David Bowie, a true genius

When I first heard the news that David Bowie had died my heart just went numb. I jumped out of bed and ran downstairs to my Dad. As I walked down the stairs I hear the tv was on. The next thing I heard was my sister saying 'does Nicola know?'. I walked through the door and looked at my Dad. All he could say was that he couldn't believe it. I then just burst into tears. I don't think I have ever cried so much for somebody in the public eye before.

My Dad has the greatest taste in music, and most of the music I listen to is because of him. David Bowie (in my Dad's words) 'my music hero has died'. This made me even more sad. My Dad gave me the gift of Bowie. Listening to his music growing up was wonderful. Falling in love with Bowie's persona at art collage because I was finding out you could be who you wanted to be, and it didn't matter that you were really different. Bowie made that ok.

The man was an artist, genius and visionary. A bright star in the nights sky that choose to be different, and show the world that it's ok. A hero.

Coffee date

I love a good cup of coffee or tea, (as I am British), as much as the next person. When I was at collage and university I used to love sitting in a coffee shop for hours on end. Of course because I was a student I always had a sketch book and pens in my hand. Drawing away with a hot drink by my side, without a care in the world.

One of my favourite things to do is get to know your barista. Having that chat while they make your drink can really start you up for the day, or chill you out in the afternoon. Plus I'm a mega fan of coffee latte art! It's an instagrammers dream! Even better when the barista is amazing at it. I'm talking about you Phillip. Amazing.

Most importantly having coffee shop time is giving you that time you need for yourself. A chance to relax and recharge your batteries. Of course on the flip side it also can be the perfect chance for a catch up with a friend. Visiting a coffee shop with my notebook in my hand is still one of my favourite things to do, and I'm sure it will be forever.

The year ahead

So it's a new year. So many people now start to talk about what the new year ahead will bring. It's a scary idea to think about this new year. I always feel a lot of pressure, what will I achieve? What should I be doing with this year? What will happen? Where will this year take me? It's good to have aims for the year ahead, of course it is.

I have two main hopes for the new year. These consist of being able to see my far away friends more. It's so hard to all organise time for us to all meet. But it's easy to jump on a train and spend time with them. I want I make sure this happens. Also this year I want to pursue my art a lot more. I have met some wonderful new people through my work, and I hope this shall continue. I am becoming more confident within my work and the local artist community. This is helping me grow my work and style.

Let's all enjoy January, even though it's so rainy! It's a new year! Lots to do, achieve, see and experience!