During the past few weeks, I was very determined to shake off this lackluster feeling I have been having. I took a few day trips to the surrounding areas with my husband. I started working on a quilt and a knitted sweater. I also spent happy hours binding tiny books and working on this painting of our kitty Charlie.
The Golden Gate Recreation area is a huge natural and historical area which is right by the bridge. Although we drive over Golden Gate Bridge to San Fransisco often, we hardly ever stop here. One Sunday afternoon we went to explore that area and stayed until the bridge lights came on. The coastal clouds never left the shore that day.
There is a walkway that crosses under the bridge, connecting to a trail by the ocean. We walked there until it got too dark for us to walk any further without lights.
Northern California has many coastal redwood forests and one of them is about an hour and a half drive. It is on a beautiful road that we have taken to the coast a few times, but never stopped at the Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve. With a packed picnic lunch, a flask of tea and some snacks, we set off on our way there.
There are a few trails that climb up from the parking lot, leaving the redwood forest. I wanted to walk along the redwoods, so we stayed on the main trail. It was beautiful; parts of it reminded us of the Redwood National Park much further up north.
A few months ago, my husband passed his private pilot license exam with flying colors. Aside from road trips, I also went with him on a short jaunt between two airports, which was a lot of fun.
At home, I had been pondering how to finish the Garden Path quilt. After the walk in the forest, I decided on getting a pale green fabric for the back of the quilt. During my winter break, I am going to finish this one.
I also picked knitting back up again. I am a super slow knitter. I am hoping to finish this sweater by next winter, so my husband can wear it then.
I was binding a larger book for watercolor painting. When stitching books, I need to pay attention to the tension of the stitch. That day I was being a bit heavy-handed, which resulted in my tearing the gentle watercolor paper at the needle hole. I cut up those discarded papers to make two little black watercolor books. They joined my other tiny 3.0″ x 1.0″ green book.
This one is 3.50″ x 2.0″. I made a double inset on this one and then affixed pieces of gold on black washi tape in them. I am going to fill this book with happy, cheerful little paintings.
With the size of 1.50″ x 2.0″, this is the smallest book I have made so far. There is a little verse in The Lord of the Rings that I love. I am going to paint tiny little scenes from that verse in this book. I drew the front picture with a fountain pen, and glued it into the little inset. I will be adding color to it as well.
The pages are all counted to fit the verse. I even added teeny tiny bands at the head and tail of the book.
November was mostly spent working on the painting of our kitty Charlie and his lute. I drew this picture of him a couple of years ago.
I was feeling unwell in November and was sapped out of all energy. Working on this painting really brought me back to a more cheerful state. Charlie is a happy boy and it is hard to feel melancholy when I am creating anything with him in mind. I made a few changes to it before setting out to paint it.
Last time I shared this little sketch of him. I familiarized myself with the color of his fur with this one before embarking on the larger painting.
Very few things in my life have made me happier than our kitty Charlie. He has always been just a very happy boy with a penchant for “singing”.
He wrote a song for his beloved big sister who didn’t want to hear him sing just at that moment. So, on that day, he sat under a tree in his best clothes and sang his heart out while playing a lute.
I wrote a new ballaaaaaad
But now I am so saaaaad
She won’t hear my new song
Where did I go wrooooong.
He gave me permission to share his song as long as I added the correct inflections. He is very particular about them!
Even the thought of this makes me smile. I hope it does the same for you too! I had a lot of fun choosing the colors. I love painting with watercolor. I got lost in the painting for hours while working on it.
I will see you again in February after my winter holiday. I am looking forward to exploring the sleepy, quiet winter world outside, clad in my favorite woolens. Long hours of playing video games and watching anime with my husband has become a beloved tradition. I am also looking forward to spending extra time with my ink and paper friends along with warm beverages and kitty cuddles. I wish you all a season full of happiness and laughter as well.
Until then,
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them. Hosts of linky parties – please grab a photo of you choice for your party. Thank you for hosting!
The Ink Torrents Graphics shop remains open. I will continue to mail orders, as always. You can also purchase quilting patterns, which you can access immediately via Instant Download. I will also be available via email. Thank you for continuing to shop from my store, so I can support my favorite rescue organizations.
