60 things b4 60

Come and find me

2008-02-14T15:13:00.001-08:00

Hello all my bloggie friends.
Steve has helped me set up my new blog.
www.alwaysforeveryoung.blogspot.com
Come and join me for some fun and lots of giggles

It's over

2008-02-11T09:31:00.000-08:00

To all ye faithful readers

To all my newfound friends

60b460 is now extinct

No more countdowns

Nothing more to achieve before 60

I have had an absolute ball these past 8 months

Thanks for sharing this roller coaster ride with me

Ciao, God bless and watch this space for my new blog

Lots more to come

(I did this painting 5 years ago using acrylics, nice hey?)

Happy Cactus Monday

2008-02-11T09:07:00.001-08:00

Howdy folks....
Ooooops....
I thought of 'Annie get your gun'............this looks nothing like her at all.
I thought of Senita out there in the desert with Annie................this looks nothing like Senita at all.
In fact Annie looks all out of proportion.
In fact it's altogether a weird drawing.

Anyway folks, Happy Cactus Monday.

I'm a Rat

2008-02-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

It was the Chinese New Year on Wednesday, Happy New Year to one and all.

I discovered I'm a rat.. according to the Chinese Zodiac.

'What an awful thing to be', I thought

Then I read what it said about the rat.

People born in the year of the rat are noted for their charm and attraction for the opposire sex. They work hard to achieve their goals, acquire possessions, and are likely to be perfectionists. They are basically thrifty with money. Rat people are easily angered and love to gossip. Their ambitions are big, and they are usually very successful. They are most compatible with people born in the years of the Dragon, Monkey and Ox.

You are imaginative.

You are generous.

You can be quick-tempered.

You will be happy as a writer, critic or publicist.

This is not completely accurate

Maybe I'm a hybrid, half rat, half ???

Another countdown

2008-02-10T06:46:00.000-08:00

#Thirteen: Take more photographs

I love taking photos of trees and flowers. The first odd-looking one is in Oz, the other a reflection in the water at a park near our house.

#Fourteen: Find more family picture

One day I found some old black and white negatives in a box, which I hadn't realised were there. I had them printed and there were some amazing photos. This is one of them - my dad with my brother and I (about 1952)

#Fifteen: Have someone named after me

This hasn't happened yet, I may have to be dead before this one happens (grin).

#Sixteen: Remember the silver lining
I sometimes get this overwhelming thought that there is a silver lining.Sometimes I forget where it is.

#Seventeen: Make a collage

I have made a few of these this year and they were all great fun. This is the first one I did.

#Eighteen: Go to the opera

We went to see a modern version of 'Carmen Jones' while Ian was here on holiday last Summer. It was vibrant, colourful and thoroughly enjoyable.

#Nineteen: See a rock concert

Haven't seen one this year. I remember seeing Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' tour at Wembley Stadium in 1988. I adored him, and his concert was fantastic.

#Twenty: Ode to Moo's bed

Neil calls me 'Moo' and so I wrote an ode to my bed! Ha ha nutty I know.

Tangent: Choose

2008-02-09T06:03:00.000-08:00

I loved the abo art I saw in Oz in December, and drew a few myself.

This one came to mind for the theme this week.

'Mmmmmmmm, what shall I choose to eat today?'
IF: Choose

Another countdown

2008-02-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

#Six: Visit cemetries

I have visited a cemetery twice with Steve and enjoyed it. It's one of his favourite places, but I didn't think I'd like to be there as much as I did. One can either have a philosophical discussion or merely just take in the ambience.This one, although just off a very busy road in London, was peaceful, quiet, wild flowers all abuzz with bees, rustling of leaves, and the many gravestones, although old and almost unreadable, felt comforting. (I drew this last Summer while I was there). Will go again soon.

#Seven: Relish my 'joie de vivre'

I do have an incredible joy of life, and try to relish it as often as I can.

#Eight: Brag more about my granddog

This I do very very often.

#Nine: Go dancing

We had a few dances at Mark and Carla's boat party but I was so ill I couldn't enjoy it much. Maybe we will try an afternoon 'tea dance' as they have in London for the oap's (old age pensioners). I should fit in well there as I am one of them now!

#Ten: Fight the bulge

I fought the bulge, won and then lost again!

Towards the end of 2006 I was told by the doctor to lose about 12 pounds for my cholesterol. So I joined Weight Watchers (on line) and lost 9 of those, feeling great and looking good.I have put them all on again these past 6 months, so will endeavour to re-join WW and get rid of them (for my health's sake, not because I want to).

#Eleven: Do more drawing/painting

Thanks to the wonder of blogland, I have done this thoroughly and will continue to do so. I just need to pluck up the courage to go to some more art courses (the last one with the 'Weasel' was a fiasco and hurt my confidence a lot). But I have so much to learn.

#Twelve: Fall in love again

We have become so bogged down in our daily lives that we hardly even notice each other anymore. I realised this had happened a lot to us recently. We were in a rut and knew it. I began to get that familiar old feeling of being 'closed in'. But, somehow the magic of that day on the beach watching our son getting married seemed to make us both realise how much we had drifted apart, and now we are definitely back on track, 'seeing' each other again. Hope it lasts.(Of course, 2 hours on a nudist beach helped a lot too!)

Countdown

2008-02-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

As my blog draws to a close, it's time to review my 60 things to see whether I did them before turning 60 on 4th february 2008, or whether I have yet to do them, or may never do them!

I started my blog on the 10 June 2007, with lots of encouragement from Steve.

#One: Get a tattoo.

I got the tattoo on the 11 August and thank goodness Bev came with me, but she was squirming more than I was.

#Two: Write a blog.

Yes, I've certainly done this one.

#Three: New Glasses

I went to have my eyes checked on the 11th June 2007 and saw a divine frame silver and pink frame. 'Pink' I thought, 'why not?' And promptly bought them.

#Four: Pink hair

Which came first...the chicken or the egg? well which came first...the pink hair or the pink glasses? Find out here.

#Five: Visit a nudist beach

Oh yes I did! Oh no you didn't! Oh yes I did!

We had decided to do this before we went to Oz, so waited patiently for the rain to stop. One day, although overcast and cool, we set off, parked the car, and walked about a half a mile through a rain forest, down a steep track (of course therse beaches aren't nearby) till we got to this gorgeous secluded beach,only to find it was predominantly gay.

Neil complained as there wasn't enough 'eye candy' for him, but was I happy!!

What freedom, and what fun. We had one of the best days of our loves on that beach, laughing, giggling, splashing, romping and just feeling totally liberated. Can't wait to do this again one day. It's not about age or body beauty, it's about freedom and choice.

This photo proves I was there. Note the pink hat (positioned for the picture) which matches the pink hair and pink glasses!

