Tuesday, 31st December 2019 - Time for Reflection

I have a soft spot for a good voice. I overheard a friend talking to her husband on speaker phone. He has a very attractive voice. As does John Sargent but I find appearance not so.

I continued clearing with the help of some muscular men hefting three chests of drawers and a dressing table.

Herbie came to play in a subdued way. It was good to see him a little better. His spirit was definitely present.

I took an outing to Waitrose on search of mozzarella for NYE pizzas and a possible bargain - no bargains to be had. The man in front of me had three items in his basket. Two bottles of Cava and a pregnancy testing kit. He in is for an interesting evening.

Happy New Year to you all and everyone. We are having a quiet restorative one.

Time for Reflection
Watercolour

Monday, 30th December 2019 - Towards Walkhurst

Harriet and Tom have given me a voucher so Anneli who is Woodstock Holistics can use massage and Reiki therapy to put my body back in balance. It is an excellent and great present. Thank you so much I very much look forward to being more on a level. I think my hormones are being tempestuous.

I have been sorting out a chest of drawers today which was Mum's. It has a new home on my landing. It is full of table cloths and memories. I sorted with mixed emotions. I miss Mum very much. It is still her ability to listen that is the hardest to lose. She loved a Christmas with family and food. Being our first Christmas without her, she has been with me for fifty five of them, is probably the hardest. We miss you Mum and Dad. Harriet gives a great hug of support.

A walk with Tim helped to remind me of good times to come. We met Tom in the pub which was a glorious end to a funny day.

I cooked a curry for my boys this evening.

Towards Walkhurst
Watercolour

Sunday, 29th December 2019 - A Place for Great Grandma and Great Grandad

We have had a vomiting bug circulating the family. Today only one of us took to their bed. I think we are coming through. I am better and needing tea. Not quite up to alcohol yet.

We had another session of present opening. Herbie wobbled home with Harriet. Tom and I took Hetty and Bella for a blast of fresh air - it was a bit fresher than anticipated. Probably good for Tom after a night clubbing in Hastings. They had a climb in the playground followed by an inspection of the graveyard to find a place for Mum and Dad's ashes.

Back home and another round of presents with The Evans. They have some great books and board games. I am hoping that we will get some time to read and play during the remaining holidays.

Still one family member down.

A Place for Great Grandma and Great Grandad

Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 16th December 2019 - Painting in Pyjamas

It has been a creative day. I found some very old childrens paints at the back of a drawer. Herbie sat at the table and tried them out on his hands. I found him a huge piece of paper and moved him to the kitchen floor for easier clearing up.

I marzipan and iced the Christmas cake. Hetty, Arabella and Herbie decorated it with Father Christmases, reindeer, carrots, penguins, polar bears, snowmen, a sleigh, trees and two tubs of sprinkles and a siamese cat. It looks glorious. Thank you.

Blimey we have had a lot of rain today.

Painting in Pyjamas
Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 9th December 2019 - Scents of Christmas

I had my last paying guest of the year.

I took advantage of a few rays of sun and potted up some bulbs for Christmas presents.

Scents of Christmas
Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 8th December 2019 - Hanging Pictures

My kitchen was in chaos when friends called by. Tim invited them and we drank tea amongst bubble wrap, pictures, cards and paintings, oh and bottles for the exhibition preview this evening.

The Weald of Kent Art Society is now exhibiting for the next week in Tenterden. Pop in if you are passing there is some lovely work.

Hanging Pictures
Oil on Board

Wednesday, 4th December 2019 - Work in Progress

Herbie and I spent an hour or so this morning making sure the teddies had their cars. I have an advent calendar from Hetty and Bella. It has no gifts. It has no chocolate. Herbie and I love the pictures behind the doors. Each previous day needs discussion. I have never had a better advent.

I was in my studio this afternoon working on my oil paintings. At the time they looked fine. A fresh eye tomorrow morning will reveal their real true quality.

Tim bought me a Kenwood for my 50th birthday - and that was five years ago - today I think I may have found that it is rather good at making cakes. We have Nigella's sticky gingerbread cooling.

Work in Progress
Oil on Board

Tuesday, 3rd December 2019 - Held up at The Hub

I helped Harriet out a bit today. It made me realise what a busy life she leads. We did the school run. Hetty and Bella had an assembly in French we watched. Off to The Hub at Bodiam for a very lively Jitterbugs session. We had coffee and snacks while Herbie played. Wow and that was just this morning.

This afternoon I got my pills from the doctors and wandered the festive streets of Cranbrook. At Hartley Dyke I found the perfect white rose sprig for my final oil painting. It will have to wait until tomorrow as I am too tired this evening.

Held up at The Hub
Charcoal and Watercolour

Sunday, 1st December 2019 - Advent Sky

It is a riot of Advent calendars for our family from Lego to Playmobil to chocolate to open the door and reveal the picture.

Harriet and I went to Tenterden to look at The Tenterdens Artists exhibition. There was some great stuff. Tonights picture is inspired by Emma Dove.

Me and my studio have been working on my oils for next Sunday. Sort of nearly done one with three others well on the way.

Advent Sky
Watercolour

Saturday, 30th November 2019 - Christmas Crafts

Hetty, Bella and Herbie came round to make Christmas cards with the glue gun. I found a pack of Christmas bows, bobbles and bits on Amazon for application. The perfect festive activity. Herbie directed and I stuck until we needed a break and watched Postman Pat.

Christmas Crafts
Pen