51 thoughts on “Little Stories – Happy Tunes”
Jennifer Adams January 6, 2026 at 06:25
I love the personification of your kitty! Featuring you at Wednesdays in the Studio!
Tammie January 2, 2026 at 16:40
Such sweet well made books you make!
Nice that you get out to beautiful places in your area. I would do that.
Sweet art too.
Lovely 2026 to you and yours.
Yvonne December 23, 2025 at 09:42
You have been so busy, I feel like I have been standing still, a feeling that is most likely true. I read your post about Yosemite with happiness, as I had visited there many times as a child with my parents, long before there were so many rules. I thoroughly enjoyed all the photos. In my twenties I explored the costal highway of California up into Oregon with a friend. We stayed overnight in a chalet in the Redwood forest and it was so magical. I could have stayed there forever. Also visited a park at one end of the Golden Gate Bridge, with mostly shoreline to investigate, but the shoreline was covered in jelly fish that had washed ashore, so we couldn’t walk to the water. Your photographs bring back so many memories of my youth. Your quilt is beautiful. I can see your sweater, that will take a year to complete, will turn out beautifully Charlie is so endearing in your painting, and his song could be my Austin’s song if he knew how to sing. Anyway, I hope you have many lovely moments in your winter holiday.
Alycia Quilts December 23, 2025 at 07:10
Love how you create Happy for yourself!! those are some beautiful little walks and hikes. The golden gate is impressive! Thank you for joining us at Finished ( or not) Friday!! Merry Christmas
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs December 21, 2025 at 04:44
The redwood forest is gorgeous! I love walking through woodland. How cool that you got to fly with your husband too, congrats to him on passing his pilot license, that is amazing.
Charlie’s song made me smile, what a beautiful sketch.
Cosy gaming sounds perfect! That is exactly what I will be doing. What do you play? xx
handmade by amalia December 21, 2025 at 01:53
Your musical friend Charlie is adorable. Happy holidays,
Amalia
xo
RachelSwirl December 20, 2025 at 14:35
You are so so talented! I love how crafty you are, your work is stunning! Thank you for sharing and for taking part in #MySundaySnapshot.
Amy Johnson December 20, 2025 at 05:11
Oh my goodness, your hike near the San Fransisco bridge looks so beautiful! Your quilt is coming along nicely and your story of Charlie is so cute! Have a Merry Christmas and enjoy your break!
Bill December 20, 2025 at 01:07
Must be amazing to walk in a Redwood Forest with the smell of wood all around. Lord of the Rings is my favourite book, I read it every so often. Living near Oxford where he lived you cannot help but be touched by it and see how places inspired him
Have a wonderful Christmas & New Year
Ps my wife knits me jumpers as well
Maria December 19, 2025 at 05:49
Really lovely artwork and all your knitting and quilt is lovely too! beautiful photos. I can’t believe how big those trees are! I don’t think I’ve seen big trees like that before. wow. Have a lovely Friday and a wonderful weekend! Wishing you all the best for Christmas!
TerryK December 19, 2025 at 05:07
I like your inspiration behind your finish of the Garden Gate and that green is perfect! Your small book is amazing!!!
Steph@CrazyLittleLovebirds December 18, 2025 at 05:54
Charlie is adorable! As always, your creations are lovely. Beautiful photos and lovely adventures. I’ll be featuring your post tomorrow at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.
Debbie December 17, 2025 at 20:58
you are so talented…so creative, i always enjoy my visits here. i am thrilled that you have picked up knitting again, many people do not realize what a popular art it is!! fiber festivals are packed with people!! i love your painting technique.
Angie December 17, 2025 at 12:17
Soma – I am so happy for you that you found some creative outlets to pull you out of your funk! At this time of year, I love nothing better than a roaring fire, football on the TV and some stitching in my hands! I also find that getting outside into some fresh air is a balm for my soul – I take my binoculars and sit by the lake, letting the birds and other critters come back out after they realize I am not a threat. Your outdoor scenes are right up my alley. And congrats to your hubby on his pilot’s license! Now he can take you to lunch at nearby towns and other little excursions.
In case I don’t visit your blog again before the holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Jennifer @ Inquiring Quilter December 17, 2025 at 08:30
Charlie sure can sing! It’s sad that his sister didn’t want to listen that day. You’ve captured that whimsical moment beautifully. Love your little books! I can just imagine them filled with more sweet paintings. I look forward to seeing Garden Path quilted. Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss.