Tangent: Monday Artday

2008-02-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

At the end of a heavy day of teaching, some teachers turn into 'half beasts'.

Monday Artday: Half Beast

Tangent: Let's go fly a kite

2008-02-06T11:34:00.001-08:00

Let's go fly a kite
Up to the highest height
Let's go fly a kite
And send it soaring
Up through the atmosphere
Up where the air is clear
Oh, let's go fly a kite!

(wrapping paper collage)

Tangent:Birthday Senita

2008-02-06T04:04:00.001-08:00

Senita enjoying the company of all the flowers in the house.

She decided to dress for the occassion, but only managed to look as it she's ready for the 'Battle of Britain'!

HAPPY CACTUS MONDAY (WEDNESDAY)

'MY CUP RUNNETH OVER'

2008-02-06T01:56:00.000-08:00

I have always shied away from throwing myself into my birthdays, after having had so many sad ones, disappointing ones, lonely ones, difficult ones, troublesome ones, unhappy ones and just plain miserable ones....so many!

However,this year is very special, as so many people in my family didn't reach 60.
From 1980-1984, we had 12 deaths in our family (almost 3 a year) and 8 of those died before 60 (some long before 60). This affected me for many years, and I half believed I wouldn't reach 60 either.

Here I am - 60 - and very blessed to be (quite) well and fit, very young at heart, not too many 'pleats' in my face (yet), a (depleted) family and lots of friends. Thanx to all of you in blogland too, who have sent me good wishes.

I suppose the biggest realisation of this birthday is that I AM TRULY LOVED.

After so many years of struggling through a difficult childhood, battling with anorexia and bulimia, marriage, divorce, marriage, divorce,emigration, fleeing, re-emigration, and many many periods of hopelessness, depression and desolation, I feel at last that I have come out of the dark tunnel of my past and can breathe fresh air once more.

No doubt, I will always have to battle with my demons....

BUT, IF 60 IS THE NEW 40, I AM READY!

FLOWERS, FLOWERS AND CARDS, FLOWERS AND CARDS AND PRESSIES.

A PICTORIAL REPRESENTATION OF MY CHILDHOOD DONE BY STEVE

A FUTURE FAMILY HEIRLOOM

LUNCH WITH MY 'BOYS'. AM TRULY LOVED.

ROLLS ROYCE AND CHAFFEUR FETCHED ME ON SUNDAY.

I NEARLY FAINTED WITH SHOCK.

TEA AND CHAMPAGNE AT THE ST JAMES'S HOTEL, PICCADILLY, LONDON WITH MARK AND CARLA.

ARRIVING HOME TO FIND THE HOUSE ADORNED WITH PINK BALLOONS, WITH MY FACE ON THEM!!

A DIAMOND RING FROM THE ONLY MAN I HAVE EVER TRULY LOVED. (photo taken in Oz)

MY CUP RUNNETH OVER!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2008-02-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

Midnight has come and gone and I am officially 60.

I said that this birthday was turning out to be an 'arty' one and indeed it is.

Carla ( my lovely new daughter in law) painted this adorable picture of Snuffles , using acrylics; it's an exact image. And she claims she's not artistic!

She's cute, don't you think? The dog of course!

Notice how she has signed this picture with her new initials (Carla of course)

One month of marriage and she is still so excited about being a 'Mrs'.

Thanx a million Mrs R, I love it.

Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me

Happy birthday to me me
Happy birthday to me!

Tangent: Thanx Scott

2008-02-03T02:30:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Scott (another new blogging friend) asked people to send him pictures of their hands, as this is what he draws, in an innovative and very interesting way.

You know me, always up for something new, so I sent him this picture. I am crocheting a handbag with recycled plastic bags, as an example to show my knitting group at school.

I love my crocheting and make baby blankets for a charity called Cuddles (for stillborn and premature babies).
This is a picture of my latest batch waiting to be sent. I usually do 6 0r 7 at a time in one parcel.

Scott has drawn my hands for IF: Blanket.

Scott is a very interested in all wildlife, and loves whales. He is training to be a volunteer on whale trips. Isn't that exciting? Please check out his fabulous photos on his site.

Thanx so much Scott, this is a terrific drawing, and I really like it.

This is turning into a fun 'arty' 60th weekend for me!!!

Tangent: Blanket

2008-02-02T08:53:00.001-08:00

We all need a security blanket now and then..........

IF: Blanket

Tangent: My Plan

2008-02-02T08:14:00.001-08:00

Lolo also sent me these two delightful cards, ideal for using at school.

What I plan to do is to buy the two children's books she's written, read them to the kids at school (this term I am going into different classes to teach every day) then tell them I know the author and show them these two cards and brag that they were done for me personally.

Aren't I devious?

Thanx Lolo again.

These are just purrrrrfect!

Tangent: Pay it Forward

2008-02-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

There are many cultures that have the tradition of giving someone else a gift to celebrate your own birthday.

Because this is my very special one, I would like to follow Lolo's example and send a copy of this book to the first 5 people who are interested, and of course one to you as well, Lolo. (And one to Juliet's mum as promised too.)

Quite a while back, someone who was commenting on my blog, upon learning that I was turning 60, recommended it to me. I can't remember who it was, would have to look back at all my posts to find out. Thanks whoever you are.

I found the book at the airport (on the way to Oz) and read it while there (many enjoyable rainy days)....and chuckled all the way through it.....

Here's the first paragraph to whet your appetite/s:

October 3
Ok. This is it. About fifty years too late, but better late than never. A diary. I know it's not January 1st, or even November 1st, but there is no time like the present. Don't we always say to ourselves:' If only I'd written a diary when I was twenty? Or thirty? Or forty?' But in my sixtieth year (or fifty-ninth to be precise - or, oh God, maybe it is my sixtieth year - I remember some tedious man explaining to me recently how even though I'm fifty- nine, I'm actually in my sixtieth year, totally incomprehensible, but I finally gave in), anyway in whatever year it is, I, Marie Sharp, retired art teacher, divorced. one son, one cat and resolutely single after about one million failed relationships, am determined to give it a final crack. A diary, that is. Not a relationship. Oh dear me no.

Hurry hurry hurry, the offer won't last.........grin

Tangent: Thanx Lolo

2008-02-02T07:31:00.000-08:00

Lolo,who has become (another) good blogging friend,and I consider an exceptional artist, offered to send a personal ATC to the first 5 people who wrote a comment on her post (before Xmas).
I was the 6th, yet she still did one for me.

I was soooooo excited when her letter plopped through my letter box this morning, and was shaking as I tried to prise the (homemade) envelope open without harming the contents.
I am sure you've all experienced this feeling at one time or another in your life, probably when you were kids.
I thought was too old to feel this anymore, but I hadn't forgotten the excitement.

I absolutely Love this and will cherish it always. It will be framed and stand on my table where I draw and paint as a continual reminder of what I (and many women out there) need to strive for each and every day -SELF LOVE.

