moments of life. Last year, 2022, proved to be so exciting, I started to move past invisible boundaries and just go for things. The scary things turned out to be not so scary and everyone I have come into contact with at JUNO magazine are just lovely – I am so proud of this feature. And I am doubly pleased that my daughter and son also make an appearance in this one too. Read the article ‘Slowing Down’ below xx

You can see more of what JUNO share in their magazines by following this link.

Slowing Down Issue 79
Slowing Down Issue 79
Slowing Down Issue 79
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The Green Parent Magazine – issue 107

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My first moment in the press with Little Liefje. It may be small, but I am so grateful to The Green Parent magazine and I’m so excited!

The feature is titled ‘Meet the Artist’ and shares a close up of my illustration ‘Stella & Mr Robin’. It is a lovely first step into the world of visibility, introducing myself and my work to a larger audience.

To see what else The Green Parent share in their magazines, click this link.

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Oliver & the Owl – a little story

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This story has been inspired by Oliver who is 12. He is a good friend of my son and lives down the road from us in the beautiful Waveney Valley. I mentioned him in my last blog which shared his sister’s story ‘Flora & the Frog’. And I also introduced his family in my blog ‘Meet the Whiting’s’.

Their garden has a view of the river Waveney and the water meadows that surround it – and all sorts of wildlife live there. The river is where Oliver especially likes to spend time when he is outdoors. He’s lucky enough to be in the local Sea Scouts and really enjoys kayaking. I asked if there was a particular sensation that he loved when outdoors?

“I like the sound of running water.”

His favourite season is summer because he can be outside a lot. And I have to add that being by the river and in and around the water meadows, in summer is truly special. Oliver enjoys the freedom of being outdoors and a particular memory that he loves thinking about is…

“Cycling to the beach through the pine forest on our holidays in France.”

It is lovely to have Oliver in my project – ‘Drawing Nature In’. Read his story below.

Oliver & the Owl – a little story

“ Oliver had spotted many barn owls flying over the water meadows, near to his home. Their swift, smooth flight always intrigued him. He wondered what they might see – and what they could catch sight of down in the grass below.  

It wasn’t until he visited an owl sanctuary that he got to meet one up close.

Benjamin was beautiful. Quietly resting on Oliver’s arm. There was an unspoken trust between them. A pact that had been silently made. This was their moment. Oliver was in awe – Benjamin’s feathers were so soft and incredibly intricate in detail. He was a calm, proud bird – yet powerful – not realising the affect he had on his visitors. Oliver could feel the gripping of his talons through the thick leather gloves. Slight nerves were tingling but the gratitude he felt towards this impressive animal was immense.

The next day Oliver caught sight of a familiar shape dart swiftly over the meadows.

‘Wow,’ he thought.”

Every time I illustrate a child for my project and write their story I can’t help but feel reassured that the future of the planet, we all call home, will have a strong generation of individuals who will do so much to protect it. Even subconsciously. I feel that the way they enjoy the outdoor world now, is only going to have a positive affect on the earth, their future life and those around them.

I would love to hear your thoughts – what you feel about this story, my illustrations and project. Please feel free to leave a comment below or you can get in touch.

This story accompanies my illustration art print ‘Oliver & the Owl’. A printed copy is sent with each purchase of the print. 

Click here to go straight to the shop page.

Warm wishes

Juliana x

flora-frog-journal-story

Flora & the Frog – a little story

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Flora age 10 lives in North Suffolk in the beautiful Waveney Valley… just round the corner from me and my family. Her brother is a good friend of my son, and Helen, her mum is a good friend of mine. I introduced her family in my previous blog ‘Meet the Whiting’s’.

I have never met someone of her age with so much compassion and empathy for wildlife. She loves playing in her garden, which is in the river valley. It is full of lots of wildlife, including slow worms, birds, glow worms and bats. I asked her how being in nature makes her feel? Is there a sensation that she loves?

“Listening to birds and dancing in the rain!”

Her favourite season is winter, as she has fun memories of playing in the snow. Also being in the marshes on a dog walk, when the water was frozen over, and pretending it was an ice rink!

In her own words…

“I love where we live because we have lots of access to wildlife and lovely places, and we do lots of sports outside.”

