Having the time of my life..

...in a deserted field miles from everywhere.

Yup...I needed peace and calm to clear my whirlwind of a brain, from the chaos that seems to reside there. Where better than a back to nature, eco friendly campsite.

This was my view from my creating table.

working in the sunshine...

 Our little home from home. A 50's caravan with no electric or running water.

But plenty of pink and kitsch...A homage to Barbara Cartland...

Of course I wouldn't be able to feel really at home without the semblance of a shrine of naffness. And lo, there she was...a furry Mary..!!

This was the Bell Tent where everyone congregated..but luckily we were the only ones up there so we were Ring Master and Mistress of all we purveyed.

If your names not down, you ain't coming in.!!

The teepee for snuggling in front of a log fire, of an evening.

The kitchen and cooking facilities.

The dressing up rail...of which Mr Babe of Deliciousness took it upon himself to wear at every opportunity.

Don't seem to have any of me dressed up, but here was my favourite ensemble. A crimpeline
 flower power dress and over sized spectacles.!!

This would you believe is the outside bath, which was the most relaxing experience I have ever had. I didn't want to get out. Lying in a hot bath, in an orchard, surrounded by candles and fairy lights transported me to such inner calm I can't explain.!! Anyone got a spare bath I can have for my garden back home?

I was still journaling right up till the last minute.

Whilst Mr B of D, transported our belongings, in style, up and down the 400 yard dirt path.

If you want to know where we were, it was at La Rosa camp site, in Whitby. It is by no means for the faint hearted. The toilet is a compost one, situated in an old raggle taggle gypsy caravan. There is one electric point for the whole site. Cooking is done on open fires or gas burners. The top field where we stayed is only accessible on foot and all your belongings have to be carried there.

But, and I really mean BUT..!!! It was a fabulous experience from which I didn't want to leave. My head has been so overactive and overwhelmed lately with all that is happening, that I was beginning to drown under it all, and I needed to be somewhere that I could breath and just be me. I needed to feel inspired and to be free to create just for me. Now my idea of camping is in a hotel, with a big bed and a hot shower, so I was a bit apprehensive, but oh my, I couldn't have gone to a better place. The tension just seeped out of my and I journaled from first light to dusk.The first night there, in the middle of nowhere, I felt safe and secure and slept solid for 11 hours I feel rejuvenated, refreshed and totally inspired. Teaching art journaling, both here and in the States, although totally enjoyable and very fulfilling, is extremely draining and I often arrive home replete of energy and feelings and it is a struggle to make sense of it all and find myself again. But I most certainly did here. Unfortunately the time passed far too quick for my liking, but fear not because part two of our adventures leads us to their sister hotel, overlooking the sea and abbey.

Will report back later

Enjoy xx