So it's been a while since I wrote a blog post.

I was fully motivated to be on top, all of the time. Then life happened.

We're moving to Glasgow in just under three weeks and life is crazy right now. We're selling absolutely everything and starting over. So in the spirit of that, I've popped my Etsy shop on holiday mode as I won't be able to print any orders between now and getting settled. I'm hoping it wont be longer than two months because that's a long time.

In the meantime, you can look at my prints here and if you wanted to order an instant download you can message me over on Etsy.

Over the years, I've collected and hoarded.

I was taught from a young age (from a specific source) that things mattered. Not in some huge materialistic way, like I must consume everything, that I must have all the expensive gadgets and fashion but in a way that summed up any emotional attachment or event. Other people in my life didn't see the world this way and I wish I was able to have listened more to them but when you are young and vulnerable you have little control over your influencers.

Photographs, clippings, toys, clothes, shoes, accessories, technology; all these things we surround ourselves with to fill that hole. Growing up in a society that sums up your value by how much you have, is not the way to live. We're taught we're supposed to live to work, that we have to put up with a rubbish job just to pay the bills. I'm done with that those ideals and have been for a while.

As a creative and as someone who is opinionated and stubborn, I refuse to be told how to live. I refuse the idea that you have to put up with mediocrity. The idea that blood family is everything, that you have to lay down and die for those you are biologically connected to, even if they don't deserve it. All these societal norms that I disagree with, but am surrounded by on a daily basis.

If you want something in this life, in this one life we have, you have to fight for it. You have to work hard and push yourself forward. Being dragged down by all these artifacts from your past won't let you progress to a happier, more fruitful place. They're constant reminders of what has been, of course not all these things are negative. We keep items that remind us of those wonderful, happy times. Those times with loved ones who maybe aren't here anymore. In that case, sometimes it's imperative to keep mementos, to feel close to them - just know the difference between a bond and being tied down.

I'm going to be 30 this year. Shit, that kind of scares me but it also excites me. My twenties have been in a place I never wanted to come back to. In September, in the autumn which is my favourite time of year, I want to be somewhere else and I'm prepared to do what it takes to do that. All I need are those important things (that I will have organised very soon) and my husband. We'll take off, lightly packed and full of energy, hope and love. Leaving behind those that no longer help us grow.

Minimalism isn't just about having less than 30, 40 or 50 things. It's about losing anything or anyone that isn't benefiting your life. It's about appreciating what you have and living with happiness not the anxiety of having negative baggage dragging behind you.

I'm documenting my journey on my blog for myself and also because I would love to learn from others that have come before me and leave behind any wisdom I have or will gain for those in front of me.

Anastasia

Hi,

I took the day yesterday to edit a print that I'd had in my shop for a while that wasn't doing well. It was too simple and not in a good way, so I illustrated some cute animals and tasty vegan food and voilá, a new quirky print.


Perfect for those who love snacks, compassion and furry babies. Buy here :)

Hey,

So yesterday, I posted a coupon code for my Etsy store, which enables you to get 15% off EVERYTHING. There's no minimum order and you can use it on both prints and greeting cards!

Go have a nosey and see if there is something you like > madebyanastasia.etsy.com <