Tove Jansson & the end of November

November has been quite a busy month. Been working hard on Christmas presents and some writings. SleepyBear and I will soon have to look for apartments since we are moving in January. Oh, I am getting so excited for the Holidays too!
I've been quite the magpie this month too, gathering inspirations and pictures, and words here and there. One of my biggest inspiration this month has been Tove Jansson, her art and words.
There is something so whimsical and magical about it all. An essence I wish I could grasp. Feels like a warm blanket to wrap yourself into on cold, dark, winter days.

It was so unbearably beautiful that I had to get away from the whole thing as quickly as possible, send it away, do something ! So I sat down firmly and placed both feet on the iceberg and pushed it as hard as I could. It didn’t move.
Go away! I shouted. Clear off!
And then the iceberg glided very slowly away from me and was caught by the off-shore wind. I was so cold that I ached and saw the iceberg carried by the wind towards the sound—it would sail right out to sea with Daddy’s torch on board and the ducks would sing themselves hoarse when they saw an illuminated bridal barge coming towards them.
[…] When I got to the steps I turned round and looked. My iceberg shone steadily out there like a green beacon and the batteries would last until sunrise because they were always new when one had just moved to the country. Perhaps they would last another night, perhaps the torch would go on shining at the bottom of the sea after the iceberg had melted and turned into water.

- from The Sculptor's Daughter

"I can dive", Sophia said. "Do you know what it feels like when you dive?"
"Of course I do," her grandmother said. "You let go of everything and get ready and just dive. You can feel the seaweed against your legs. It's brown, and the water's clear, lighter towards the top, with lots of bubbles. And you glide. You hold your breath and glide and turn and come up, let yourself rise and breathe out. And then you float. Just float."
"And all the time with your eyes open," Sophia said.
"Naturally. People don't dive with their eyes shut."
"Do you believe I can dive without me showing you?" the child asked.
Yes, of course", Grandmother said.

- from The Summer Book

As December approaches, much kinder than November, I find myself renewed with inspiration and enthusiasm for different projects and artwork. Though it will be a busy time, with the holidays and the move to a new city, I hope to have the time to indulge in a few favorite activities.
Hope you are all well dearies. xxx

p.s. if you want to see more of Tove Jansson's work, take a look at my inspirational board on pinterest.

"One summer morning at sunrise a long time ago
I met a little girl with a book under her arm.
I asked her why she was out so early and
she answered that there were too many books and
far too little time. And there she was absolutely right."

- Tove Jansson