An Taigh Dubh Part III

It's January 2026, and almost two years since my last blog post!

In that time so much has happened but best of all, I now sit in a cosy wee art studio instead of a cramped table in an old, cold caravan. 

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And thank goodness, because the last week has seen me snowed in, with the North East of Scotland recording it's heaviest snowfall in decades. To say it's a relief is an understatement, don't think I could have taken another winter in the caravan, especially one as brutal as this. 

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Solitude is a strange beast, and while it reads idyllic, living this way is not for everybody. One must be comfortable in their own company and keep busy so not to dwell on the isolation. There is a huge difference to mindset having the choice to leave or not. Fortunately I have kind neighbours with a tractor to help with the track and despite driving on the treacherous roads (no council slow ploughs visit here) I was glad to get out, albeit just to village shop. 

But the snow is beginning to thaw and despite the Cailleach's grip, she holds Spring in her other hand. Soon this will all turn to bud and blossom.

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The build began November 2023 and we moved in a year to the day later. From the outset An Taigh Dubh (Scot's Gaelic for The Black house) has felt like home. That said the caravan did us proud, three Winters worth. She still sits, serving as a reminder of many challenging but happy times. We'll decide what to do with her once the weather warms up but reckon, thanks to prolonged damp, she's had it.

I won't sugar coat it, getting the house across the line with diminished funds took it's toil. The last few months of the build, we lived in a constant state of anxiety. Despite our architect and builders being par excellence, the cash demands, paperwork and red tape is never ending; there's always a worry at the back of your mind. 

But, when asked would we do it again had we known what lay ahead? Our answer is always in unison and is a resounding "yes!"
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We got there in the end, and are proof perseverance pays off. 

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Soon as Spring arrived, Mark and I set to landscaping the acre to the front and back of the house. As per, it was back breaking graft with yet more boulders and stones to shift. The geology suggests that while we're at the top of hill, at some point in the past, this landmass was either a body of water or larger river bed, hence all the hardware.

Sticking to the same principles that have proved productive, used recycled and repurposed materials to create the front garden, and despite a few reservations were delighted to see that come Summer everything flourished. Mark also built a sittieooterie (Scot's Doric for a roofed gazebo) which sits where we can enjoy the last of the evening sun before it tucks behind the Pines at bedtime.

We also made a moon gate and my cauldron now sits in the middle of the garden within a magick stone circle.

The foundation of my Wild Art, so it fills my heart to look out the window and see her in-situ, front and centre. 

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Foggy Bummers saw a prosperous and serendipitous year. I introduced an online magazine (it even has pages that turn with satisfying sound effects!) to replace my newsletter. If you're not a Wildling (why nae?) here's the link. 

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Receive 15% off your First Purchase when you sign up, and The Foggy Bummers Zine.

An online magazine with a twist in the tail! Created to help deepen your connection with Mother Nature, and bring a little light and love to your life. Packed full of magick, this is the place where we can coven.

It's where I share my latest work, inspiring content and behind the scenes from my wee studio hidden in the heart of the woods.

As a Wildling, you’ll be the first to know about upcoming launches and print releases. 

You’ll also receive exclusive deals and priority discounts, available only to subscribers. 

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 Alongside my website, there's now the Etsy Store and my YouTube Channel 

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Although I haven't made a video in a while and is still a work in progress, it introduces my Wild Art to a wider audience. Plus it's handy to have the channel when I want to send my subscribers a wee video. 

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In late Summer I did the North East Open Studio, a week where I welcomed visitors to my studio, and chatted about my practice. I also had two paintings exhibit, one with Aberdeen Artist Society and the other with The Inverarity Gallery. As a self-taught artist, this was a dream made real and example that, however hard, one should never give up on them.

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Speaking of dreams, after much deliberation and procrastination, I finally decided on the illustrative style for Tails from the Black House. This year it will be my main focus, with a few creative projects for when I need a break from working on the book. 

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2025 for myriad reasons was a tumultuous one, and although we're only a few weeks into the new, it looks like this year will be even harder to navigate. So I want to leave you with the synopsis of Càraid; Scot's Gaelic for friend.

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As with all my Wild Art such is their alchemical nature, all incorporate the elements of air, fire, earth and water.

This painting symbolizes the circle, that everything and everyone is connected.

Light and Dark, both sides of the same coin.

The swans reflect our differences yet mirror our kinship.

There are years that ask questions and years that answer, only time will tell.

But if one things hold true, there is power in community, and hope is a thing with feathers.

Colours and creeds of all kinds, if we flock together such will be the moon on our wings, all badness will be blinded by the light.

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So whatever this new year brings, hold tight and anchor to those you love.
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Together we can weather any storm and mine there's iron in your blood. You weren't born into this world bloodied and screaming to never bare your teeth.