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2009

December 31st
Invited to a lovely party in a garden at Gaunts Common. A barn decked out with exotic materials, wall hangings, comfy seats and cushions, plus a wood burner. Outside a big roary fire, a couple of Yurt's and a tree-house for the children to play in. A lovely way to celebrate New Year's Eve plus Bob's Birthday. 'Happy Birthday' Bob :-) It was also a full Blue Moon... Beautiful!!!

December 29th
Lovely Birthday day today. Thank you Brian. Received some lovely pressies & cards. Spent the morning infront of the fire at home playing with my new toys and then to Mum and Dad's. Stayed with them until bed time and then home. Lovely day together. Precious moments.

December 28th
Lovely sunny day and cycle ride with Brian and Teyha. Sadly, Mum fell again late afternoon - thankfully no damage done.

December 26th
Yesterday a.m delivered pressies and then spent rest of day with Mum & Dad. Brian & I had toast for Christmas dinner and after helping M+D, finally arrived home late and exchanged our pressies infront of our roary fire. One of the best Christmas Days Ever! Gifts, food etc were irrelevant. It was just lovely all being together:)

December 23rd
Dad fell indoors & was on the floor for 4hrs as bad weather delayed the ambulance. My car wouldn't start. Horrendours a.m. Numerous accidents on the roads across the county hence the delays.

December 21st
Mum is home :-). Our decorations are up, pressies are wrapped and mince pie making time is here again :) Am feeling festive!! Wishing You All A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you too, to Special friends for all your support throughout this year.

December 12th
Lovely early morning stroll along Studland Beach, in the sunshine with Tehya, whilst Brian cantered off into the distance on his two hour Birthday pressie horse ride. This was followed by a lovely lunch overlooking the bay and the beach in Swanage. A good day. :-)

December 11th
Busy days.... Mum still in hosp. Operation finally went ahead on Wednesday 9th. Sorting orders, late night shopping last night Christmas and birthday shopping - Brian's birthday tomorrow. Am back into hospital on Monday for a minor operation. What a crazy year this has been.

December 7th
Unfortunately Dad has taken a few tumbles recently, also Mum was admitted back into hospital on December 4th.

November 28th
At the studio today! Great to pick up my pastels and be drawing again.

Novvember 23rd
Home renovations; laying more carpet and re:arranging furniture ... not much artwork happening here!!! Just catching up with jobs....

November 22nd
Saw Eddie Izzard tonight... Brilliant! I now have a permanent grin on my face :) Definitely recommend!

November 18th
Laying carpet at home. Everything is now upside down and piled high!

November 16th
Apologies for any confusion caused by my website over the past few days. I have been making new pages, altering text, adding photo's of the Book Launch plus new products. All hopefully is now running smoothly. If you find any discrepancies please do let me know. Have also been busy with Christmas orders - the last week has just flown by.....cripes! and Christmas is on its way...

November 7th
Brilliant day at the U.K Wolf Conservation Trust Book Launch. Met up with old friends and new. The sun shone!

I met some lovely people, sold some prints and cards plus I had to book sign along with Marco, Denise and Alistair!!!!!
.....and I still cannot quite believe it.  :) For more information please also see Wolf Diary & Wolf Book Launch!

October 24th
Printing like crazy. Very wet out there today!

October 21st
Brian and I had a great time sat in The Gods at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth, last night :-) The Victorian building, with its art deco interior and ornate ironwork, has been restored. I was last there in the 70's; parts of the building were deemed unsafe, the carpets were squelchy, and Captain Beefheart was doing his thing. It was good to be back; the light show was brilliant and Franz Ferdinand not bad either :)

October 17th
Saw John Otway and Wild Willie Barrett tonight at the 'Cheese and Grain' in Frome. :)

October 12th
Good 'Wood Fair' weekend. Thank you to all who popped in to say Hi.

As I didn't have a chance to pop out with my carmera, the photographs below have been supplied courtesy of my dear friends David and Christine, pictured below.

October 9th
The Wood Fair is back at Larmer Tree this weekend. Should be fun - it was a good show two years ago.. Fingers crossed that the weather is dry. If you are in the area please pop in and say Hi..