Thanx Lolo so much. You are very special.

Tangent: Award Day

2008-01-31T13:45:00.000-08:00

I am soooooo chuffed to get this award from my good friend Lolo (as a birthday present).

What a thrill, from someone so artistic, sensitive, warm and caring. Thanx and lotsa 'warm fuzzies' sent your way tonight.

I have to choose 5 people to pass this on to.

Drum roll please everyone.......drrrrruuuuuuummmmmm roooooolllllllllll

It gives me great pleasure to present this award (in no particular order) to some of my blogging friends for giving me so much pleasure in my life.

humanbeing
teric
lynn_gettingyourfeetwet
piercing the veil
auntie mim's
beam me up scotty

You all make my day!

ps: Oops I can't count.

Tangent: The Daffodil Principle

2008-01-30T13:11:00.001-08:00

You know how you are just meant to read/see certain things at a certain time.

I am in such a 'tizz' about my 60th coming up soon....

Then I read this truly beautiful story about the 'Daffodil Principle' which touched me very deeply.

So I rushed outside to take a photo of my daffs straining to bloom despite the weather. Of course, Snuffles came with me to see what was so important in the garden at 9pm. (Look how small she is, all 4.8 kgs of fluff and scruff.)

Hope you don't mind Cris, if I send others to your site to read this wonderful piece.

My 60th birthday is that 'first' day.....of the rest of my life.....

Tangent: Hidden messages

2008-01-29T09:02:00.001-08:00

It is an interesting week for me, leading up to my 60th birthday.
I am so keenly aware of everyone and everything around me.
All that I have been, all that I am and all that I could still become,
Swirling round in my brain like hidden messages!
Monday Artday: Hidden messages

Tangent: Senita's dream

2008-01-28T10:12:00.001-08:00

Senita sat dreaming in the sun this week
thinking longingly of the flower she may have
some day!

Happy Cactus Monday!

Tangent: Thought for the Day

2008-01-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

Handle every situation like a dog.

If you can't Eat it, Chew it, or Hump it.

PISS ON IT AND WALK AWAY!

Tangent: Tales and Legends

2008-01-26T13:56:00.000-08:00

This is the world I live in

A teacher for nearly 40 years

Jack and the Beanstalk

Wizards and flying horses,

Castles, dragons and frogs

The little mermaid,

Greek legends

African legends

All part of this world

And I do love it so.

IF: Tales and Legends

Tangent: Good Morning London

2008-01-25T09:19:00.000-08:00

Sunrise this morning

Crisp

Cold

London

Glorious London!

First daffs

Not from my garden (yet)

Bright

Yellow

Cheerful

Spring will come!

Tangent: Jamming

2008-01-24T13:37:00.000-08:00

I have joined Auntie Mim and Heartful Blogger with their 'jam' idea. Each of us starts a 2.5x3.5 card (red), do whatever we want to, then send it on to the next person,they add something to it, then send it on to the third person, who finishes it off and sends it back to the original person (me for this one.) And I get to keep it. Wonderful, isn't it? getting some original art from your fellow -bloggers.
I used the two scans that I have seen recently of 12 week fetuses, as my starting point.

I will definitely put the finished product on my blog.

Tangent: Sweet Chocs

2008-01-23T10:38:00.001-08:00

Let me explain...................

I received a belated Xmas present from a kiddie I taught last year.
When I saw the wrapping paper, I wondered whether mom had made a mistake giving this gift to me.
The family is Roumanian, newly arrived in London, so having little English expertise................ OR mom just loved this paper!

Inside was a box of chocolates.................................

Yes, there WERE two layers of yummy Cadbury's chocs............

Where are they now?

Inside the tummies of the class of Year 6 boys and girls that I was teaching today. I gave them a special treat at the end of the day, and they were so excited, you would've thought I'd given them a piece of the moon!

Aren't kids amazing? Just when you thought they'd seen it all and done it all and had it all, they flip over a sweet choc! Bless them!

Tangent: Transition

2008-01-21T08:50:00.001-08:00

This is my contribution for Monday Artday: Transition.

All the stages of life flit by so rapidly we hardly notice them.

Value each and every moment, each and every day, each and every new experience, for all too soon it's gone.

Tangent: Abo Senita

2008-01-21T00:13:00.000-08:00

I was fascinated by Aboriginal Art while in Oz, so decided to do an 'Abo Senita' for today.

Happy Cactus Monday everyone.

Tangent: Oz Holiday

2008-01-20T01:56:00.001-08:00

Wedding - intimate, personal, beautiful, loving, memorable

Wild beaches - wet, rough, grey, white, crashing

Weather - wild, warm, sweaty, cool, humid, wet, wet, wet

Statues - interesting, large, modern

Koalas and kangaroos - cuddly, warm, firm, woolly, cute

New memories - wedding, koala, beaches, rain, flight, cities, airports, people...

Tangent: Plain

2008-01-18T23:15:00.000-08:00

It's plain to see that while other things change in our lives, we start and end with family!

I painted this with different dilutions of coffee, an experiment that I thoroughly enjoyed, but was 'high' on coffee fumes for hours (as I don't drink anything except bottled water- ever!)
IF: Plain

Tangent: Precious Life

2008-01-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

This is the scan of my friend's baby.
It is a reminder of how precious life is.
At 22 weeks pregnant, this new person is already 'half-cooked'.....waiting to enter our world and become a wonderful human being.
No matter what scientists do, attempting cloning etc etc....no matter how modern technology keeps evolving, this is still the most miraculous creation of all kind.
(Of course, I couldn't decipher which blob was the eye, nose, kneee or elbow.)

I drew this while on holiday, as 'family' and 'motherhood' was very much on my mind.

If you think of an ocean liner, consider fathers to be the rudder and mothers to be the engine.

To a woman, her family and motherhood are like the whole 'body' while her career and friends are like the 'tail'.

To a man, his life and career and having fun are like the 'body' while his family is like the 'tail'.

Treasure that little baby, Jaimie, nestling inside your womb, protected under your arms, and close to your heart, as that's where he/she will always stay till the day you die.

Tangent|: Gorilla Ocean

2008-01-18T00:08:00.000-08:00

hahahahahahahahahaha, this one is soooooo funnnnnyyyyyyy.....

While in Oz, I saw a postcard of a magnificent ocean sort of melding into the surrounding areas of trees and sand, so decided to copy it in my own inimitable way (okay, okay bold way!)

Imagine my surprise when this huge gorilla eating a banana emerged?

Well, I just couldn't stop giggling, and my 'gorilla ocean' painting was born!

TGIF: Thank God it's Friday!