Read my story below which is inspired by Flora. I am so happy she is part of my project – ‘Drawing Nature In’.

Flora & the Frog – a little story

“ Flora – so aptly named as she lives so happily alongside the fauna – sat quietly by the pond, patiently waiting – observing. Understanding and caring for wildlife is second nature to her. The unintentional prize is the thrilling joy she feels when… 

‘I see a frog!’ She excitedly whispered. The grasses started moving.

Slowly a little creature made it’s way up the slight bank. Very carefully Flora cupped her hands loosely around the slimy body, dipping them in the cool water of the pond, before holding up the fascinating little soul – ready for closer inspection.

Flora had been taught how to care safely for this handsome fellow. The fact that his body was all covered in slime and that it had an important role to play, amazed her. It helped him to keep his skin moist because he used his skin to breathe! How exciting that he chose her pond to make his home. She felt content that her garden was providing a home for these creatures. 

A joyous smile spread across her face as she bent down, opening her hands up for ‘Freddie’ to jump freely away with a splash!”

I feel so inspired and hopeful that children like Flora care so strongly for our wilderness. Hopeful that going forward, our natural world will flourish under their care.

I would love to hear your thoughts – what you feel about this story, my illustrations and project. Please feel free to leave a comment below or you can get in touch.

This story accompanies my illustration art print ‘Flora & the Frog’. A printed copy is sent with each purchase of the print.

Click here to go straight to the shop page.

Warm wishes

Juliana x

whiting-family-journal-story

Meet the Whiting’s

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The more I work on my ‘Drawing Nature In’ project, the more I am enjoying it. My understanding has also deepened as to why I am creating this project. I love the whole process. Lockdown has truly helped me to slow down and reconnect with my passions, showing a pathway for my work. Work that I hope will inspire more children to go outdoors and create continuing, flourishing, relationships between humans and nature.

It is widely known that being outdoors in nature benefits our mental wellbeing as well as our physical wellbeing. But I feel that it is so especially important for children to experience the wilderness. It offers and instills calmness, patience, understanding, empathy and so much more. The chance for little minds to realise sensations and what makes them tick – without the distractions of the modern world. A chance to be unique and individual with no preconception of how, who and what they should be.

The Whiting’s from North Suffolk, UK

The Whiting family know exactly this and absorb themselves in nature. They are good friends and I illustrated Oliver (12) and Flora (10) way before I realised or even knew what I wanted to achieve with this project. Helen and Christian (mum and dad) have such a great knowledge of caring for wildlife and this has definitely inspired their children to do the same.

I am fortunate to have been friends with Helen for a number of years, meeting her when Oliver and my son started reception class together. She is such a lovely person, but to be honest I was never quite sure what her job entailed, mainly because I never knew much about such jobs. But, my goodness, what an important role Helen and Christian have – especially now.

They are a small family run ecological consultancy operating from the Waveney valley. Although they work all over East Anglia, most of their projects are focused in the East and mid Suffolk areas. Providing professional services and advice to both the public and private sector. They undertake surveys, write reports and provide on site mitigation in relation to notable and protected wildlife species and habitats. You can find out more by visiting their website www.mhe-consulting.co.uk.

 

For the love of wildlife

Ecologists study the relationship between plants, animals and the environment. Working to keep or improve the conditions for all. It can be a gratifying, but also a heartbreaking job. And hearing views from well informed people about animal habitats and how humans are destroying them, does make me feel rather helpless. Especially when you realise what ecologists do to keep wildlife species from losing their habitats – in such situations as to make space for new building plots and roads, for example. Sadly it is not the choice of the wildlife species whether they move or not. But if they have to, Helen and Christian ensure their safety. And if they don’t have to, they ensure that their habitats are continued to be cared for correctly.

Helen and Christian became ecologists for the love of wildlife and to help protect it. But sometimes pressures from many external sources can sometimes make it feel like they are helping humans intrude into nature. This is definitely not their aim – on the contrary – they are the voices of the wildlife that can’t fight for their own home on the Earth. As Helen says:

“We are really fortunate to work in some fantastic locations, seeing the best of British wildlife. The thing that makes me keep wanting to do what we do is when we’ve been able to make a positive difference. Whether it be saving individual animals from harm, or securing different more beneficial outcomes than might have occurred without our input.”

