I am quite a political person.

Not that you would generally know this from my blog. I normally steer clear of politics here, because my blog’s not about that.

Also, I don’t like those online arguments that seem to blow up out of nowhere once people start discussing politics online. I may be political, but I am not argumentative. At least, not online I’m not.

So please forgive me for bringing politics into things today. It’s not meant to upset anyone.

Like most of my creative friends, I am reeling at the outcome of the referendum. Absolutely knocked for six. Upset in a way I can’t quite yet deal with, in fact.

It wasn’t planned as a post-referendum distraction, but I was very, very glad that I happened to have booked onto a Sherwood Art Week workshop.

If ever I needed a distraction, it was yesterday morning, post Brexit. I dried my eyes and went to make dolls’ house accessories.

Fiddling with tiny pieces of paper and little dobs of glue was the perfect thing.

Some people made Shakespeare-related items – tiddly-tiny books, quill pens and paperweights. But I, given the choice, made flowers.

Of course I did.

The first thing I made was a little wreath, using tiny paper punches and a pipe cleaner …

And then some paper roses…

Which brings to mind the Marie Osmond song of the same name.

The workshop was held at The Post Office Garden, a lovely crowd-funded community venue, just around the corner from me in Nottingham. I donated to the project last year (when it was still semi-derelict) and so was keen to see how it had progressed.

And it is so lovely….

It houses a community kitchen, for catering, courses and anyone who wants to rent health inspector-approved premises for food-related activities. There are plants for sale, a workshop / studio space, and, of course, the garden itself…

Anna and Toby, whose brainchild the place is, were a bit flustered. They were having a big launch event and open day on Saturday, and Anna was stressing over the amount of work still to do in preparation.

So I offered to help.

I wanted to spend more time in that beautiful garden, tucked away just off the main road. I wanted to distract myself from brooding on things. But most of all, I wanted to contribute something positive. To counterbalance the negativity that seemed about to engulf everything.

I spent the afternoon clearing pathways of dandelions and tying back floppity plants.

I went home dirty of hand, scratched of arm, and a little happier of heart.

To find distraction in creativity; to give help when it is needed; to spend time in nature – these may be small comforts in the big scheme of things.

But sometimes, small comforts are all we have.

And, for now, they’ll just have to do. ♥