Tangent: Meet Avon

2008-01-16T11:51:00.000-08:00

This is Avon. She was handed to me, and pissed all over my dress. Luckily she only eats eucalyptus leaves, so I smelt quite fragrant.
They apologised most profusely, and after cleaning myself up she was handed to me again for a cuddle. This is her in my arms. Isn't she too precious for words? Her two thumbs are very strong, yet she holds on very tenderly.
I left a bit of my heart with little Avon back in Australia.

Sixty: Learn to accept

2008-01-14T11:29:00.000-08:00

God

Grant me the

Serenity

to accept the things I cannot change

Courage

to change the things I can

and

Wisdom

to know the difference

This is how I see our little family now.

I need to accept the changes within it - with the sure knowledge that I've always done my best, and know with certainty that: 'what will be will be'.

Now I will review all 60 things I was determined to do before 60 (in 3 weeks time), and see which I have achieved, which I can still do, which are ongoing and which I may never do.

Tangent: Stitches

2008-01-14T08:28:00.001-08:00

While in Australia on holiday I became fascinated with Aboriginal Art.

A lot of it is bold, scatty, rigid, patterned, smudgy and sometimes just weird (mmmm, a lot like me I guess!)

I copied this one for IF as it reminds me of a stitched piece of fabric.

Tangent: Holiday Senita

2008-01-14T03:13:00.000-08:00

'Hello everyone. Thank goodness FY is back from her trip to Australia for her son's wedding. I was beginning to feel slightly neglected. This is a painting of my thoughts while she was gone! It's me on the beach with all my friends.'

(Senita is a cactus that Steve gave me a few months ago and I have joined TeriC in her Monday postings about cacti.) Of course Senita loves all the attention.

I painted it at 3am when the 'jet lurgy' got me and I was wide awake after collapsing into bed before 9pm last night. This reminds me of all beach scenes the world over where people flock to the sea edge like sheep and then all flock out again dripping wet, looking for a dry towel, a cool drink and some more of that too - hot sunshine that is killing most of them! And they call this fun!

Happy Cactus Monday everyone!

Tangent: I AM BACK

2008-01-13T01:44:00.000-08:00

Arrived home with a sigh of relief.

This pencil drawing took quite a few attempts. The Opera House is tricky, looks so straightforward, but I found it hard to draw.

THIS is how my holiday actually felt (to me). Don't know if I will ever be able to explain it all. Maybe it's just jet lag?....

Enough said for now.

Happy 2008 to you all in blogland.

Watch this space for my final 60b460 posts, as the birthday is drawing near now!

Tangent: Happy New Year from Oz

2008-01-02T19:21:00.000-08:00

I just had to come and say 'HI' and Happy new Year to you all from Oz.

The wedding was amazingly and surprisingly wonderful.

With the sand between our toes,the wind in our hair, surfers strolling past and the crashing waves, it was natural, personal, intimate and touching. I truly never expected to feel like this at all. If I could go back 30/40 years and have my life over, this is exactly the wedding I would choose for myself.

The rest of this experience has been a total 'mindfuck'.

From doctors, cancelled tickets, fevers, more doctors, decisions, decisions, decisions, changed tickets, travel insurance, non-refundable money, fevers, doctors, we both eventually made it, coming on seperate flights, arriving where we wanted to be in the end.

Since the wedding on the 29th, it has literally rained and rained and rained. 'Most unusual for this time of year here in New South Wales' we get told over and over, it's tropical, humid, and just sheets of it....

We are in a lovely lodge overlooking green fields, with cows and calves grazing, and it could be England, except for the sound of the kookaburras in the mornings. And still it rains.

A very confusing time it has all been and continues to be.

We are here till the 11th January and are relaxing, reading and I'm painting, so all in all a forced rest.

But in time I will no doubt make some sense of it all and what it all has meant..ot maybe I won't even bother!

Tangent: Off to Oz

2007-12-23T10:48:00.001-08:00

Finally,at last, I'm off to Oz to see the wizard (NOT). There were (lots of) times I never thought we'd get there.
(Did this picture a few weeks ago in preparation for this day!)
I leave tomorrow morning and after circling the globe three times, arrive in Brisbane, something like Christmas night, which is like 4 am in my stomach and 22 past 37 in my head!
Neil is only leaving here on Boxing Day as he still has a temperature, and I will wait for him in Brisbane getting over my jet lag, exploring and buying something to wear for the wedding (been too sick to care).

We will get to Byron Bay just in time for the wedding which is on 29th December at 5pm on the beach.Then we will have the next 12 glorious days to relax, unwind, refresh, recharge our batteries to enable us to face everyday life once more. The last 'real' holiday we had was in Thailand in 1997, so it's our decade anniversary!

I wish you and yours a wonderful festive season, and a very HEALTHY , happy 2008.

I wrote my first post on 6/7/07 and the last 6 months have been an incredible journey as I wend my way to 60. I have made new friends, been able to help a lot of people along the way, and 'grown' myself.

Big hugs to you all till we meet again in 'Blogland'.
FY

Tangent: Upside down Cactus

2007-12-23T10:44:00.001-08:00

Before I leave for OZ I had to do a 'quickie' of Senita for Cactus Monday (my seventh and last one for a few weeks).
I decided to draw her upside down to depict the last few weeks/ days in my life.....

Hopefully by 2008 I'll be right side up again and so will she :-)

Happy Cactus Monday everyone, till January.

Tangent: Packing

2007-12-23T06:42:00.000-08:00

With less than 24 hours till take off, we have had to make a decision. I (thank heavens) am well now, due to the correct diagnosis and steroid inhaler which has at last given me back an almost normal voice, energy and the desire to travel.

However, Neil is still ill, and had a high fever just 24 hours ago, is very weak with flu.
After lengthy thought and weighing the pros and cons, which is almost more exhausting than travelling itself, we have decided to pack anyway (slowly, to give him time to rest in between) and aim to be ready to leave for Heathrow by 7am tomorrow.
If he succumbs to yet another debilitating temperature, or worsens very suddenly, then all is in place for me to go alone (not my choice, but unaviodable).

When I said 'it ain't over till the fat lady sings', I thought she had sung her last aria for us, but it seems she has still more 'singing' to do.

As you can see, Snuffles is not very happy. She loves messing about in our half packed suitcases but gets this 'hangdog' expression in her eyes, woebegone and mournful. (Now I realise the origin of this expression, very apt.)
She will be staying with Steve (Mr P) and I know they'll have great time together, whether mournful or happy, walking in the park or lolling around at home, as long as she is fed and gets lots of cuddles, they will both benefit. (Confucious said ' he who cuddles, gets cuddles in return').

I'm sure he said that, didn't he?

Tangent: Horizon

2007-12-22T09:54:00.001-08:00

At this time of the year, we are all looking towards the horizon.

What will 2008 bring for us?