October 5th
Dad feeling better and life is settling down again :-) Bliss!

Spetember 29th
Unable to go anywhere so am sorting images and making a Wolf Diary page for website. At the moment Mum is improving slowly, but Dad is unwell. Also am making some interesting wildlife contacts on Facebook. I would never have thought it.

September 28th
Another visit to Salisbury Hosp. for a small op. for me. Am pleased all went well, though it 'knocked me for six' later in the day.

September 16th
Have been signed by an agent. Am very happy about this as they too, are concerned for our wildlife and the well being of our planet.

September 15th
Hopefully looking for Nathusius' Pips tonight. Weather permitting.

September 11th - 13th
The End of the Road Festival @ Larmer Tree Gardens. Great to see so many familiar faces from previous End of the Road Fests. Weather was great, scrumpy too! Good and busy weekend!

September 6th
Recommended reading!!! Excellent and hilarious book 'Last Chance to See' by the late Douglas Adams (author of Hitchhikers Guide).... Today at 8:00 p.m, BBC2 - Stephen Fry follows in Douglas Adams' footsteps and joins Mark Carwardine in search of endangered animals. Am looking forward to it :-)

September 4th
Hoping to be at the studio this afternoon.

September 2nd
Dad admitted into hospital this morning. Cannot believe it! Mum has only been home from hospital for 3 days.

September 1st
WorkAid collected some tools and sewing machines this afternoon, to be sent to help folk in Africa. Thank you Ron.

August 31st
Received a call at 9.30 p.m re: a bat that needed rescuing. Unfortunately the chap held onto the bat for a while prior to contacting me. It ate a little food and had a drink, but died later in the night. There were two puncture marks in his wings, indicating he had possibly been caught by a cat.

August 30th
Upside down again. Have just returned from my parents after caring for them for the past week. They both took a tumble over a week ago; Mum has been in hospital and is now home.

August
Both Mum and Dad fell within hours of each other. Dad knocked for six and needing full time care. Mum broke her wrist. Mum into hospital.

August 21st
Updating wolf text on webpages. Slowly but surely getting things sorted.

August 20th
Spent all last night working on connecting PC and laptop and backing up website. Huuwge Relief!!!!! I can now work on my website - hit a button - and all changes are backed up on the laptop....yeahhhh!!!! Can also work on the laptop at Larmer Tree - hit a button and transfer all the info. to the PC on my return home. How brilliant is that?????? :-) Must add - didn't do it by myself. A Big Thank You to Richard who did it all remotely from Devon! How mind bogglingly incredible is that! My mouse moved seemingly by itself... Still can't get my head around that one.

August 19th
Am drawing at Larmer Tree Studio again :-). Studio & Gallery open. Larmer Tree Gardens are also open until September..

August 17th
Soprano Pip released. Am pleased to say the holes in his tail membrane have not not stopped this little guy from flying. He is has been eating well and was eager to go.

August 16th
Japanese Tea Ceremony held at Larmer Tree, lots of visitors.  Lovely sunny day too.

August 15th
Daughters Birthday and my parents Wedding Anniversary!

August 14th
Finally released Long-Eared bat. She was a bit wobbly on take-off but within seconds was circling above our heads and then flew off down the country lane. As always, I fed her a few mealworms before release - there were also lots of moths about, so hopefully she will have had a good meal before beddy-byes. Pleased to say the little Pip. is still with us and eating well - will give him a test flight tonight.

August 13th
Sadly, I still have my little Long Eared battie, plus a new one, a Pip. Last night I had been hoping to release Long Eared as it was a lovely p.m. Bit of a long story, but to give bats the best chance, you release where they were found. Same colony, familiar territory. At 8.30 p.m I was enroute to Bulbarrow with her, when I received an emergency call re: a bat in someone's living room at Three Legged Cross. The caller said her 2 cats had been chasing it - the bat was bleeding and hiding under her lamp.

Cats are an absolute pain re: wildlife. More calls are received re: bats killed or injured by cats, than anything else. Anyway, the bat was in trouble and they were in a flap, s'cuse the pun... If I'd carried onto Bulbarrow it would have been really late by the time I got to the bat in distress, so did a quick turnaround in order to get him out of there. Little chappie has small puncture holes in his wing. Gave him antibio's and he eventually accepted water and a little food. Fingers x'd.

