A Cozy Beginning: Stories Brewed with Coffee and Chocolate - musings with a brush and a pencil in my hand
Using art as a healing tool is what I shout about from the rooftops
Well, dear reader, it’s storytelling time. My coffee is ready, chocolate sits nearby, and there’s a little something delicious to keep them company. Let’s dive in!
It's 2025! The end of the year once stirred a longing in me for grand celebrations—parties filled with the joy of family gathered around the table, laughter ringing through the air, a bit of dancing, and a seemingly endless parade of delicious dishes emerging from the kitchen. There was always good wine and lively, engaging conversation in my scenario to top it all off. The kind of festive cheer I still yearn for is beautifully captured in the image below, taken from a beloved movie based on the Romanian play D’ale carnavalului by Ion Caragiale, our master of humour and comedy.
I can’t help but reflect on how some people are driven by an insatiable curiosity for the future—wondering what AI will bring next, what new SMART gadget they can connect to (the irony doesn’t escape me), or chasing the latest must-have or must-do trend.
As for me, my fascination lies elsewhere. I’m endlessly captivated by the past—deeply curious about ancient worlds, the timeless works of the classics, and those with a consuming passion to uncover the mysteries of distant history. I find joy in mastering and understanding nature’s gifts—how it nurtures our emotions and bodies—and in the profound beauty of true human connection.
It won’t surprise you, then, to hear that for new years eve, I binged on Atlantis, a TV series I highly recommend. Pairing it with some cava, a touch of smoked salmon—such indulgence—and the occasional Lady of the Library YouTube channel videos, it felt like pure decadence. I must admit, I could listen to her storytelling for hours on end without tiring. What a gift she has! Her passion and expertise in ancient worlds spark a delightful dance in my grey cells every time.
The New Year often brings resolutions, to-do lists, and a surge of enthusiasm—especially for those who believe that if "everyone’s doing it," it must be the right way. After all, others surely know best—so who am I to do things differently?
Having been through this cycle many times, complete with its accompanying pressure and inevitable disappointments, I’m now seeking a more relaxed, less stressful approach. Curiosity is my new guiding principle. Let’s see where it leads and how it all unfolds.
In the meantime, let’s dive in the next chapter dedicated to my daily art endeavours, part of the Art heals and empowers series.
Time and time again, I realize that drawing and painting are powerful coping mechanisms for me—an alchemy of sorts. Through this process, I can transform anxiety, harsh words I've been exposed to, difficult memories, and more.
You don’t need to create anything spectacular to start feeling a sense of release. A few simple lines, just touching the white paper with the tip of your pen or pencil, is enough. From there, you can add color if you wish.
This process takes me back many years to when I was learning to write. I remember filling countless pages with simple lines and squiggles, forming the foundation of letters. It was an absorbing, powerful experience.
Now, we use the oh so fancy word "mindfulness" to describe this kind of activity, but back then, it was simply a part of life—a grounding normality.
Sometimes we tell stories with the brushes, sometimes with the pen, keyboard, sometimes with the fingers. Self expression on a peaceful evening.
Downloading emotions through lines and colours on another grey day and sending an open invitation to the sun to visit this part of the world!
Sometimes strength comes in the shape of a walk by the sea, sometimes in reading a book, sometimes in allowing an image to appear on the canvas or paper.
It seems to be an ongoing storm in my part of the world—the wind is screaming rather than whispering, and the rain lashes against the windows with relentless, overpowering force. It brings to mind scenes from one of my favorite books, “Wuthering Heights”. And yes, everything is grey.
How does one balance such a backdrop?
With color, I’d say—with a fresh drawing, a splash of creativity, and a reminder to the self:
It’s time to remember who you truly are.
I don t know about you but when I want to re experience moments of normality and peace I pick up a book written by authors who are long gone! People who wrote their work before travelling was for everybody, before the so called spirituality was trumpeted from the roof tops and sold in all forms at every corner, before everybody was pushed to become exhibitionists and sales vendors.
Yesterday, I came across the phrase, "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face out of the blue." I found it quite spot-on—an apt counterpoint to the advice of many self-proclaimed gurus and individuals with a Messiah complex
The pot of coffee is consumed, chocolate as well. May 2025 be gentle with us all because God knows we need it. Remember to hang on to whatever makes you feel good, remember to pick up a pencil or brush from time to time, remember to write and last but not least remember that books do save lives.
Until next time, be well!
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Beautiful work