My New Year's Resolutions (in no particular order) are:
Make the very most of my trip to OZ (specially after the last few days).
Increase my Charity donations and do more for those in need.
Learn to draw and paint properly.
Appreciate my health even more.
Enjoy my 60th year on this earth.
Learn to say 'No'.
Renew my belief 'life is a journey, not a destination'.
Make more people laugh.
Try to re-unite my sons.

Most of all:
The Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The Courage to change the things I can
And the Wisdom to know the difference!

Happy 2008 to all.
IF: Horizon

Tangent: Top 25 movies

2007-12-22T09:17:00.000-08:00

Another one of my new blogging friends, shakymouse, has tagged me to name my best 25 movies of all time.

Here they are in no particular order:

1.) The Piano
2.) Grease
3.) Reservoir Dogs
4.) Silence of the Lambs
5.) Schindler's List
6.) Cry Freedom
7.) Mrs Doubtfire
8.) Some Like it Hot
9.) Dirty Dancing
10.) Charlie Chaplin - Gold Rush
11.) The Pink Panther (1)
12.) Shrek (1)
13.) The Shawshank Redemption
14.) The Godfather
15.) One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest

16.) The Green Mile

17.) Doctor Zhivago

18.) L A Confidential

19.) Rainman

20.) ET

21.) Four Weddings and a Funeral

22.) Gone with the Wind

23.) The Wizard of Oz

24.) Singing in the Rain

25.) Dancing with Wolves

I bet a psychologist would have a great time analysing me!

Tangent: IT AIN'T OVER TILL THE FAT LADY SINGS

2007-12-20T03:10:00.001-08:00

I have always liked the saying 'it ain't over till the fat lady sings'

IT AIN'T OVER TILL THE FAT LADY SINGS

We ARE going to Oz.

We HAVE managed to find two tickets on the 24th December.

We WILL be at our son's wedding.

We WILL get well in the sunshine!

IT AIN'T' OVER TILL THE FAT LADY SINGS

Tangent: True Blue Blogging Award

2007-12-19T10:56:00.000-08:00

I've been awarded the True Blue Blogging Award by studiololo.
Thank you so much Laurel.

This award is given to people who stick by you in blogland and make it fun to blog, creating a ring of communication and friendship.

The past 6 months have been an incredible adventure for me with my blog. I started it for fun after watching my sons blogging away, and am now totally hooked.

I do so enjoy signing in almost every day and reading what my new friends are up to, marvelling at their artistic talents, giggling at their funny endeavours, crying with them when they are sad. I had never intended to become besotted with blogland, but I am.

I would like to present this award to the following people who have been there for me with consistently encouraging words and feelings. Laurel you are definitely one of them. I salute you.

Here are the others whose comment come straight from their hearts, who lift my spirits, who give me lots of new ideas, and who make me laugh out loud.

auntiemim's

beammeupscotty

lynn-getting my feet wet

prozacville

switchsky

teric

Supposed to be only 5, but I am cheating with 6.

You're all a bit nuts, odd, lovely and loving ( 'birds of a feather stick together').

Bingle Jells and Nealthy Yew Hear.

Tangent: Post Viral Bronchial Hyperreactivity

2007-12-18T04:04:00.000-08:00

You may wonder why I painted a wishy washy watercolour of an African shepherd for this post.
The reason:
His dogged persistence, his unwavering faith in the weather, his sheep and his usual routine day in and day out.
He asks for no more than what he has.
He is solitary, firm in his beliefs, unchanging and reliable.

With my latest diagnosis (of course it's weird and wonderful, as I am a weird and wonderful person), I now have a steroid inhaler and a vague suggestion from the Doctor that I could (possibly) travel in 10 days time.....

That's too late for the wedding, but there are now 2 new tickets available in 6 days time....if I were preparedto take the risk....hubby is getting stronger, and won't go without me.....aaaaaaarrrrgggghhhh

Calm, calm, stay calm, think of that shepherd, breathe in and out calmly (no not like that, you're coughing and hacking again).......... think of the shepherd, one foot in front of another...one foot in front of another................

Tangent: Masks

2007-12-17T14:02:00.001-08:00

Masks, masks, masks, everywhere masks.
All around us,
You wear them,
I wear them,
One for mummy, one for daddy, your boss, your friends, colleagues and strangers.

Couldn't we rid ourselves of them, just once, and be who we really are?
Which one are you wearing today?
Why?

Tangent: Santa Senita

2007-12-17T01:29:00.000-08:00

HO HO HO

This is my sixth drawing of Senita, which I did during last week and had planned to post before I left (gulp).

This morning when I went into the back room to open the curtains, Senita looked at me as if to say 'Are you still here?'

I love drawing her every week now Teri, and I like to think she stands a little straighter and prouder every time I do. How do you like the real cottonwool ? Ha ha, she says it tickles her.

She is going to appear in mondayartday as well. She'll be famous now!

So, Happy Cactus Monday and a very Merry Christmas and a very HEALTHY and happy 2008 to all my friends, old and new.

Tangent: Tribute to Bette/Bob

2007-12-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

I am a firm believer that when life throws you a 'curved ball' (which it has just done for us), one should look outside one's own world and see what 'curved balls' others have had thrown at them recently, so as to get everything back into perspective once more.

So I sat quietly this afternoon painting this picture as a tribute to Bette/Bob, one of Debra's many snakes that has just died in the big freeze she's experiencing.

I hope you don't mind Debra. It's my way of showing you that I care and understand.
It has also helped me to feel a lot more settled now, and accepting of 'what will be will be'.

Tangent: Snuffles is home

2007-12-16T07:19:00.000-08:00

Steve brought Snuffles back this morning, and I feel better already.

She went to stay with him while we were in OZ, but now we don't know what's going to happen, so we've got her home again.

She's happy and so am I.

Thanks Stevie.

Tangent: Hong Kong (NOT)

2007-12-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

We did NOT take off an hour ago,,

We did NOT make it to the airport.

We will NOT be landing in Hong Kong at 4 pm tomorrow.

We are both in bed, very ill.
Neil woke up at 3 am with a high temperature and burning throat; I took a turn for the worse on Wednesday.

The wedding is on 29th December in Oz.
Rebooking tickets, rearrange work plans etc - are all almost impossible right now.

If you were religious, you'd say:
Man proposes and God disposes'.

If you were a fatalist, you'd say:
'It's not meant to be' or 'what will be will be'.

I am a fatalist and usually see the glass as half full - not half empty.

Right now, I feel completely empty!

Tangent: Backwards

2007-12-15T05:36:00.000-08:00

Life is a tightrope.

Precarious balance.

Nothing is certain.

All can be lost.

Are you going forwards or backwards in your life?

Today I am going backwards.

IF: Backwards

Fifty-nine: Back to letters

2007-12-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

I love new projects, new ideas, new challenges and new stimulations.