August 12th
Something went a tad skew-iff this p.m, hmm! how do you spell squiffy :-) I left home with one battie and returned with two??? uhh! another late night feed...doh!

August 10th
After a tricky start, my little Brown Long Eared bat has come on in 'leaps and bounds'. She now weighs 7.30gms and is flying really well.

August 4th
Where has this year gone to? I cannot believe we are in August already. I know that spending the first 6 months in hospital with Mum and Dad has taken its toll but - it has just whizzed! Mum is improving slowly but surely but sadly Dad is not well.

July 29th
Whilst at the Studio today, received a call from the Bat Conservation Trust. A Brown Long-Eared bat, Plecitus auritus, was found yesterday, in an empty washing-up bowl in a kitchen nr. Blandford Forum. The bat doesn't appear to be injured but is reluctant to drink or eat. Fingers crossed there aren't any underlying problems!

July 28th
Collected some tools this a.m to be sent to Africa. Thank you John! They included an old typewriter, 3 hand operated sewing machines, spanners, a socket set, hammers, chisels, drills and mumerous other items. Also went to the opticians and managed to get myself a parking ticket into the bargain. Unfortunately the appointment took longer than I anticipated. Not had one before....doh!

July 26th
A while ago, I was invited to judge the Wimborne Art Society's, 'Wildlife Art' Competition. Today was the day! I  have not judged a competition before and was excited at the prospect of viewing lots of lovely artwork, but also rather nervous too.  It suddenly seemed one hec' of a responsibility.

The Society memebers made me feel very welcome and it was super evening. The Wimborne Art Society - Annual Exhibition included 70-80 paintings and drawings and the standard of artwork was high!   The 'Wildlife Art' competition entries included paintings in a variety of media including oils, mixed media, pastels and watercolour.  Subjects included: paintings of Swans, a Dartford Warbler, an Owl and Avocets in various habitats. Tree bark, a Tiger, Ram, Pheasant, Deer, a Grant's Gazelle, Harvest Mice, Koala Bears and Cheetahs.  

I awarded First Prize to Alan Gibson for his superb watercolour, 'Emperor Geese and Goslings'. Second Prize to Jacqueline Wedgery for her watercolour, 'Hedgerow Life' and Third Prize to Sue Edwards for her lovely oil painting of a 'Grant's Gazelle'.   Approximately sixty people attended, and to top the evening off I also received a lovely bouquet of flowers. 

July 23rd
My name is listed on Amazon!!! Have just discovered the wolf book is due to be published: October 31, 2009 and am so excited.

A big Thank You to Denise for inviting me to be involved with an international wolf book project.  To contribute to a book concerned with the welfare and conservation of wolves was a dream come true!  To then be meeting and drawing wolves was a super experience.    It was great working with Denise and to meet Marco, Claudio and Alistair.  To now see the book advertised - Brilliant!!!!!! Congratulations to all concerned! :-)

A New Era for Wolves and People
Wolf Recovery, Human Attitudes, and Policy
by Marco Musiani, Luigi Boitani, and Paul Paquet

Product Description
Wolves hold an almost mythical status in the cultural history of Europe and North America. For hundreds of years, they have been the subject of fairy tales and other lore, embodying mystery, cunning, and sometimes threat. People are drawn to their beauty, intrigued by their behaviours. Yet for those who live in close proximity to wolves, coexistence is fraught with many serious issues. Wolf management is an excellent model of human-nature interaction and the challenges that come along with it. This book analyses the crucial relationship between human ethics, attitudes, and policy and the management of wolf populations in Europe and North America. The contributors to this volume assert that these human dimensions affect wolf survival just as much, if not more, than the physical environment. Contributors include recognised scientists and other wolf experts who introduce new and sometimes controversial findings. The book includes colour photographs by David C Olson and drawings by wildlife artist Susan Shimeld.