Thank you to the Whiting’s for being part of this project xx

You can also join me on this journey

The families that I am going to be highlighting in my blog posts and the children that I am including in my ‘Drawing Nature In’ project, all have one thing in common. They all love and see the benefit of the wilderness. I will be sharing Oliver and Flora’s illustrations and stories in my journal soon. And I am already working on a new illustration with another waiting in the wings. If you would like to be kept informed, you can sign up to my mailing list here. Equally, if you feel a connection with this project, and/or are a family who love the outdoors, I would love to hear from you. My dream is to create a story book full of children from all over the UK or the World and to ignite a longing for wilderness.

Warm wishes

Juliana x

teal-deer-journal-story

Teal & the Deer – a little story

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I had a lovely time in the woods today – helping out with Forest School at my children’s old primary school. I help out with the reception class and it is so fascinating watching them all go about their natural play.

It is lovely to experience an hour or so through the eyes of 4/5 year olds. A little group envisioned a house where tree trunks and vines were intertwined. A chandelier was created (with a vine ‘pull cord’ to switch it on), a doorbell and cuckoo clock were installed, and it also had heating! There was also a bit of tree climbing, and branch swinging that proved just right for them to extend their confidence. I enjoyed myself thoroughly – it felt so good to enter their world – and house! Little moments like this are so important and help to create a love for the outdoors but also helps them to become resilient individuals. Learning their limits through gentle guidance, rather than structured play.

I would like to share with you my fourth short story, ‘Teal & the Deer’. It describes a lovely moment shared between Teal and a deer named Betty. I hope you enjoy it.

Teal (5 when I drew her) lives in Norfolk, in the UK with her family – the Howell’s. You can read about them here and how they helped kick-start my project ‘Drawing Nature In’.

Teal & the Deer – a little story

“ Teal had been lucky enough to see deer gallop unhesitatingly across fields and even sometimes stealthily make their way through her garden. Looking about themselves with every step they took. But she had never seen one up close – or got the privilege to stroke one. Until she met Betty.

Betty was so beautiful – ‘Beautiful Betty!’ exclaimed Teal as she saw her at an animal sanctuary. Not shy at all, Betty followed Teal around enjoying the contact and the conversation. Her fur was soft but wirey and the warmth of her body was so comforting. Betty decided to sit in the cool shade of a lovely big beech tree.

‘Can I join you?’ Teal asked.

The sensation of the damp grass beneath Teal’s feet was delightful as she took her shoes off to sit on the blanket her mum had just laid out. Betty was close and Teal felt very lucky that she stayed so close by. Both catching glances of each other every so often. The pair enjoyed the companionship – both full of wonder of each other.”

Sharing beautiful moments with wild animals is so magical. That moment of connection and understanding.  

If you haven’t already, you can read three stories about Teal’s siblings – ‘Saffron by the Sea’, ‘Stella & Mr Robin’ and ‘Moses in the Meadow’. They are all first drafts which I hope to one day collate into a book full of other stories. Sharing their joy to others. Tell me what you think. I would love to hear your thoughts.

This story accompanies my illustration art print ‘Teal & the Deer’. A printed copy is sent with each purchase of the print.

Click here to go straight to the shop page.

Warm wishes

Juliana x

saffron-sea-journal-story

Saffron by the Sea – a little story

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After a week of sun and feeling almost like summer had pipped spring to the post… winter arrived again. Who else had snow today? The English weather is truly fascinating! I am so glad that I had a morning at the coast last week, when I met Saffron’s mum, Mim Howell. Walking to the beach with no coat was bliss. But for now I will patiently wait for the return of the warm sun.

The sneak preview of summer was so lovely, so to restore a little of the memory here is ‘Saffron by the Sea’. The third short story that I am going to share with you. I hope you enjoy it.

Saffron (9 when I drew her) lives in Norfolk, in the UK with her family – the Howell’s. You can read about them here and how they helped kick-start my project ‘Drawing Nature In’.

Saffron by the Sea – a little story

“ Living by the sea – especially the salt marshes – was like having an endless back garden for Saffron. The adventures were plentiful, as each day was so different from the last – weather and seasonal changes dictated the fun. Even the brisk, cold days never deterred her from venturing out. But today was a warm, summers day. Saffron had patiently waited until late afternoon – for the tide to be high enough – to take their boat out into the creeks.

