February just flew by.
I feel like proper winter didn’t even begin, yet it’s almost over already. Well, school breaks always seem to speed things up.
Even though there’s been very little snow in the mountains, we still managed to squeeze in a couple of skiing days. I’m still counting on the weather to let me have some more country skiing too.

February was so short that the only thing I managed to finish was a new episode of the Yens and Spinny animated series. This time I collaborated with a composer, and it really makes a difference!

I did make one sketch during one of our skiing days, and just a couple of days ago I joined a sketchers’ outing at the Central Library. It was a delightful experience, I always enjoy talking with fellow creatives so much. I hope next month will be much more productive illustration wise though!

🛷 This Month’s Tale

As I was busy finishing a new movie, there isn’t a new story this month. But you can always read the old ones here, and check out the new animated episode here!

New greeting card sets have arrived, you can check them out in the shop and stock up some cute cards for any occasion, and also for Mother’s and Father’s Day.

Spinny is also now available in the shop! This plush keychain version of Spinny is lightweight and fuzzy, with his signature slightly mischievous expression and six dangling legs. He clips easily onto keys, backpacks, totes, or zipper pulls.

Another new addition is a set of vinyl stickers. It’s a cozy little collection of Yens and Spinny, perfect for decorating your laptop, water bottle, journal, or planner.

• February winds have picked up, rattling the windows and sweeping clouds across dark night skies. Yens lights candles and sips tea, while Spinny presses his nose to the window, convinced the clouds are playing hide-and-seek with the moon.

• Yens is looking forward to a new gardening season. He spent several days making tiny paper pots for future seedlings.

• The garden remains mostly asleep under huge snowdrifts. Two days ago Yens walked its edges with a notebook and a pencil, and made a list of chores, which included some fence repairs and notes on small improvements for next season.

• Spinny found last year’s plant labels tucked behind the potting bench. He rearranged them into what he says is a very sensible order.

• Yens is already planning his spring cleaning, making lists of what to dust, polish, and sort, even though winter is still very much here. Spinny watches him carefully, worried that his treasure corner might be disturbed. He tiptoes around the piles of rocks and tiny trinkets, muttering about which items are absolutely not to be moved.

Everything in life is unusual until you get accustomed to it.

The Scarecrow - The Marvellous Land Of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Though it’s still pretty much winter here, the birds have already started to sing. It’s amazing how you can pause during the walk, just stop and listen - and hear life all around you. So many sounds, so many different birds! I can already recognize some of them, and it brings me so much joy.

Wishing you bright days, a bit of light returning, and your favorite drink staying warm just a little longer.

With warmth,

Nina

(And also Yens, and Spinny, who is carefully guarding his treasure corner from any spring cleaning.)