The book is available for pre-order from Amazon @

http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Era-Wolves-People-Attitudes/dp/1552382702/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248349848&sr=8-1

July 19th
Really lazy day and it was great to do just nothing. Picked gooseberries and then spent a lot of time on Facebook - totally unintended - but a friend asked if I would be her friend :-), so I did. Then it took almost the rest of the day to fill in my details and sort it out and by the end of the day I had 4 friends, one of them being Katie, my daughter! :-) What happens now?!?

July 16th
The clouds rolled in, the heavens opened and by the time I got to the studio it was almost too dark for drawing, doh! Not off to a good start here....

To make up for it, in the p.m we met up for a drink with some buddies in the pouring rain and listened to a couple of lovely tunes by Richard Thompson. To my huge surprise, during the p.m I was also introduced to the DJ Johnnie Walker.... Have enjoyed his radio progs. since I was 18-19 years of age. He was a 'breath of fresh air' at that time - there was good music around, but many of the other DJ's played a lot of rubbishy stuff. Also he had a sexy voice! :-)

Thank you Johnnie for the music and Paul for the intro!

July 15th
After the 'ups and downs' of the past 6 months I actually started drawing today. Have not drawn anything since December last year, can't believe it - and it was quite a challenge. Difficult under normal circumstances but with all the festival activities going on outside, it was like being sat in the centre of a huge market stall - haylp!!!!

July 12th
Popped into Bournemouth today to pick up some bits and saw my first ever 'Gay Pride' march - great fun to watch and a good atmosphere. I love unexpected happenings like this.

July 8th
Over the past week, I have been producing prints and greetings cards from my wolf artwork during the day and burning the midnight oil working on my website. I have wanted to get my wolf artwork on-line for ages and as things are settling slightly on the family-front, I decided now was the time. Have been producing new web pages, re:sizing and placing wolf images, and writing text to accompany the artwork. Tweaks and words are needed here and there, but at least my wolfy artwork can finally be viewed on-line.

July 2nd
Just as I am getting back into the Studio way of life, the Larmer Tree Gardens are closing for the festival preparations. Unfortunately, during the month of July access to my Studio is by appointment only. If you do wish to visit, please do call as I would be happy to meet with you. The gardens open again on August 3rd.

June 29th
Released the Pipistrelle bat this evening. Thankfullly, after his ordeal, he was okay and only needed a little TLC.  He was eager to go and we released him where he was initially found. He flew around the cottage garden a couple of times getting his bearings - then off up into the trees where, the owner said, he sees bats flying most nights. I like happy endings!

June 28th
Back in March I sent a couple of images off  to the 'BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year' competition. In April, I received an email informing me that I had been selected as a Finalist....yeahhh!!!!!!    Today, along with other artists, I had to take my artwork to be judged.  Unfortunately, I didn't get any further in the competition but, it was super to have been selected as a Finalist and to have got this far!  

An added bonus was meeting my lecturer, Rob Cook, from Bournemouth College of Art.  We  haven't seen each other for 11 years and I couldn't believe it when I heard his voice from across the Marwell Hotel car park saying, 'I know that face.... it's Susan Shimeld'.   Rob was the guy that initially interviewed me for the Natural History Illustration course.  He was encouraging, fun and an excellent tutor.  He left in 1998, the year that I gained my HND qualification, in order to teach Nat. Hist. and Scientific Illustration at Blackpool University. He too had been selected as a Finalist and it was great to catch up!

June 26th
So here I am almost back into the swing of things again.  Mum and Dad are recovering after their strokes and all the other illnesses and complications. It is difficult with them both still needing help and attention but for the first time in 6 months, I managed to open my little Studio & Gallery for 2 days last week.  Not drawing as yet, but it was so good to be back and, super timing, as we had a royal visitor from overseas.

Whilst there, I received a call re: an injured bat.  The first one this year. The gentleman very kindly brought the little Pipistrelle to me at the studio.  Thankfully it was not injured and just needed rehydrating, warmth and food.   I also recently did a bat survey here at home and in a colony that once contained 30+ Long-Eared bats, I counted 6!!!!!!  Bat numbers are definitely on the decline.  

