Time for an update on the house purchase. If you’re looking for a gripping thriller, look no further than my messages with the conveyancers. Everybody said this would be a quick sale, but it turns out the "no-chain express lane" is about as a scenic as a route through purgatory.
After being ghosted by my solicitor for weeks—only to discover he was on holiday after the estate agent spilled the beans—I finally reached his senior colleague. This is now a masterclass in repetition. They’ve asked me to sign paperwork I signed in April, suggested a survey paid for and completed in May, and apparently only just realized I’m buying the house with my partner, Hank!
When I brought up that we’d already provided his details months ago, I was met with a shrug and a "oops, we thought you were doing this solo." To top it off, we’re now back to square one regarding his ID verification. The current verdict? Don’t hold your breath for July—they’re aiming for August, though I’m still holding out hope that my "get-it-done" energy might drag us into a July finish line.
Meanwhile, the letting agents are keeping the pressure on, and I’ve received a very official-looking letter from the "Let Alliance" warning me they’re representing the landlady for any "loss of money." It’s exhausting, it’s surreal, an if this were a Netflix series, I’d have turned it off in frustration three episodes ago. Still, I’m armed with my phone, a very patient attitude, and a burning desire to just get the keys.
Meanwhile, In The World of Whimsy (And Melting Clay)
While my conveyancer is busy losing my paperwork in the Bermuda Triangle, I’ve decided to channel my stress into the one thing I can control: making tiny, adorable things. Welcome to the Clay Club, where we ignore the housing market and focus on the important stuff, like what a dragon would look like if it were called "Dumpling."
This month, I’ve been busy filming my "How to Make A…" series. We’ve covered everything from scruffy dogs and pufferfish to my latest obsession: whimsical cats and their unicorn sidekicks. I even turned Dumpling the dragon and his best friend, Clarke the cat, into a cartoon. A few of you have suggested it should be a book—watch this space, because at this rate, I’ll have enough material to write a trilogy before I actually get the keys to the new house!
I am absolutely obsessed with seeing your versions of these pieces. We’re officially a clay-obsessed collective now, and I love every bit of the creativity you’re bringing to the table.
The heat this week has been, quite frankly, a personal attack. It’s been so sweltering in the studio that I’ve officially retired the kiln to a life of leisure, at least until the temperature drops below "surface of the sun." Honestly, firing up a kiln right now would be an act of madness that only a very dedicated, or very heat-stroked, potter would attempt. I value my sanity—and the ability to breathe—a little too much to turn my workspace into an actual volcano, so the pottery is taking a well-deserved siesta. Rest assured, as soon as the weather decides to stop auditioning for the role of the Sahara, I’ll be back to firing everything in sight!
In other news, our resident "assistant" cat ChoccyBoy decided to engage in a high-stakes turf war this month. He lost, resulting in a trip to the vet and a course of antibiotics. He’s back to his usual self now—thank goodness, as his professional advice is vital to the business.
Thank you all for sticking with me, supporting the Sunday eBay drops, and keeping the Clay Club spirit alive. Fingers crossed for a less stressful July—see you at the Sunday drop on the 5th!
2 Kommentare
Thank you for the update. My message for the letting agent would be that if your landlord had been a decent human being and warned you that she wanted to put the house up for sale in January, giving you six months (or so) to find somewhere, neither would be in the situation you are now. And I am remembering how (when I lived in the UK, I’m in Canada now) when we sold our house in London, the real estate agent never showed the house, we had to. And he wanted a friend to buy it so didn’t promote it to anyone else. I was never so annoyed about someone getting a commission as that fellow. I can’t believe they are all so complacent about one of the most stressful times in your life. “Oh well”. I’d be screaming and yelling by now. I hope that it gets sorted soon. Too bad you can’t report them to some official body they belong to. I hope you can when this is all done. Take care, and I’m so glad you at least have something soothing in your life to calm things down. :-)
I’m so sorry about your real estate drama! I know it too well. I had to move from MY house, with my ex getting 1/2 of the money from it although he never put any money down on it. I had to rent by a house for 6 months then finally found my own. So I moved twice in one year. It was SO stressful, but I survived. Good luck with everything and keep your paperwork organized and on hand! I love your artwork!