march mayhem
A Big Old Round-Up ☀️
Right then. Where the fuck did March go? And where do I even begin?
I'm a week or four behind on basically everything, so it feels fitting to just lump all of March into one gloriously chaotic catch-up post. So, go grab a brew, make yourself comfy and get ready to enjoy some behind the scenes sillies!
Here we go.
🐕 Rei's Extended Stay
Rei stayed with me for the whole of February and into early March — still as full-on and challenging as ever, and honestly? Really good for my soul. Getting outdoors in ALL weathers, no excuses. I've been missing her something rotten since she left.
I even made a reel on one of our last sunny wanders together. Pretty sure the algorithm buried it immediately, but I don't care. I've got the memories and that's enough.
🚌 Buddy's Back!
After a winter spa session with the wonderful folk at Johnson Automotive, my trusty campervan Buddy is back where he belongs. There's nothing quite like having your home-on-wheels back on the drive. And yes, my brain is still firmly stuck in late February — pancakes at A&E remain very much on the to-do list.
🫘 First Aid, Head Injuries & Wild Saunas
I spent an informative — and genuinely unintentionally hilarious — day doing my Emergency First Aid training. Good timing, because the very next day I nearly knocked myself out on my car boot. The head injury assessment skills came in immediately and unexpectedly handy.
But I passed! And after a few more hosting shifts this month with Laura and the @wildsaunaclub crew, I can officially say: I love it. It's warm, it's wholesome, it's a world away from a screen. More of this, please. 💚
🍽️ There's Always Good Food
Whether it's out and about or a fridge-raid situation at home — food is always a central character in my behind-the-scenes. No further explanation needed or offered. I will always share my food pics like it's 2016 and I'm not sorry about it.
🤓 Twats on Tor: A South West Getaway
Took Buddy for a little trip down to Bobsfield campsite (which feels like a warm hug, even when it's damp). A couple of days solo, then a pal joined, and naturally there was plenty of food and hill stomping.
The main reason I was down there was Joby Carter's open day. Full disclosure: I hadn't picked up a brush since his course last summer. 🙈 But a couple of days of his particular brand of insults and inspiration were exactly what I needed to get that fire going again.
Dog bothering also helped enormously. My heart almost popped when a tiny pompom was handed to me on a little pink lead. I am always available for dog sitting. I am also a perfect cautionary tale of what happens when you don't practise.
🧀 A Sunday Well Spent in Cheddar
A yomp up the Gorge may not have delivered the views we were hoping for, but it did give us the perfect excuse for a pint and some very serious cheese shopping. No regrets whatsoever.
💚 International Women's Day
In absolute awe of Helen and Marcella @gazelles. What a pair of legends. Don't be a dick: a motto to live by. ☀️
a Bit About Social Media (Bear With Me)
Here's the honest part: I've been finding it hard to show up online lately, and I can't quite put my finger on why. When so much of your life is your business — and your business relies on being visible — it can all start to feel a bit much. Fucking exhausting, if I'm being straight with you.
So sometimes I just don't. And I'm trying to be okay with that.
I still love sharing the silly stuff with you. The little moments. I'm not going anywhere — I'm just being more honest about the fact that showing up consistently is hard sometimes, even when life is full and good and busy behind the scenes.
What's Actually Happening Behind the Scenes
Quite a lot, as it turns out:
Special portrait commissions in progress — including some really lovely ones I can't wait to share.
New product samples incoming — one of them involves the phrase "nice tits" and I'll leave it there for now.
Two upcoming events with the wonderful @friendlyfolk and @craftyfoxmarket — come and find me if you're about!
And the big one... whispers ...a rebrand is in the works. Not ready to say much more than EEEEK, but it's happening and I'm excited.
Still here for all your portrait, pin, and profanity-based needs. That's the Hello Sunshine promise and I'm sticking to it.
Whether or not I remember to film the process, document the chaos, or post on a Tuesday at peak engagement time — the work is still happening. The commissions, the products, the creating. All of it.
Thank you for sticking around.
You're a lovely bunch
🌻
Come find me on Instagram: @sunshine_jo
