The Coddiwomple Lady

22/03/2026

A week of Springtime: big Equinox skies, epic sunsets, and a fun new eatery on the beach.

Happy days 🌅 🌞
eastsussex (delicious)
(peaceful Equinox bliss)

17/03/2026

***NEW ON THE BLOG***

"What got you into art?" is a question I've frequently been asked so I've tried to unpick my journey in this new blog. Make a drink, get comfy and let's dive in!

What got you into art? Oh where to begin with this! It’s a question I’ve been asked a few times and I never know how to answer, so I shall attempt to unpick it in this blog. The short answer is I’ve been drawing since I was a child. I’m an only child (oneling) and […]

11/03/2026

I can empathise with this. As many of you are aware, I lost both my parents within 5 weeks of each other in 2012. Yes, it is absolutely devastating and it takes time to process, but we learn to find a new way of Being. I’ve found a new purpose because of their loss, and I still feel their presence and influence every day.

Samuel West has spoken openly about the deep loss of his parents, actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales, admitting he is “not entirely sure” who he is without them. Within just a few months, the actor experienced two heartbreaking bereavements — his father passed away in November 2024, and his mother followed in early 2025 at the age of 93.

Prunella Scales, famously known to millions as the sharp-witted Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, and Timothy West, who appeared in series including Brass, Not Going Out, Coronation Street and EastEnders, were widely regarded as one of the most admired couples in British acting. Their son Samuel, recognised for his roles in All Creatures Great and Small and Slow Horses, has reflected candidly on what it has been like to lose them both so close together.

In an interview with The Times, West said he feels “enormously privileged” to have grown up in such a supportive and loving home, while also recognising that having two celebrated actors as parents naturally brought certain opportunities.

“I don’t think I was given jobs because of who my parents were, but it probably helped me get auditions,” he said. “My career began with a very fortunate start and I can’t pretend otherwise. I’m not entirely sure who I am without them now, but I suppose I’m about to discover that.”

He also spoke fondly about his parents’ long partnership, including the years they spent presenting Great Canal Journeys for Channel 4. The programme followed the couple as they travelled across Britain and beyond, and it became particularly moving as they spoke openly about Scales’s dementia diagnosis. For many viewers, it became a gentle and touching portrait of their life together.

West is currently appearing as Malvolio in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Twelfth Night at the Barbican, and he says the play has brought him an unexpected sense of comfort during a difficult period.

“I can’t think of a job that has supported grief — and joy — more than this one,” he explained. “The play is about mourning, but it’s also about moving forward and remembering that life still holds laughter, hope, drink and cakes and ale. Twelfth Night is the moment when the decorations come down, and this production captures that feeling perfectly.”

Despite the sadness of the past year, West says he is thankful for the work he is doing and for the chance to rediscover himself beyond the roles he held for so long as both a son and a carer — roles he says he carried with deep love for his parents.

26/02/2026

I have two new projects on the go at the moment (get me!)

One is mindful and slow, while the other brings out my inner child's fun and messy side! I wonder how long they'll take 🤔

24/02/2026

"Monarch"
Fineliner pens on A3 cartridge paper
February 2026

He looks quite mischievous!

20/02/2026

This popped up in my Memory Feed today from 2023.

Our hospices desperately need our support in these challenging times, so please consider supporting your local one or one dear to your heart like St Barnabas House is to me.

If you’d like to know more about my book, the link is in the Comments below 🌻🌻

Wendy first experienced loving hospice care 11 years ago when her parents were cared for.

She said: “St Barnabas House – or St Barney's as I affectionately call it – entered my life in summer 2012.

“My parents lived in Henfield at the time, and I lived in nearby Small Dole. It was a year that changed my life forever, as they were both diagnosed with terminal cancer within weeks of each other: the complete journey from their diagnoses to their passings was just nine months.

“We contacted St Barnabas House as soon as we found out they were terminal and the care and support my parents and I received was utterly priceless. I loved visiting them there, it's so peaceful and my parents left this world there totally at peace.

“One of Mum's nurses gave me a book, ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, to read ‘when it was all over’, which inspired me to travel, find my new purpose and write my own book, the profits from which support the hospice.

“I have nothing but gratitude, admiration, love and respect for the team there. I wouldn't be where I am today without you.”

16/02/2026

New Post On The Blog:

Introducing Rye in East Sussex. If you've been following our coddiwompling exploits for a while, you will probably know that this haven of peace and tranquility is one of our favourite places to visit. Let me show you why...

Introducing the enchanting Rye in East Sussex; one of my favourite places to visit. A step back in time to cobbled streets and cosy cafes.

07/02/2026

February 2026 so far = wet & blustery

Getting out for fresh air is still good, even when the weather is sh*te.

And it's even better when you discover a new chocolate shop! Liquid Belgian chocolate with handmade cookies at certainly hits the spot. Sorry, there are no pics of those as they didn't hang around long enough to be photographed!

06/02/2026

***NEWSFLASH***

I’m VERY excited to share my new website with you! Please pop over and take a look. I now have a Shop (that will be added to over time) and a Gallery as well as my Blog page and other Socials links.

Thank you so much to Steve of SGSS Design for your patience in bringing this to life for me. I can’t recommend him highly enough.

Coddiwomple is believed to be an old English slang verb meaning “to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination” Hello, thank you for stopping by. My name is Wendy Jennings and I’m an author & artist from Kent, UK and I believe everybody goes on a coddiwomple in one way or anothe...

02/02/2026

My latest update on "A Coddiwomple Through Life" is now available. I invite you to make your favourite drink and take some time out for some slow and gentle January moments (I'll pop the link in the Comments below)

Coming up this month:
🌻January Mid-Life Musings
🌻Arty Moments & Creative Coddiwomples
🌻New Year’s Day trip to Broadstairs
🌻Spirit Signs from the Isle of Wight
🌻"The Artist" by Lucy Steeds book review

27/01/2026

It's been very stormy, and yet the clouds cleared for me to pay Mum & Dad's trees a visit today.

Later, I was treated to more magic outside our hotel bedroom window.

26/01/2026

This.
Today.
Magic.