Kymber December 17, 2025 at 07:40
You are such a talented artist! I love the kitty picture.
Comedy Plus December 17, 2025 at 07:33
Beautiful post. I love the golden gate. Hubby and I walked that bridge. It was a delightful thing to do.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday and rest of the week. ♥
Debbie December 17, 2025 at 01:02
Hi Soma, enjoy your winter break! I admire your creations, you are very clever!
Sarah MumofThree World December 16, 2025 at 22:44
I love the painting of Charlie and the thought of him singing his song! Your little books are amazing too.
Min @ Write of the Middle December 16, 2025 at 21:55
Hi Soma, gosh you are so creative and talented. I love your kitty painting, your knitting, your quilt and the beautiful books that you bind! The quilt reminds me of my mother who was a very talented quilter. I hope you enjoy your winter break – I’m sure there will be many gorgeous creations that come from it. Thank you so much for your support and for linking up with us at #WWWhimsy ~ Best wishes to you for a Merry Christmas and may 2026 be a wonderful year for all! xo
klara December 15, 2025 at 13:52
you are so talented – I love your little books and paintings.
Kim Carberry December 15, 2025 at 10:54
It sounds like you have been busy doing lots of good things. The Golden Gate Recreation area looks a wonderful place to explore. Stunning photos!
Melynda December 15, 2025 at 09:42
Enjoy your holiday! I used to live in CA just across the bridge in Marin. It is a beautiful area no matter the time of year. Charlie is adorable, we recently rescued an abandoned kitten found on our country road. She is still learning she is safe, but loves to cuddle. Visiting from #MMBC
Carol December 15, 2025 at 04:50
Charlie is adorable! I love all your art. I also love the California coast and your beautiful photos! #MMBC
Ruth December 15, 2025 at 01:59
Hi Soma! I have been so busy and tired with work that I haven’t linked up in a while. It was lovely to read all about your trip to the Redwood State Reserve, and I love your beautiful watercolour painting of Charlie. My son introduced us to anime, and we love it! So far, our favourites have been Attack on Titan and Fullmetal Alchemist. Enjoy your winter holidays and keep warm. #MMBC
Lisa | Handmade in Israel December 15, 2025 at 00:59
The redwoods look incredible, and your mini books are adorable – as always!
Have a good Christmas and enjoy the quiet time.
Janine @ Rainbow Hare December 14, 2025 at 15:26
Congrats to your husband. It must be wonderful to be able to fly. I love Kitty Charlis song – and your picture of course! I hope you have a wonderful holiday :)
Linda December 14, 2025 at 11:13
Beautiful creations, Soma! Thank you so much for sharing this lovely post. I wish you good health and happiness. Warm greetings from Montreal, Canada.
Dixie December 13, 2025 at 16:04
The forest trails look wonderful. Beautiful photos.
Congratulations to your husband.
Oh, it will be
fun to fly about and see the sights.
I love your painting of adorable Charlie.
Enjoy your holidays, Soma.
Natalie December 13, 2025 at 15:49
Beautiful creations, Soma. Congrats to your husband on his private pilot licence! Have a wonderful winter retreat. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
Linda December 13, 2025 at 10:14
Lovely places to visit. Your cat drawing, quilt and books look fabulous.
Connie Griffin December 13, 2025 at 09:22
Looks and sounds like you had some fun adventures, that walk through the woods looks like fun and I do love a lighted bridge, the mackinaw bridge is so pretty at night also.
Your quilt is just gorgeous and I think a green backing would look wonderful on it for sure. Love the colors you picked for the sweater too, I am sure he will be happy whenever you get it done, I have a quilt that I started probably 10 years ago and still haven’t finished it, some day I am sure :)
So glad that doing that cute picture of Charlie helped to make you feel better, whenever my cat comes and cuddles it is the best and just brings s smile as does your sweet picture, and his song is so heartfelt :)
The little books are just the cutest. I have often thought of doing a tiny junk journal like that, I have seen a few girls do them and I haven’t tried a small one yet, I have all different size ones but yet to try a tiny.
Hope you enjoy your break and have Happy Holidays!