There was a stillness all around as her dad calmly skippered their boat along the narrow waterways. Her friend beaming with anticipation by her side. All silent and all in awe of the magical feel the salt marshes offered. An offering of a secret world that only revealed itself if you allowed it to. Saffron felt all her senses come alive, at the same time feeling so much peace. The warm, evening sun lit up their faces, while the smell of the sea filled the balmy air and the rhythmic, gentle sound of the salty water lapped on the hull of the boat.

The water was a little chilly as she waded in the shallows after mooring the boat. A perfect spot had been chosen to go swimming in the deeper stretches. And what a feeling of contentment it was.

The next hour was filled with such beauty which she knew she would never forget – especially as a little seal dared to say hello once the swimmers had dried off on the banks.”

Each season has its beauty but I think an evening swim in summer would be up there with the very best of moments.

If you haven’t already, you can read two stories about Saffron’s younger siblings – ‘Stella & Mr Robin’ and ‘Moses in the Meadow’. They are all first drafts which I hope to one day collate into a book full of other stories. Sharing their joy to others. Tell me what you think. I would love to hear your thoughts.

This story accompanies my illustration art print ‘Saffron by the Sea’. A printed copy is sent with each purchase of the print.

Click here to go straight to the shop page.

Warm wishes

Juliana x

moses-meadow-journal-story

Moses in the Meadow – a little story

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I am really looking forward to warmer, longer days. When only a pair of sunglasses are the addition before heading outdoors. Today, though, I had a beautiful walk in the Spring sun. My nose was cold, and the breeze still on the biting side, but the sun was warm. There was so much going on in the bird world! So many different calls and song. From little hedgerow birds (I wish I could distinguish all their calls), to purring pigeons, raucous rooks, gaggling geese, and the odd shriek of a pheasant.

But until the weather is warmer and the meadows are full of summer fun again, here is ‘Moses in the Meadow’. The second short story that I am going to share with you. And if you can’t make it outside, it may help you wander there in your mind.

Moses (3 when I drew him) lives in Norfolk, in the UK with his family – the Howell’s. You can read about them here and how they helped kick-start my project ‘Drawing Nature In’.

Moses in the Meadow – a short story

“ Moses could hear the birdsong outside even before he opened his eyes. The half opened curtains were swaying back and forth with the gentle, early summer morning breeze. Allowing the warmth of the sun to momentarily dance across his face. Delightful scents from the garden were drifting in – he couldn’t stay in bed any longer.

‘Butterflies!’ He shouted.

Today was the day he was able to choose the route of the family walk – and to the meadow it was!

The sun was shining and the meadow hummed and buzzed… so full of all sorts. Busy little bees visiting flower after flower before disappearing. Tiny birds darting overhead with their ‘chirruping’ call, while the rooks ‘cawed’ with a contiuous raucous in the nearby wood. The scents of the meadow flowers were heady and irresistable. Last weeks’s rain had helped the meadow plump up even more and Moses adored the way it felt, as if he was wading through a sea – it joyously tickled his skin as he went.

‘Perfect for butterflies.’ Moses smiled. His face lighting up as a Meadow Brown landed on the flower he had just picked.”

I hope you enjoyed it. If you haven’t already, you can read ‘Stella & Mr Robin’ – my story inspired by one of Moses’ sisters. They are both first drafts which I hope to one day collate into a book full of other stories. Tell me what you think. I would love to hear your thoughts.

This story accompanies my illustration art print ‘Moses in the Meadow’. A printed copy is sent with each purchase of the print.

Click here to go straight to the shop page.

Warm wishes

Juliana x

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Stella & Mr Robin – a little story

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The world is a bit of a scary place at the moment. The news isn’t at all happy and everything feels so uncertain. Children help to keep us looking for the positives, and nature can show us all, that things are wonderful in the wilderness.

For a gentle distraction, here is ‘Stella & Mr Robin’. The first short story that I am going to share and which complements my illustration of the same name. Stella, age 7, lives in Norfolk, in the UK with her family – the Howell’s. You can read about them here and how they helped kick-start my project ‘Drawing Nature In’.

