This week I escaped up north to Pitlochry, to the lovely Atholl Palace hotel for a mini break Christmas present. It felt quite self-indulgent, eating nice food, relaxing and visiting a beautiful waterfall, a viewpoint overlooking the valley and wandering around Loch Fascally, when there is a war raging in Ukraine.

It is hard to imagine the horror these people are enduring, in what is supposed to be a civilised world. I am pleased to see that Rotary, of which I am a member, have mobilised their disaster aid funds and people on the ground, to offer support. We are fortunate to have honest, free press, who report a balanced account of what is happening.

Back here in Scotland life goes on at a pace. It has been a busy time with commissions of special gifts. I have retirement, engagement leaving and wedding gifts back from the framers. Once delivered to the recipients I will have lots to share.

The bandana-Rama pet portrait judging is this weekend, so that will be another one to add to the list.

On the book front, the pre-sale AUTHOR Section of my website is now open, and I have had multiple orders already, with one even coming from USA. Anyone ordering from outside of the UK should email me separately, as their p&p will be different.

I have also had the first versions of the front cover back from the graphic designer, featuring my illustration. I can’t wait to share the final version with everyone. It looks great.

The manuscript has also been shared with a small number of people who may possibly agree to endorse it, so fingers crossed. Contacts are starting to be made with media connections for promotion opportunities too… watch this space.