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Hello there, Hiveans! In recent weeks you might have started to think that I had disappeared from the face of the earth. But rest assured, or unfortunately for those who were happy with my absence, I am still alive. I am alive and kicking! I've just been swamped lately. And no, these were not exciting adventures that provided me with many topics for conversation, or a megaload of photos. No, I was busy in my creative world armed with a brush in one hand and a cup of tea or coffee within reach.

Painting Commission

Let me start with my latest creative challenge. I was asked to make a large painting of 115 x 75 cm. The only requirement for this was that there had to be three horses on it, that's it: no further instructions, just a few photos of the horses received from the owners. And although you may think that is simple, it is not! I'm creative enough to think of anything. But how do you know what someone likes if they have no idea? In addition, I knew that the horses had to be painted in a photorealistic way. So yes, enough challenge. So I started working on it enthusiastically, and the first draft took me some time, but the result is now starting to take shape.

Time For A Website

Now I'm certainly not the only creative person at home. My partner certainly doesn't sit still either. And although he works a full-time job during the week, he is always creative with wood on the weekends. I paint and do pyrography, while my partner does woodturning, woodcarving, intarsia, and making other creative wooden things. Yes, he just absolutely loves wood. Our home now starts as a collector's site, but no matter how much we like it, we simply can't keep everything. So we decided it might be time for a website.

Domain name Drama

In between painting, I took time to find and claim a domain name. You would think it would be simple, but no, every name I came up with was already taken. Finally, I found one that appeals to me so now the 'fun' of putting a website online can begin. No, I'm not sharing the name yet, there's nothing to see yet. Please be patient. By the time I get to that point, maybe I'll share it... But that's MAYBE!

Skipper's Solo Adventures

And then we have Skipper, our dog. He is doing very well but requires a little more attention now that he no longer has the company of the other two dogs. That means extra playtime and cuddles. After all, he must have a good life. But despite his good mood, lately, we occasionally found droplets of blood on the floor. No wounds to be found, no ticks, nothing. It's a mystery.

Vet Drama

Because Skipper is an unneutered male who turns six years old in November, he may have a benign enlargement of his prostate. This can cause blood loss. Today a visit to the vet is planned. Hopefully, everything goes well and our big guy doesn't get too stressed about this trip. That could sometimes be disappointing. Skipper shows quite autistic behavior, everything he doesn't know he finds exciting and scary. He is sometimes terrified by the smallest things, and he doesn't like strange people much either. Do I need to mention that he has never been to the vet? Fortunately, he is a healthy dog, but now it could turn out to be detrimental, and well, he weighs quite a bit... so it could become a vet drama. I am not alone, my partner is also coming along. And I must say that I trust our vet 100%. He knows what he is doing and how to deal with animals.

Summer vacation

And then, well, with all these activities I almost forget that my partner still has to work for 1 week before his much-deserved summer vacation finally starts. Then he has two weeks off from his boss. God, how I hoped he would always have freedom from his boss because of crypto! I just think back to the projects I had such hope for, and the disappointments that ultimately resulted. So far nothing has come of the passive income, and no, my partner cannot wave goodbye to his boss either. So unfortunately we still have to make do with two weeks of holiday. And then let's keep our fingers crossed for good weather because so far the summer in the Netherlands has been depressing. Rain, cold, and more rain. It's time to pack your bags and find a sunny destination. Unfortunately, that is not possible this year...

So, there you have it. My disappearance was solved. No secret missions, but just busy creatively with painting, woodworking, building a website, dog, housework, and a bit of vet drama. And don't worry, ...

I'm still here, alive and kicking!