APRIL NOTES
Spring has finally arrived in the Netherlands! The flowers and trees are blooming and the sun is out (at least for now). As years pass and I grow older, I have noticed that the weather outside plays a greater role in my mood. I was, and still am, a big fan of the colder season and rain as it creates cozy vibes at home. Ever since moving to the Netherlands, I started appreciating the sun and the warmth it brings so much more. I feel like a lizard that cannot wait to stay a bit in the sun and take in all of the rays of sunshine.
Having so many gloomy and wet days, my mood and mental health started declining, especially at the beginning of Spring, when I expect for the weather to change, but we are still not there yet. The warm and sunny days fill me with joy, hope and a desire to explore the world.
MENTAL HEALTH AND ART
After finally getting a few days of Spring, my mood has improved quite a lot and my energy levels are a bit higher. I was able to fill in another page in my sketchbook with a fun little painting and to also continue on my progress of the cassette animation. Trying to remind myself to enjoy the process more rather than always looking out for the perfect outcome.
For me, whenever I am in a bad mood or feeling rather low or anxious, I cannot make myself create anything or express my feelings on paper. The act of creating can take place only when I can focus and let myself explore ideas, thus when my brain lets me feel safe.
CHALLENGES AND PRODUCTIVITY
The connection between my mental health and creation process can be detrimental for me, as it can impact my productivity and make me face more challenges along the way. That means that whenever I feel low or have stressful thoughts on my mind, I cannot let myself create. I cannot stand in one place, cannot focus mentally on the task on hand (unless it is something more mechanical) and have a short attention span. In these situations I try to do something else that soothes me, in order to feel a little bit better.
That does not mean that on the better days I get to be amazingly productive. I can still have days, when I am only able to put down a small doodle or thumbnail (like the one above). The painting I have added in my sketchbook is not that complex, but it took me almost one week to finish it. Only because there were days when I was already mentally drained from work or other personal issues or on other days I just could not get myself to touch my sketchbook. Given I am not forced to create to a certain deadline, I can allow myself to take it easy on tougher days.
It is important to know your limits and how to push yourself when needed. Do not set unattainable goals that can put more pressure on you. Baby steps are better than nothing, so take it nice and easy, in case it is possible. Be proud and celebrate any achievement along your journey.
MISC.
Video Games: I am proud to say that this month I have wrapped up two video games. These two games I have played together with my partner, not that they necessarily were co-op, but we both enjoy a good puzzle. My partner is also very patient and sees things from a different perspective, thus if I were to get stuck he would help me out. In case you do have the opportunity to play a game together with someone, it is worth giving it a try. You can discuss the plot or have a fun time solving together the puzzles.
“Professor Layton and the Curious Village” is the first entry in the series, where you can go on an adventure alongside Professor Layton and his apprentice, Luke. In this game we are on the mission to solve the mystery of the Golden Apple, which is an unidentified object left as inheritance to whoever can find it. Along this journey many questions arise and everything is not as it seems. You can encounter many puzzles that will get harder as you further proceed. This is where my partner was a great help as some of the puzzles I could not figure, he managed to solve them… way too fast. Of course, in case you do get stuck there are hints for each puzzle or you can look up a guide online. All in all, it was a fun game with so many twists and turns, lovable characters and puzzles that can make you take your pen and paper out to solve them.
The second game of this month was “Portal 2”, by the recommendation of my partner. Even though I am not a big fan of first-person games, I heard so many good things about this game that I thought of giving it a try. As with Professor Layton, this game is also puzzle based, but with a completely different take. I have finished the first Portal game last year and I was so intrigued by it and the characters that I had to play the sequel as well. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint, moreover it made me like it even more. Next to the single player story, there is also the option for co-op, where you play as one of the two adorable robots. Me and my partner started off with the co-op story, thus the single player story felt much more easier. I am actually sad that the game is over and will not hear the quirky characters anymore.
Movies/Shows: While scrolling through the many options that the streaming apps offer, “Chain Reaction” popped up and gave it a try as I was in the mood for a ‘90s movie… and it had Keanu Reeves in it as well. Not the best movie, but it offers the classic thriller approach with some action and plot twists that can be rather predictable. Something to watch casually on one evening when you have no ideas what to watch.
In another session of scrolling through movie options, I have stumbled over “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” and that is where my journey of watching all of Wes Anderson’s movies starts. For the time being I have seen the following ones:
”Isle of Dogs”
”The Grand Budapest Hotel”
”Fantastic Mr. Fox”
”The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”
”The French Dispatch”
”Moonrise Kingdom”
”The Royal Tenenbaums”
”Rushmore”
Missing only a few more and really excited to see “Asteroid City” and “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”. I do love Wes Anderson’s way of setting up the entire movie, from the colour palette to the quirky characters.
Books: In April I got to read and wrap up quite a few books and I cannot be more proud. You can find more of my thoughts on each book on my goodreads page, but I will leave a short note for each book: “Unnatural Causes”: More of an autobiography rather than focusing on the medical aspect. You do get a lot of insight in the pathology world and it can be quite interesting, with the bonus of reading about a few famous cases. Sometimes it just feels that the writing style and choice of narration does not help with the story as a whole.
“Nu te gasesc pe nicaieri”: A Romanian memoir that hits all of the nostalgic spots for a ‘90s kid and tells the tale of grief in such a way that you cannot be left unscathed.
“Owl”: A short story to add a little bit more relationship development between the main character and their best friend. Adorable and cute, but not necessarily needed for the trilogy’s plot.
“A Gentleman in Moscow”: The story of a gentleman that is in house arrest in a grand hotel. You get to see how his life and relationships evolve throughout many years. It has a slower beginning, but do stick with it as you will soon get involved in the Count’s life and start rooting for him. Many lovable characters and interesting twists and turns.
“The Maid”: A cliche mystery thriller story with a neurodivergent maid that manages to get herself in rather tricky situations. Fun read, that can keep you entertained, but still think that compared to Eleanor Oliphant’s character, Molly is not as likeable.
“Before the coffee gets cold: Tales from the Cafe”: A collection of emotional stories from various characters that wish to go back in time or in the future to meet with loved ones with the help of a cafe. Next to all of the really touching stories, you get to know more of the mysterious story of the cafe owners.
Music: After quite a few months, I am back to listening to Don Diablo’s Hexagon Radio. It is a radio created by the Dutch DJ, Don Diablo, where he showcases songs created by various artists, from house to the whole spectrum of electronica. Over the years, I have found quite a few of my favourite songs through Hexagon Radio. Each episode is 1 hour long and currently there are 430 episodes to go through, that is a lot of music to listen to.
That was it for the month of April. Sadly, not a lot of creative updates, nevertheless I am happy with any small creation I managed to squeeze in. The month of May will involve a lot of travelling as I am going back to my home country. I will need to see how or if I can fit in some drawing time, but it shall be more for fun rather than anything serious. Take care and see you soon! 🌿 ✨