So, when the heartful blogger offered to exchange REAL handwritten letters with me:
envelopes and stamps, and things that 'plop' through the door delivered by a real live person, called 'the postman', I jumped at the opportunity.

And when the first one arrived this morning I was so thrilled. I realised how much I had missed a good 'down to earth' letter, not something submitted through an elecronic system which has been floating around in cyberspace.

So, my fifty-ninth thing to do before I turn 60, is to reclaim this almost defunct art and start writing lotsa letters again.

Anyone want to get a REAL letter, let me know.

Oh, and by the way, you're all going to have to wait till the New Year for my 60th before 60!

Tangent: Raw cough

2007-12-13T14:01:00.001-08:00

After 8 weeks my bronchitis has changed to a raw burning throat, with difficulty in swallowing (since yesterday morning), a worsened cough and persistent laryngitis.

Having had 2 doses of antibiotics, 4 bottles of cough mixture, used an inhaler, dozens of paracetamols, and remedies such as steam inhalations, salt gargles and echinacea, I am worn down and worn out.

In less than 48 hours we take leave for Australia

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

Tangent: Draw Elvis

2007-12-13T13:56:00.001-08:00

The challenge for this week's Please Draw Me is to do a portrait of Elvis.

I have never been an Elvis fan, so this is not very flattering. Too bad!

Fifty-eight: Continue crocheting

2007-12-11T13:47:00.001-08:00

I knitted all the pullovers and cardigans for our family for over 20 years. I embroidered table cloths and also completed over 15 tapestries (will post some photos of them ). I then fell under the spell of crossstitching and have loads of these all stuck away in a case somewhere(will post photos of them too).
Crocheting always came second best to my knitting, but nowadays it is all I do when sitting down to relax. Ican't just sit down and do nothing, my hands have to be busy.

I found the Cuddles charity web site about 2 years ago and started making blankets for premature and still born babies, and this is my latest batch. I've probably sent about 60 blankets to them so far.
The fact that they are so small is good for my hands, as large things make them ache nowadays. Also, my eyesight isn't what it used to be either.
I like the thought that a family will be given one of my blankets at a difficult time in their lives, and maybe even keep/ cherish it forever.

A lot of love and care goes into my little cuddles blankets.

If you like crocheting, maybe there is a charity like this near you.

Tangent: Good morning London

2007-12-11T00:15:00.001-08:00

This is the sight that greeted me this morning from the back bedroom window (my 'studio'). Isn't it just perfect?
Made me sing the lyrics of :
'Good Morning Starshine' from 'Hair' (for those who remember it!)

So, it's a:
'Gliddy glub gloopy
Nibby nabby noopy
La la la lo lo'
to you all out there in blogland this morning.

Tangent: Pencil cactus

2007-12-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

Last week while sitting in the back bedroom -which has become my 'studio' - and 'beavering' away at some pencil sketches, I looked up and saw Senita, serene and statuesque, looking down on me in a somewhat haughty manner, as if to say 'what about me?'
So, I found another piece of paper and sketched her. She is tall, dignified and proud, and I hope this sketch shows some of her qualities.
She has become very much part of that room where all my art 'thingies' lie strewn about, and I enjoy greeting her every day when I go in there to potter around.

Happy Cactus Monday!

Tangent: Xmas quiz

2007-12-09T02:14:00.001-08:00

Good morning sunshine(not).

Here's a quick Xmas quiz for you all that I've adapted from Bohemianmom's site.
1.)Egg nog or hot chocolate? (Hot choc for me every time)
2.) Do you hang mistletoe ? (No, we never have, get enough kisses all year round, ha ha)
3.) What is your favourite holiday dish? (Xmas pudding and brandy sauce of course)
4.)What is your favourite holiday memory? (All of us in Northmead, Ma and Dad still alive, before emigration, when kids were all young).
5.)When and how did you learn about Santa? (When my friend's dad dressed up as Santa for the local community party)
6.) Snow, love or dread it? ( Love it falling, dread it thawing)
7.) What was your favourite gift? (The gifts we give now. We all give the amount we would've spent on presents to the person's favourite charity)
8,)Favourite Xmas song? (Silent night, always brings tears to my eyes)

Tangent: The men in my life

2007-12-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

The challenge this week on 'Please Draw Me' is to draw the person/people who are very special in your life.
I painted this today, sitting quietly, listening to 'Jigsaw' by Campbell Armstrong on my ipod.

They are all precious to me, they all give me pain in one way or another, they all mean the world to me!

It's also obvious that they don't have much hair or good eyesight !

Fifty- seven: Let's talk

2007-12-08T03:48:00.001-08:00

I'd like us three to get together and really talk.
It's time we did.

Tangent: Little things (IF)

2007-12-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

Practising for
Christmas Concert.
Sitting in a row.
Sleepy,
Weepy,
Naughty,
Crooning,
Giggling,
Shrieking,
Yawning,
Just plain bored!

These
are
the
'little things'
I
teach.
IF: Little Things

Tangent: God only knows

2007-12-07T00:19:00.001-08:00

For Steve.

Tangent: Practise again

2007-12-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

I tried to copy this interesting man from the 'Please Draw Me' site.

He has a 'Charlton Heston' look about him (for those of you old enough to know who CH is.)

Tangent: My dream house/s

2007-12-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

As I have two sides to my personality, the outgoing, friendly, happy go lucky side and the quiet, introspective, very serious side, I had to design two ' ideal ' houses I would live in for Monday Artday.

My quieter side would love nothing more than to be a million miles from anywhere and anyone, in a cute quaint little cottage, isolated and -just - um -quiet....

My other house would have to be big, bold and probably shaped like a question mark, as I am so curious and interested in everything and everyone around me.

Where I live in London sort of satisfies quite a lot of both.
Although we live in a quiet outer London suburb, and my street is a cul - de - sac, of only one block of houses, I am within 30 minutes by tube to the centre of London.

These days I mostly enjoy coming home, entering my front door, heaving a sigh of relief and shutting the whole world out!

Tangent: City of Houses

2007-12-04T13:32:00.001-08:00

The Challenge this week for MondayArtday is to design your own house.

My ideal house would be in this crazy city, rambling, squishy, wobbly, splodgy, topsy-turvy, mushy and comfy- just like my own life.

I will try to draw the actual house later this week. Bet you can't wait!

Fifty-six: Value my friends

2007-12-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

This is Lorraine, Hilary, Jamie and me having a good old gossip at work.

Hello girls, thanks for being my friends! Have a great Xmas and a good rest away from Cruella!

(painted a few weeks ago, entitled 'Italian women'....ha ha, that's us girls!!!)

Tangent: Picasso cactus

2007-12-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

This is the 'Picasso' version that I promised Teri , and my fourth drawing of Senita.

I did it yesterday, and after a lousy day at school, it was a pleasure coming home and posting this. Feel more relaxed already.

