I have wood chips in my pyjamas.

This time last year I was writing about The Netherlands and my new love affair with Amsterdam. Who would have thought that a year later I would be sitting in my own lovely attic apartment overlooking a canal? I had an inkling, I suppose, but am so grateful to the events, both good (meeting and falling in love with my Dutchman) and bad (being ill and having to resign from my regular work), of 2011 that led me here, to a 2012 full of possibilities.

So what is in store for me this year? I guess it is summed up in my New Year's resolution: Be kind to myself. And kindness to oneself comes in many forms; from eating as much cheese as I wish (sans-guilt!) to curling up with a book and a cup of tea whilst the European winter winds blow all around me. This year, I am allowing myself to follow inspiration wherever it may lead, rest whenever I feel under strain and, most importantly, live for a little while rather than merely survive.

Which brings me to the rather odd title of this post. The wood chips in my PJs interfere a little with my plans to lounge around all day in said outfit, but I couldn't be happier that they're there. This is because half of the living space in our little apartment is dedicated to my Dutchman's venture San's Skulpturen, and I watch from the couch as Sander (yes, such a fantastic name for a woodcarver!) hammers and chisels and chips away at a piece of wood until a beautiful form emerges. And in our conversations during coffee break we bounce ideas back and forth until before you know it our artistic sensibilities have collaborated and we have designed something new together. After all of this excitement I usually have a nap.

Butterfly Trinket Box
Our first official collaborative piece, available now on Etsy.

ink & whim is evolving a little to reflect this new adventure, and I hope that you will all enjoy coming along for the ride. Expect some random posts about my new favorite wood, for instance (it's padouk, in case you're wondering), and tales from my happy new world.