BBC TV : South Today Interview

New York after Hurricane Sandy hit last week

I will be sharing news of my book signing and watercolour workshop tour of USA soon but at the moment I am still recovering from the anxiety of trying to fly home last week after we were stranded by Hurricane Sandy. I feel nauseous due to the stress and more than that, I feel so guilty for enjoying wonderful sunshine, a peaceful home and beautiful surroundings when so many people hit by  Sandy are still without power,cold and suffering due to the impact of this  historical storm.

Yesterday I was interviewed by the BBC and today will be on "South Today" at lunchtime and this evening news. It felt unreal as my husband had just collected our pets from where they had been staying during our trip. Bailey was so happy to be home but nervous of the TV camera in my studio where the interview took place. Biscuit,one of our cats meowed loudly during the whole of the filming.When she was gently shushed out of the way, by the interviewer, she made her presence known by pushing a box on the floor around with her paw. Finally Bailey got over his nerves of the camera and made his way to my side but still looked warily at the intruder in my art room.

The animal antics distracted me at times and I was relieved because inside I have been feeling sick. Maybe it is a collection of the anxiety from the last few days but watching the USA news constantly while I was in NY,sitting and talking to strangers whose lives have been so badly affected and hearing all kinds of  traumatic stories has taken its toll. I don't feel like "me" at the moment.

This time last week I was taking my first watercolour workshop in New York. I met wonderful people and over the next two days  totally fell in love with them and I will be going back next year. But in a twenty four hour period the atmosphere changed and I doubt if anyone will ever forget that time. Witnessing the colour drain out of Manhattan.

I will share happier news on my blog really soon but this week has hit me for six and it will take a little time to bounce back. Especially when so many are still suffering.

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Hurricane Sandy, New York Trip 2012

 Colour draining from Manhattan this week due to Hurricane Sandy.

My blog has been quieter for longer than I expected, as I have been stranded in New York due to Hurricane Sandy. I was teaching there the day before the storm hit and only got back home last night, which was really lucky as the only flights home offered to us initially had been next week.

I have had a fantastic time in Texas and New York and will share my news later but for now my thoughts are with everyone so very badly hit by this storm. I have heard stories that are heartbreaking, hugged complete strangers who have had to move out of their homes and  I have heard about lives lost. Many people have been evacuated from their homes with no clue as to when their lives will be anything near normal again. The damage to some areas is unbelievable.

My main personal concern has been getting home but I had a home to return to. Many people this week will not. Please think of them right now. This hurricane is an experience I would never wish to repeat but I will be returning next year to USA  with more watercolour workshops so please follow my blog or keep an eye on my web site for news.

And to everyone I met on my travels, I love you , miss you and am so happy I had the chance to speak, not type, to you and share my passion for watercolour!

I am tired and emotional after the last few days and definitely needing a rest.

I have just given an interview with BBC TV so will be on South Today tomorrow in the lunch and evening news again this week. Bailey who had just  come home from kennels insisted on being interviewed too!

Best wishes,its good to be home.

Jean