Mimi

I'm working on a new project this morning; actually it's a Christmas gift for my daughter and her family.

It's a portrait for their new family member, Mimi, a rescue from Costa Rica.

Here's Mimi in 'real life'. She's sweet and affectionate and very elegant. I hope I can capture her gentle nature in my painting.

Are you working on your Christmas list?

Winter Storm

We are in the middle of a nasty winter storm that started yesterday afternoon as is still going strong.

I had to run a few errands this morning and it's nasty out there.

Think I'll defrost by the fire for a little while and do some reading.

Have a wonderful day and stay safe.

Christmas Tree Lighting

This is where we'll be tonight! The high predicted is 0 Celsius, that's 32F. Brrrr ...

Can you believe Sunday is December 1st?

I'll be taking down the Fall wreath and putting up the Christmas one.  No tree yet, way too early for me.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Good Morning!

This was my view this morning as I was working out.  How motivating is that?

I'm off to do a little Christmas shopping and then meeting a friend for lunch.

What are you up to today?

How Was Your Weekend?

Mine was good! I finished working on this for my five year old granddaughter, Emily who is (currently) obsessed with German Shepherds.

And I enjoyed a walk through the newly-refurbished (and absolutely gorgeous) Tannery Park here in Oakville.

It is breathtaking!

I'm so annoyed at myself for having missed the Grand Reopening Celebration earlier this month.

Ah, well.

Saturday night we had dinner at one of my favourite Greek restaurants, Adonis, a short distance from our house.  It would have been nice to walk over but it was too cold.

Other than that is was pretty low key.

The Daily Round

Hello friends,

It's been a while, I know.

I've just returned from a glorious week in Hilton Head, South Carolina.  It was my first time there and had I known how much I'd love it, I would have booked a longer stay. But ... next time.

Isn't it wonderful to get out of our daily routine, to do something different than we did yesterday, to get away from all of it? It kind of wipes the slate clean and forces the mind to open itself up to new possibilities.

I had the usual 're-entry' issues or what you might call the 'post vacation blues' at first but pretty quickly found myself relaxing into my old routines.

In fact, I found comfort in them. And started wondering if you feel the same?  Do the daily rituals that create your life bring you satisfaction?

Do you take comfort in your day unfolding as planned?

Let me know.

Estrangement

Hello dear friends, me again.

Seven years ago my son estranged himself from us. Everything I've read since says I should let go and move on. That they seldom 're-engage' and if they do, it's not for the right reasons. It's to do with some sort of perceived financial entitlement; their 'due'.

But I hold on. I fantasize that one day he'll knock on my door (with grandchildren I've never met in tow) and explain/apologize ... and all will be well again.

My family says I'm delusional. 

They're probably right.

So I've been thinking about 'talking to someone'.  Of finding a kind therapist who will take me by the hand and lead me out of this funk I find myself in.  

It's possible I'm fantasizing again.

I don't know.

What do you think? Should I give it a shot? Have you ever felt the need to seek help in mending your broken heart?

Tell me.