June 19th
Back and forth from Poole again. Dad now home - numerous appointments and things to be sorted for both Mum and Dad. Closest I have been to visiting the studio this week was a couple of nights ago; to water everything.

June 11th
Dad is back in hospital.

June 10th
At the Studio this a.m. Placed my home-made hanging basket by the porch door, very pretty, even though I say so myself :-) tidied up a couple of manic shrubs, enjoyed the sunshine and ....picked up a pencil!!!

June 9th
Having some pics. framed. Three for a friend and one for the finals of the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009 competition.

Have also just watched a film about the Kingsnorth Six who were acquitted of causing criminal damage to the Kingsnorth coal-fired Power Station in Kent. This film is accompanied by music composed by Nick Laird-Clowes and former Pink Floyd guitarist Dave Gilmour. This is a behind the scenes look at Greenpeace and the brave people who are willing to put their liberty on the line for what they think is right. Kingsnorth pumps out 20,000 tons of CO2 every day, 9 million tons a year.

May 27th
Things are looking up!!! Mum and Dad are improving 'slowly but surely' and with the help of carers, I think I may now be able to take a step back.

Also my foot is on the mend and on Bank Holiday Monday we dusted away the cobwebs, mowed the lawn and had a tidy-up at the studio. Dare I say it.....I think I may be back in my studio very soon :-)

May 22nd
Am making the most of having to sit down with my foot up. Seems like a good time to catch up with computer and printing work.

May 18th
My turn now - so as not to be left out, am off to hosp. for a foot op. today, flippin' hec!

May 17th
Mum and Dad are still not in good shape.

May 14th
I am a Nanna Su again. Katie gave birth to another lovely little girl this a.m. Congratulations Kate, Sean and family. Sadly a friend is very unwell. There is so much going on - it's crazy. Wishing you better right this minute Chris!

May 11th
Mum has been discharged from hospital after breaking her ankle in March. My parents are finally together under the same roof. Phewf!

May 10th
Brian and I attended the U.K Wolf Conservation Trust Seminar in Reading this afternoon and it was well worth the journey.  Speakers included Dr. Marco Musiani, Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary and author of 'A New Era for Wolves and People' book. Dr. Alistair J . Bath a social scientist who studies human dimensions in wildlife resource management issues, and Dr. Claudio Sillero-Zubiri, a British zoologist, conservation biologist and founder of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme.

'A New Era for Wolves and People' will be published in October 2009. The two books bring together authoratitive perspectives on the ecological role played by wolves in the wild and developed environments where they occur on Earth. 'A New Era for Wolves and People' collates information from various authors into three broad sections; Discovering the Real Wolf in Natural and Semi-natural Ecosystems, Exploring the Potential for Ecological Science to Inform Wolf Management and Coping with Conflicts, Human Attitudes and Their Effects on Management Plans.

My wolf artwork, published in the 'A New Era for Wolves and People' book, can be viewed at my Nature in Fine Art - Wildlife Gallery (opening soon).  Wolf Fine Art Prints and Greetings Cards will be available for purchase shortly. With each sale a donation will be made to Wolf Conservation - helping to keep wolves in the wild!

May 5th
Dad home from hospital after bypass op.

May 3rd
Mum and Dad are still in hospital. Am accepting print and card orders but sadly have been unable to visit my Studio for the past 4 months. Can't wait to pick up a pencil again.

April 26th
Saw 'Ultravox' tonight in Bournemouth. It is great to get a complete change from the every day 'goings-ons' and seeing a live show takes you 'elsewhere' for a coule of hours.

April 24th
It is our Granddaughters birthday today - cannot believe she is two years old. Where does the time go to? Dad had an operation this morning. Love you Mum and Dad.

April 23rd
Should have been going to the NEC to see AC/DC in concert. With Dad being admitted to hospital today, I cancelled. Thank you for sorting the ticket Liam and saving the day. Much appreciated.

April 21st
Never thought I would ever pay to see a tribute band, not my 'cup of tea', BUT.... this band came highly recommended and they were fantastic. Words cannot describe how absolutely brilliaint 'Australian Pink Floyd' were tonight. Utterly Amazing!!!! If you like Pink Floyd and you ever get the chance to see them - I highly recommend you purchase tickets as quickly as you can - you will not be disappointed. Superb musicianship. Fantastic show!

