Happy New Year?

 At the macro level, our dear leader has abducted a country’s president, bad guy that he is; ICE has murdered an American citizen; and war continues in Ukraine. Empathy is out of style. The golden rule has been abandoned. I write my representatives and despair.

On the micro level, my life is good. That also makes me despair because life is so unfair. What to do?

Because the weather has been delightful, I can spend time each morning painting, rather than having to be in the yard at o’dark hundred to avoid the heat. I have signed up with another online teacher and am completing her 30-day beginner boot camp, committing to painting every day for a month. I bought the large quill brush she recommended and am getting much better in creating large washes and shading. Already I can see vast improvement in my work. I am continuing with this year’s 100 Tiny Paintings with my original teacher. Another macro and micro.

I am using a list making technique of “Must Do”, “Should Do”, and “Don’t You Dare Add Today”, which I copied, not created. Concentrating on what I can and need to do right now.

To that end, yesterday I took down and completely put away Christmas, designating the glühwein cups, poinsettia stemware, wreath decorations, pretty wrapping bags, and some other decorations as superfluous. That whole storage box will be donated next October. 

My white buffet looks barren. I may try to keep it that way. Right now all it has is the Seminole double basket I accidentally bought on EverythingButTheHouse.com. I certainly didn’t think I would be the highest bidder. Listed as extras being sold off by the University of Arizona. On the other hand, it is absolutely lovely.

Rather than buying another bird-a-day calendar, I got out the beautiful Audubon Baby Elephant folio Grant gave me years ago. I put it on the china cab and am displaying the pages, 1/day. I am looking for a book stand. 

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