12/21/10



The holidays are a fun and magical time, but they're also filled with memories. Family and friends who aren't
with me any longer and friends who are fighting cancer right now,
these thoughts are all mixed in with visions of sugar plums dancing
in my head.

I guess I'm mentioning this because yesterday when I interacted with
an obviously very angry man in the aisle of the supermarket, at
first I was feeling pretty upset with the guy, even caught myself
thinking, 'What's his problem? Why is he being such a nasty person,
especially around the holidays?'

But then I reminded myself that life is complicated, especially this
time of year. Life goes on like any other day, people lose their
jobs, families are split apart, folks are feeling lonely because
this is the first Christmas since their spouse passed away, and
others are worried their parents might not be around to celebrate.

I had a good cry--and now I feel much better. I sure hope
the man I met in the supermarket gives himself that gift, too.



Can't help remembering when my grown-up children looked like this. They probably don't even remember.






 

Just wanted to share some of the Christmas around our house.  
"Joy to the World" and "Joy in my heart"





With all the storms out there and people traveling and clogged up in airports......there sure isn't much peace in the air.  I'm so glad we stayed home where it is tranquil and quiet.
I'm spending my time baking and knitting.
Here is a bag I hope to finish.


12/17/10

The SPA Paletteers met Wed. Dec 15 at Corkhill Palms at 9:30 am. We exchanged these beautiful Christmas cards that we had painted.  
Here are a few for you to see.







 We also painted Christmas tree balls. 
Aren't they delightful?  We had such a jolly good time!  We missed the ones who couldn't make it. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!  
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR.

12/11/10

Coachella Oasis Preserve

Went for a walk today out in 1000 Palms Canyon.  Coachella Valley  Preserve it's called....there is some water and ponds, lotz of palms and sand.  It was hot on the hike about 85 degrees.  We walked a mile out...around the pond and back to the parking lot.  Blue skies smiling on our backs.
Several years ago hiked there with Lynda & Seth.

I would like to come here to do some plein air painting sometime.
 

12/10/10

December Plein Air

I had such a good time at Las Casuelas Mexican Restrauant on Dec 8th.  Six of us met at 9:30 am and walked around choosing what we would like to paint.  It was difficult choosing as there is so many beautiful things to choose from.  Lotz of structure and statues, etc. 


I was intrigued by the brick around an outside fountain...




 Then of course we all ordered our salads and enchilades, etc.  We sat on a sun-dappled patio and painted to our hearts content.  So-o-o-o much fun to paint and chat with friends in new places.