Thursday, 3rd September 2026 - Orange cherry tomatoes

What a wonderful morning I woke up to. During the night the rain made puddles on our patio. The garden and I am very pleased.

I met Sarah in the best charity shop in Cranbrook. I have books for Herbie and a pizza game for the Evans family. We caught up on stories over two coffees in our new favourite cafe Arthurs. The second one was decaff to control our caffeine fizz. 

I spent the afternoon with a Vicar of Dibley esque three hour art society committee meeting. Loads discussed. The future of the society is looking good. 

After hurling three bags of soft plastic in the cage outside Tescos - I am always pleased that my car keys didn't join them - I bought noodles for Herbie and chocolate to celebrate Hetty and Raffy's first day back to school. I still remember that wobbly tummy feeling. I am so proud of them.

 Day 3 #stradaeasel

Wendy gave me five varieties of tomato plants in the spring. I have had green zebras, large orange, tiny red, one plant produced nothing, the last one standing is an orange cherry tomato that seems a bit of a contradiction in terms. The last truss is my subject for today.

Orange cherry tomatoes
Indian Ink and watercolour on paper

Wednesday, 2nd September 2026 - Dawn's Posy

As I was waking up drinking my second mug of tea this morning I listened Amol Rajan say his farewells from Radio 4. I will miss his gorgeous voice as much as his charming ways. 

Tony dropped off a roof ladder. Tim is replacing our worn out roof tiles.  I will be keeping my feet securely on the ground while offering words of support and encouragement.

This afternoon Waitrose provided me with strawberries, tangerines and BabyBel. I spent a lovely time with Fizz, my grand niece Ottie and grand nephew George in Hawkhurst. The children have the most amazing eyelashes. Ottie was very entertaining drawing as we shared a tangerine. I left them playing a very hectic game of hide and seek in the garden. So lovely to see them.

While I was making dinner Harriet video called me. During her very busy days I really appreciate the time she gives me with news and stories. 

Day 2 #stradaeasel

Friends came for dinner a couple of weeks ago and I was given a bunch of flowers. I remember a tip from a florist friend to keep them fresh she put them in the fridge. We went to London for a few days. I refrigerated the posy from Dawn. Nearly two weeks later and they are still looking beautiful and the subject for my painting today.

Tuesday, 1st September 2026 - Dingleden Apples

The temptation of winning an easel has encouraged me to get out my paints. Every day in September I will be painting from life. At the end my name goes into a draw and I win a Strada easel. 

The rain has softened the garden enough for a bit of weeding.

We collected Tony and Wendy then headed to Seddlecombe for a stroll. 15,000 ish steps across the most beautiful landscape. A huge oak tree in the middle of one with a herd of deer was charming. And I saw and learnt about Dragon's Teeth that were constructed in the 2WW designed to stop tanks. Very impressive. We finished with a couple of drinks at  The Queens Head. Getting up after our backs and legs were a little achy from so many steps. 

Day 1 #stradaeasel

Today's painting is watercolour and inspired by the apples Wendy grew. I think they will be good with a chunk of chedder.

Here is a thank you card I painted for Michael. He hosted a party on Saturday. The cauldrons of food, garlic laced flatbreads cooked on his home made oven, ferret racing and much homemade cider made for a delightful evening.

Monday, 9th February 2026 - Roses and Stocks

Tim and I have been doing some DIY. Our dining room has become cluttered. The removal of a bookcase and shelves have improved it greatly. One of the bedrooms had bees painted on the ceiling from when our grandchildren slept in it. It was sad to see them disappearing under many layers of block out paint. The memories are still with me.

The garden is boggy. The chickens paddling in muddy puddles. But the daffodils are rising above the rain drenched soil. I have a glorious bunch of flowers adorning my kitchen table. Today I had the artistic energy to paint them. Gorgeous aren't they?

Roses and Stocks
Oil on board
40cm x 30cm

Sunday, 1st February 2026 - January Roundup

 The January push up challenge for Cancer Research is complete. I reached my goal of raising £150 - thank you to everyone who donated. You can add to my donations here

The Strada Easel challenge was a great challenge. Here are all the paintings. All are for sale unless marked sold. Email me here if you wish to buy a painting

A Lemon for Healing and Vitality

Botanical Tulip

Daffodil for Hope and Joy

Custard Tart

Sold - Fruit Salad

Snowdrops for Hope

Susans Vase

Tiny Carnations

Tiny Red Onion

Viburnum for New Beginnings

A Pink Rose for Friendship

Camillia for Affection

Daffodils for Resilience

A Touch of Snow

Bramley

Coxs Orange Pippin

Hellebore

Himalayan Strawberry Tree

Jam Jar Posy

Kintsugi

Last of a Bunch

Marmalade

Mollys White

One and a half

Primrose for Renewal

Radish for a salad

September Wonder

Tiny Tomato

Tiny Onion

Tulips in a Green Vase

Saturday, 31st January 2026 = Tiny Red Onion

I am posting early today. We are going to friends for dinner so I have to leave you. We haven't seen them for at least a year and longer for the other dinner party guests. I look forward to hearing what they have all been up to. I love a story and an adventure.

After I had made another mountain of marmalade and Tim had put another coat of paint on the bedroom we went for a walk. I was very wise and wore wellies. Tim was less wise and wore walking boots that got very wet and muddy. 

Day 31 #stradaeasel

It is the last day of the paint from life every day in January. My last contribution is a red onion. I have quite a collection of tiny oil paintings. I have learnt a lot from painting so small. Small brushes and not too much paint.

Tiny Red Onion
Oil on board
2" x 2"

30th January 2026 - Viburnum for New Beginnings

It was a lovely late start to our Friday. A couple of mugs of tea later and I was feeling awake enough to roll out my yoga mat. I had to pause Adriene during a warrior 2 due to drinking so much liquid. I was very pleased to have found a yoga video that I don't have to stick my leg in the air during downward dog. It is a weird, unnatural and impossible pose. And pushups were included to add to my daily tally that I must confess has not no where near my target of 100 a day!

While Tim was decorating one of our bedrooms I was drinking coffee and eating an orange in front of Lindsey's woodburner. We both had a good afternoon and celebrated with omelettes with eggs from our chickens.

I highly recommend The Good Doctor on Netflix. Lots of medical procedures. I have to keep a handful of tissues nearby. .

Day 30 #stradaeasel

A penultimate oil painting of the Strada Easel challenge. I will let you know if I win and easel. A viburnum is flowering in the garden. I secateured a couple of bits off to paint. It is poignant that the symbolism is for new beginnings are we have a new family member due in July. 

Viburnum for New Beginnings
Oil on board
20cm x 30 cm