Eileen December 13, 2025 at 01:47
Hello Soma,
I enjoyed your post and your sweet kitty story and paintings.
I love the view of the bridge and the redwoods are gorgeous.
I hope to see your book filled with happy cheerful painting, the lovely sweater and the quilt.
Enjoy your break and happy holidays!
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Veronica Lee December 12, 2025 at 20:42
What a lovely and uplifting post!
Your photos and art, especially Charlie’s watercolor, are wonderful, and I’m so glad your creative projects brought you joy.
Wishing you a peaceful and happy winter break! ❄️
Photo Cache December 12, 2025 at 14:19
You are very talented. Love the GGB photo.
Worth a Thousand Words
Karen December 12, 2025 at 09:33
I love that you shared your knitting and that you are slow but enjoy it like I do. I am so slow I never seem to finish any but yet I love yarn and the needles. It has been years since I saw the Golden Gate Bridge or went over it. Your sketch books are so nice and pretty. I love that trail fence that you show in the Redwoods – enjoy your winter and I hope you are feeling much better.
Erika N December 12, 2025 at 05:17
That’s a great painting of Charlie. And your books look beautiful. As does your knitting. It’s easy to get inspired by getting out of the house and on a little drive sometimes. Send some of your knitting inspiration my way as I have just a yoke to finish on a sweater and this past week I’ve never picked it up. :) I also didn’t know you could walk under the Golden Gate Bridge. I wonder what that is like. Enjoy your winter holidays. hugs-Erika
tomthebackroadstraveller December 12, 2025 at 04:36
…visiting California’s redwoods certainly would renew my sprite. Soma, your images were a start.
Linda at Texas Quilt Gal December 12, 2025 at 04:31
I love Charlie’s song. My Gus sings alarming songs when one of the dogs gets too close to him and melancholy songs when he can’t find his favorite playmate Toby. Your photos around the bridge and in the forest are breathtaking! I’m so happy for you to be anticipating your winter holiday – I get it! We are having up and down weather, and my mood goes right along with it. I am ready for real winter.
Heidrun ☃️ December 12, 2025 at 04:28
I know this from experience, it’s important to take the first step.
Art is a good choice, as are nature and culture. Have a great time, enjoy the fun!
Gene Black December 12, 2025 at 03:58
Thanks for sharing Charlie and his song with us. Happy Friday.
Gillena Cox. December 12, 2025 at 03:36
lovely ink art pieces
Happy Friday
Thanks for linking to Art For Fun Friday
much♡love
Nicole/DVArtist December 11, 2025 at 18:52
I’m so happy you joined FFO with your amazing art. Such great detail and bold colors. Brilliant Congratulations to your husband on his pilots license. I’m from Norther CA and you are so lucky to see all that beauty from the air. Your quilt and yarn work are both beautiful too. Again thank you for joining FFO and have a wonderful weekend.
Peter B, December 11, 2025 at 18:43
Gorgeous photo of the GGB. Congrats to your husband.
Joanne December 11, 2025 at 15:54
Your photos are stunning! How neat to get to go flying with your husband.
an artist reflects December 11, 2025 at 14:44
lovely. quilts and photos ~ my favorite is the Charlie Illustration ! hugs,
an artist reflects
Mary December 11, 2025 at 12:04
Congratulations to K on accomplishing his flying dream! You two will have so many great adventures together.
I’m looking forward to your finished quilt. I have always loved your flowers and colors.
Slow or not, your knitting is always so meticulously executed with the beautiful cables and stitches. K will love wearing it anytime you are finished with it.
Poor Charlie with non responsive audience to his music and words! :-). I’m sure you’ll do a make it up to him. lol
Enjoy your break and travels. Happy birthday too. ❤️
Susan December 11, 2025 at 10:05
Enjoy your winter retreat. Love the Charlie Cat paintings and story, The little books are wonderful.
Debra She Who Seeks December 11, 2025 at 09:21
It seems you are talented and creative in every area! Love the quilt and sweater too.
Christine December 11, 2025 at 07:14
Feel better soon, congrats to hubby lucky you! Gorgeous photos and art.
Cat December 11, 2025 at 05:45
Enjoy your winter holiday, Soma!
I’m glad you found something to pick you up a little.The books are so sweet and Charlie is simply adorable!