Happy Cactus Monday everyone!

Fifty-five: Practise, practise, practise

2007-12-02T11:57:00.000-08:00

I have spent the last eight hours trying to draw and paint these people on the site I've joined, where you put up your own picture, which others draw, and you try to draw them too. I must say in my defense that I'd never done a portrait before two weeks ago!

I am determined to get them to look like themselves eventually, so for now it's apologies all round and practise, practise, practise.

Tangent: Excess (IF)

2007-12-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

she looked in the mirror
and wept yet again
still too much excess
when would it end?

(dedicated to those struggling with an ED, or, like me, recovering from one.)

Fifty-four: Calm down

2007-12-01T02:56:00.000-08:00

After nearly three weeks off work with bronchitis (and still lingering laryngitis) I have been like a whirlwind this week, rushing, dashing, scurrying, galloping, frrantically catching up with all my school work, getting ready for our Christmas concert, end of term tests, planning work for the January term, AND trying to make lists for our impending trip to Oz where Mark and Carla are getting married on the beach in Byron Bay on the 29th December.

Trying to be as jolly as this 'galloping granny' I once drew, not always succeeding.

CALM DOWN!

Fifty-three: Thank God for Snuffles

2007-11-29T14:25:00.000-08:00

Here she is, my first painting of her.
Snuffles is my granddog (as I don't have any grandchildren).
We were teaching in Kuwait at the time. She was for sale (aged 3 months) because she was being hurt by the 18 month old son of her owner. She had been brought over from Thailand, to Kuwait, along with a Rottweiler.
The moment I set eyes on her I fell deeply and irrevocably in love, and had to have her.
She is a Shih Tsu, weighs only 4.8 kgs and has the sweetest nature I've ever known in a dog.
She's fast asleep on the sofa with a contented, postitivelysublime smile on her face.
I think I'll let this 'sleeping dog lie'!

Tangent: Draw your teacher

2007-11-29T11:48:00.000-08:00

I was so thrilled when Lynn decided to draw me, so I asked my class of 5/6 year olds to draw me today, and these are some of the (best) results.

One even drew Snuffles (I took her to school last year to do a lesson on 'caring for your pets').

All quite different, yet all seem to capture my large earrings, prominent glasses, short hair and (hopefully) joie de vivre!

Thanx Lynn, I love the picture!

Fifty-two: Laugh at myself

2007-11-27T08:09:00.001-08:00

It is very important to be able to laugh at oneself!
I do it frequently!

I've just been invited by Kim to join his new blog 'Please Draw Me'.

You post a photo of yourself on it, then other people draw you and you draw them....
I'm always ready to try something new, so I did.

This is the first drawing done of me...it's a total giggle. a whizz. an all round hoot.....

Thanx Joe I love it, am off to draw some of the others.

Why don't you all join us?

Tangent: Cartoon Cactus

2007-11-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

This is my third attempt at drawing Senita, and I'm getting in to the 'swing' of it now.

I decided to do a cartoon version, and it's the right day too.

Happy Cactus Monday Teri.

Tangent: Baby Giraffe

2007-11-25T12:29:00.001-08:00

So many people have done drawings of giraffes for IF: The Zoo.

I just couldn't resist posting this. The giraffe is my favourite wild animal.

This picture is my desktop background at present.

Isn't he adorable?

Why would we ever want to put these magnificent creatures into a zoo?

Fifty-One: Show admiration

2007-11-25T11:23:00.000-08:00

As I'm in the 'giving' mood, I'd like to give praise for African Women (specially those who live in the rural areas.)

I spent the whole afternoon painting (the last one done in charcoal and pastel) these women.
I think they are admirable.

They carry the burden in every way, caring for their families, providing food and safety, cultivating the land, dealing with aids, childbirth and death, often without medical assistance and certainly without therapists, self help groups and weekly hair appointments, manicurists or plastic surgery.

They are valiant, strong, brave and beautiful.

Let's think of them today ladies!

Tangent: The Zoo (IF)

2007-11-24T05:41:00.001-08:00

In my first year as a qualified teacher, 1969 (really), I took my class of 7 year olds to Johannesburg Zoo on an outing.
We were having a great time until we reached the bear cage, when suddenly Eric (will never forget his name) started shrieking and flailing his arms.
The rest of us had been 'oohing' and 'aahing' at the cute cub, when I looked round in alarm and found him with his head stuck in the large protective bars in front of the cage.
Some of the other 27 children started sniffling and panicking and it took a very calm, poised and soft - spoken ME to settle them all down and send for help. Inside I was a mass of panicky blubber......
It was relatively easy to get his head out, and the day was saved, but I swear I actually felt the first million grey hairs sprout all over my scalp.

Fifty: Give, give, give

2007-11-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

I read a very moving article about family violence this morning, and this was the picture accompanying it.
I decided to paint it and make it my fiftieth thing to do before 60....
In my job as a teacher I am very well aware of bullying and hideous family problems which exist today as never before. I could tell you some stories that would appal and horrify you.
Domestic violence is still regarded as something which goes on behind closed doors, and not other people's business. A recent survey revealed that more people (74%) would report a person for kicking their dog than for kicking their partner (53%).
A recent Dolce & Gabbana ad depicting a woman held down in what appeared to be a stylised gang rape barely raised a mutter of dissent.
I already have 4 charities that I give to monthly, and am also putting a little African girl through school.
We as a family have stopped exchanging Christmas gifts. We send the amount of money we would've spent on a gift to the other's chosen charity instead.

Give, give and give some more, and while you're at it, give thanks for what you have!

Tangent: Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T10:22:00.001-08:00

I/we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here, but to all my new friends- have a happy one!

Five things I am thankful for:

1.) To live to 60 (in February )which most of my family didn't do, due to heart disease or cancer.

2.) My hubby and sons (my 'boys').

3.) My long and fulfilling career as a teacher.

4.) My sense of humour and relatively good health.

5.) My quirky, eccentric, funloving, friendly, caring nature.

Think of five things you are grateful for this thanksgiving!

Tangent: Monday Artday#4: Goddess

2007-11-21T10:19:00.000-08:00

Oshun (Yoruba) is the goddess of the rivers that sustain life. She rules love, beauty and the arts, especially dance.

Tangent: Happy Cactus Monday (Tuesday)

2007-11-20T07:25:00.000-08:00

This is my second drawing of my new love 'Senita'.
I tried to do it looking down from the top.....mmmmm.....what do you think?

Happy Cactus Monday (Tuesday).

Forty-nine: Celebrate being a 'Silver Surfer'

2007-11-20T07:15:00.000-08:00

'We do not stop playing because we grow old:
We grow old because we stop playing.'

NEVER BE THE FIRST TO GET OLD.