April 20th
Brilliant news! My artwork has won through to the finals in the World Mammals category of the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year 2009 competition.

April 18th
Invited to a party in the sticks and it was lovely. Thank you Barry, Monique and Bob.

April 17th
Dad home. Thank you to all who have sent such kind and supportive words during this upside-down period for our family.

April 15th
Dad admitted back into hospital today, unfortunately this time not the same hospital as Mum.

April 4th
Saw Dr. Feelgood at Mr. Kyps tonight, and boy did he make us feelgood. Excellent show!

April 2nd
Mum is back in hospital. Dad is not in good shape either. It has been non-stop for 3 months.

March 25th
Received an email today inviting me to judge the Wimborne Art Club Annual Exhibition. This year the selected title is 'Wildlife'. The club has 50+ members and the prize presentation is to be held in July. It was a big surprise and lovely to have been asked.

March 20th
Saw Hugh Cornwell from The Stranglers at Mr. Kyps tonight.

March 9th
My dear Harricat passed away today; she was very poorly. Over the years we have had so much fun together and I loved her dearly. She would accompany us on walks and was just such a sweet puss and so affectionate. Lots of lovely memories.....a very sad Su.

March 6th
It has been a long haul and it is going to take time but both my parents are back home again.

February 12th
Between family goings-ons, have been attempting to string a couple of sentences together about myself and my artwork - bit tricky in 45 words. The information is to be included in the Dorset Visual Arts - 'Artists & Makers Map' which apparently, will be distributed across the county and elsewhere. The map is a free, visual guide showcasing some of Dorset's visual arts.

February 8th
Finally put my bat-boxes up today. They look great and hopefully will be put to good use in the Springtime.

Am also hoping to get up to the studio soon. The daily hospital run has been time consuming and I need to get back into the swing of things again.

February 7th
Managed to get out of the park after the snowfall, albeit gingerly, and down to Poole Hosp. to see Mum and Dad. Close to home the roads were treacherous but closer to town they weren't too bad. Mum and Dad are okay'ish but it is going to take quite a time to get them both back on their feet again.

Had a good moment whilst in town. I popped into Smiths and was delighted to find the March issue of the 'Artists and Illustrators' magazine on sale. The urge to tell everyone in the queue that I was in the magazine was difficult to resist, but I managed it - just. :-)

February 6th
Ooeerr! We are snowed in!!! The snow fell heavily for most of the day and at times it was difficult to see even the bottom of the garden. A white-out and everything looks very pretty. A winter wonderland!

February 4th
Lovely sunny start to the day. Everything is a picture! According to the weather forecast a ton of snow is going to fall over night, coo!

February 3rd
More snow, all morning, very exciting!

February 2nd
Overnight and early morning snowfall. Yippee! Later in the morning I was delighted to see Fallow deer at the bottom of our garden. I have never seen them in the garden before - cheeky monkeys - and in broad daylight!

January 21st
Thankfully Mum and Dad are improving a little with each day. Am not at the Studio as I am at Poole Hospital on a daily basis.

January 20th
Last year, the editor of the Artists and Illustrators magazine approached me regarding writing an article on Pet Portraiture. Have just learned that my feature is to be published in the March issue. :-)

January 15th
I learned today that my painting 'Tropical Butterflies of the World' is to be used in an advertisement, by Hahnemuhle Fine Art. I am especially delighted as the product advertised is the new eco-friendly Lana 'Sugar Cane' fine art paper. The advert will be published in the Artists and Illustrators magazine.

January 13th
My mother is also seriously ill. Both Mum and Dad are in hospital.

The Guardian Newspaper have finally written to apologise for using my artwork on two occasions without my permission on their website.

January 7th
Sadly my father is seriously ill.

January 2nd
At the Studio today for the first time in weeks. Had a good tidy up and am now looking forward to getting back to my artwork.

Wildlife Artist, Pet Portrait Artist and Natural History Illustrator

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Nature in Art - Larmer Tree Studio

All Artwork, Images & Content © Susan Shimeld. 2002. All rights reserved.