Stella & Mr Robin – a short story

“ The garden was so full of bird song, it felt alive! Stella stepped out onto the lawn and felt such graciousness being offered to her. As if she was being welcomed into another family. An almost secret family that revealed great characters – especially if your curiosity stayed long enough!

Two ducks made their way up the lawn. Their determined and decisive waddle, heads held high with startling quacks of enthusiasm. She sensed they thought of themselves as high in the pecking order of birds. These were the teens.

The moorhens, far more demure – elegantly placing oversized feet, one in front of the other. Heads darting back and forth like a motorized toy. The speed at which they could go was inspiring! Their tail feathers resembling the big bustling skirt of a Victorian lady on a mission. These were the mums.

Now the wood pigeons were the grandparents. There to oversee everything was in order. While the little birds chatted and sang around them – blue tits, finches and sparrows, darting around – never still – always on the go. The toddlers.

But one bird always made her feel especially welcome in the garden family. Always waiting for her – and that was Mr Robin – the dad.

Stella walked across the lawn as he appeared between the cherry blossom.

‘Good morning Mr Robin.’ She said.”

I hope you enjoyed it – have you ever thought of birds in this way? This is a first draft and I hope to one day collate all my stories into a book. I would love to hear your thoughts, you can comment below.

Each purchase of my illustration art print ‘Stella & Mr Robin’ arrives with a print of this story.

Click here to go straight to the shop page.

Warm wishes

Juliana x

howell-family-journal-story

Meet the Howell’s

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I love working with other creatives and to feel the inspiration that is ignited when ideas are spoken about and visualised. Being an artist can sometimes be lonely, but my new illustrative journey is helping me to meet so many wonderful people and families. ‘Drawing Nature In’ is a project I am steadily working on. A collection of illustrations and short stories that have the aim to inspire more children and adults to an outdoor life – full of wonder and fascination. In turn leading to more appreciation – and ideally – to nurturing nature. Creating connections that result in our world flourishing and also those individual world’s of our children and (of course) ourselves. You can read more about this project in my previous blog post – ‘Drawing Nature In’. To kick start this project I found a wonderful family who I absolutely had to contact.

 

The Howell’s from North Norfolk, UK

A mutual friend had recently collaborated with @mimhowell – a wonderful photographer, who centres her work around family and motherhood. Mim’s photos are so warm and inviting – full of love. Husband, Colin is a skipper at the fabulous @coastalexplorationcompany, and a designer who also posts some delightful photos and words on @colinherberthowell. Their sense of adventure and enthusiasm shines through all of their posts and no doubt rubs off on their four gorgeous children. Their family account @thepufflings is just a treasure trove of atmospheric family snaps that anyone would wish for. The Howell family have so much passion and so many adventures in the wilderness – plus they love to share their joy with others. It is contagious, and fills me with such excitement and longing for more outdoor adventures of my own. So they were ideal to help me start my project off. Eternally grateful.

Mim photographed their three daughters – Saffron 9, Stella 7 and Teal 5 and also their son – Moses 3. Mim’s photos helped me to visualise the scenes for each of their children and they were all a real joy to illustrate. Curly hair galore! I was also granted permission to use a photo from The Coastal Exploration Company, to help illustrate a background scene including one of their boats. I couldn’t have asked for more and the finished illustrations got such a lovely response. You can view all the illustrations which are available to buy in my shop. When purchased they will each arrive with their accompanying short story too.

I have not met the Howell’s in person yet but hopefully one day soon we will. I first contacted them in lockdown and so meeting was out of the question. Mim agreed to help even though she didn’t know me! When I have searched, there are many, many people sharing their love for the wilderness on their socials. It is heartwarming to connect with other like minded souls. Over the coming weeks and months I am going to share each of the Howell’s illustrations and their stories here, through my journal, which I hope you will enjoy. I will also introduce you to more families along the way, who join me on this project.

 

You can also join me on this journey

If you would like to be kept informed, you can sign up to my mailing list here. Equally, if you feel a connection with this project, and/or are a family who love the outdoors, I would love to hear from you. My dream is to create illustrations of children from all over the world. Sharing emotions felt and to ignite a longing for wilderness.

Warm wishes

Juliana x