Tangent: I've been tagged

2007-11-19T05:18:00.001-08:00

My chest infection has turned to bronchitis, so am still at home feeling rough, but blogging away and enjoying the solitude around me, and the wet plop-plop sound of rain on the window pane. As long as I sit here quietly the coughing and burning chest pain ceases for a while.

What a lovely surprise to get tagged.

I decided to trace this tag backwards to try to find its origin, and managed to go back 14 posts till I was stopped with a 'this blog is open to invited readers only'. This was a mammoth exercise, but great fun. Along the way, I posted a comment on each and every one of these people's blogs, so am hoping to make some new friends.

Here are THE RULES:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 5 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as their links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

My five facts (you decide whether they're random or weird) are:
1.) I planned to spend my 50th birthday sitting on the top of table mountain thinking about my life, when it rained and they closed the cable car for the day. I did it, but later.
2.) I'm a member of the 'mile high' club.
3.) I'm passionate about causes and I spend time helping them, instead of just thinking about them.
4.) I have a Living Will.
5.) I am still studying and try to get a new diploma every year.

I am tagging:
studiololo

Happy posting girls, while you grind your teeth at me!!

Tangent: Superstitions (IF)

2007-11-17T05:32:00.000-08:00

If you sit naked in the moonlight, you are sure to get an unexpected surprise!

I painted this 4 years ago, don't know why I painted it; seems like a fun thing to post for this week's IF.

Tangent: Snapdragon

2007-11-16T04:08:00.000-08:00

After two weeks of incarceration indoors with a chest infection, two lots of antibiotics,four bottles of cough mixture, strepsils and warm drinks, spitting, coughing, hawking and spluttering, I feel like a snapdragon.....................

PART OF ME HAS SNAPPED .....................AND THE REST IS DRAGGING.................................

Tangent: Monday Artday #3

2007-11-14T05:49:00.001-08:00

One of the challenges this week is to draw another Monday Artday Artist, so I chose Teri.

I copied this from the photo on her blog.

Hope you don't mind Teri and aoplogies as it looks nothing like you at all.

Was done with watercolours and waterclour pencils.

Now I'm going to do my whole family and friends too! So watch out!

Tangent: Senita

2007-11-13T07:49:00.001-08:00

My first attempt at drawing senita.

I used pastels, then painted over it with acrylic, then touched up with the pastels again.

I rather like the result.

It seems that 'bold' is my style.

This is dedicated to Teri. Happy Cactus Tuesday.

Tangent: Click to give

2007-11-13T01:35:00.001-08:00

I click every single day.

It only takes a minute.

What do I click?

Go to this site and see.

Please click every day too.

Please.

Forty-eight: Visit Auschwitz

2007-11-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

When we visited Yad Vashem in Israel in 1987, I was profoundly moved and the feelings have stayed with me always.

I would like to see Auschwitz, not out of morbid curiosity, but in the knowledge that this will enrich my soul yet again and lest we forget!

This was an actual painting I did about 4 years ago, a picture about the holocaust, which I just had to recreate.

Tangent: I got it

2007-11-11T08:32:00.001-08:00

Steve has had this beauty for about 2 years now, and I've always coveted it.

Now he has given it to me to look after/foster/maybe adopt, and I'm thrilled.
It's gorgeous.
He kept it on a window ledge in the light, but no direct sunshine, with very very little water/or none at all.
It has never flowered (if it can) or changed in the time he's had it.

Now I need to know what sort it is, where to place it and how best to care for it.

So, TeriC,

H E L P

Forty-seven: Learn not to say 'yes' when I really mean 'No'.

2007-11-11T03:47:00.000-08:00

I've struggled with this one all my life. I always believed that I had to say 'yes' or there would be dire consequences.

Saying 'no' inevitably hurt someone (usually me).

But as I've got older, it's become easier and easier and this year I've managed more than ever before..

Wisdom has taught me that as long as one is prepared to take the consequences for one's actions, whether it's a 'yes' or a 'no', that's really all that matters.

'When in doubt, say no!

(I painted this with my one finger, on a yellow card. Quite effective.)

Forty-six: Spend a whole day eating junk food without feeling guilty.

2007-11-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

junk food
junk food
give me junk food

slippery

sloshy

dripping

bloating

gorging

stuffing

and fuck the bloody scales.

just once!

IF: Scales

Tangent: Burlesque Club #3

2007-11-09T04:40:00.000-08:00

Did it oh Guru. And it was such a hoot!

I don't know why, but I decided to use my index finger only, no brushes, oh and a cotton bud for the smaller bits e.g. garters and mouth.

It only took me 30 minutes, and it just 'flowed' outta me.

I have posted two pictures showing how different they look by taking the photo slightly differently.

I've learnt more by doing this than I ever did in the art course I only attended for a few weeks.

Thanks Mama Jo Jo, you have inspired me, not to take my clothes off and wear titty tassles, but to experiment with my art.

Come on, Nad, what's next?

Forty-five: Forgive my mother

2007-11-09T02:11:00.000-08:00

They say that 'children are either a pain in the neck or a pain in the heart'.
I know I was both to my mother.
That didn't give her the right to do what she did to me!
I have been thinking a great deal about families this week.
It is time to forgive my mother.
She's been gone 26 years.
Rest in peace Ma.

(painted this a few years ago, named it 'mother and son', it's crude and rude and bold and even ugly, but it suits this topic.)

Tangent: Burlesque club #2

2007-11-07T05:02:00.000-08:00

My Burlesque club experience evoked some interesting comments.

Ellis suggested that I draw this.

Your wish is my command oh master!

What a giggle I had doing it, mixture of paints and soft pastels and just messing around....

Forty-four: Send a message in a bottle

2007-11-05T00:54:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to do this.

I know what I'm going to write and who I would send it to.

Maybe while I'm in Australia at the end of the year watching my son getting married as the sun sets on a gloriously beautiful beach, I'll just scurry away and launch my bottle into the sea with kisses and 'waves'......

(BTW this is the sun setting in Llandudno beach near Hout Bay, and I was there. African sunsets are quite spectacular.)

Tangent: Good Morning

2007-11-04T02:14:00.000-08:00

Crispy early mornings,

Sun glimmering on the grass,

Quiet and peaceful,

Hope within one's breast,

Snuffles with her jaunty step.

Good morning world!

Tangent: Top hats (IF)

2007-11-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

I adore penguins and have visited the only place in the world where Jackass penguins live, Boulder's Beach.

They are regal, stately, majestic and, although cumbersome in thier movement, somehow seem to totter along quite amicably. They mate for life and recognise their partner whenever and wherever.

I have spent more than one blissful occasion picknicking amongst them, and learnt a lot from them about life!

In their honour I declare today 'Penguin Day'.

So, I painted these two gents in their 'tuxedos', then just to be devilish, I added a 'mad hatter' green hat, to submit it to IF.