Thoughts of a Soo

It was nice to catch up as it has seemed like a long time. Home now and resettling with a beer after journeying. Set up the ipod to play Mary Chapin Carpenter and found that I can complete the journey home without doubling up on a track or indeed hearing all the tracks before reaching home- I like that. My sister 'rocks hats' and bought herself a didgeridoo.

Soon it will be the season for parsnips and sprouts. Ronnie is hoping to feature on this year's Christmas card. And yesterday I slept, sun-warmed in the garden as if it was Spring. I like a confusion of seasons. Reminds me that possibilities are endless and random things are the source of pleasure.

I love these toffee hammers, but think my need to keep them may be slightly irrational. Today I shall make it my Sunday mission to tidy them away somewhere sensible as perhaps they do not need to be on the coffee table at the present time.

was kind enough to let me have a photo with her this afternoon. She did say, "Now where is that child that wanted their photo taken?" which made me laugh.

as long as Ronnie comes too. Otherwise it can sometimes be a bit too much like looking at old things for a while.

Ronnie on Shell beach at Herm A Guernsey Cow Looking back at Shell Bay from the cliff path

for the writing and for the colour combination. When I was about 7 I had a brown and yellow jumper and I used to call it my banana and custard jumper. Unless my mum used to feed me very over ripe bananas I think I was a bit confused about my colours. I no longer wear brown and yellow jumpers and I am quite glad about that. If I had kept the jumper I think I would make it into a work of art. However, I think my mum threw it away as I had a bit of a habit for chewing my sleeves.

Hope is good.

  This badger was preserved for folk to look at. He is a fine specimen and I had a lovely time staying in the woods this week amongst the trees, mud and badger setts. It's good to be reminded that nature is great and fresh air is good for the soul. Also good to share the experience with people.

I haven't created a new work since putting up (and taking down) my exhibition work because things had become disorganised at my desk and with the storage of paintings. Have enjoyed the fact that a three day weekend has given me a chance to reorganise. I love the comment 'please don't stop painting'...

too expensive. You must only be looking!

My Mum had knitted him his very own scarf!

...was given to me as a thank you for a kind deed I did. (It is long since eaten, but not forgotten because it will remain a symbol to me.) Today I received the kindest of words for some time I took to do something for a friend and I was reminded of the pear. It's the little things that mean the most.

I like going to the beach with my sister because she makes me smile and likes to have her photograph taken!

My paintings have now been described as intimate and evocative. I love to read such comments and I love the power of language. So glad I became a 'will' not a 'won't' and was inspired and encouraged to get some work a-hanging on some walls. Goal setting is good. Helping people to be wills not won'ts is also rather cool.

This picture hangs now on a friend's wall (framed I am pleased to say!) and I found this photo of it today just as I was thinking I had forgotten all those months ago to capture it before it went. All part of the influence of Matisse. haven't painted in that style for a while and think it might be time to buy some mdf and have another dabble...

hangs beside 'Inferno'.

and the way she poses for the best pictures!

was gorgeous and it made me grin. I love the sea and this beach had mountains very close by which is a huge bonus. Happy times.

getting ready for my art exhibition. Sometimes I laughed hysterically as work went into bubble wrap and I realised I should have named each piece as it was completed and sometimes it was just seeming to make my back hurt!! It was very nice to be supported in the process as each was photographed. (They don't all have obvious heads, but hey that's ok too.)

This is an old old picture and makes me smile still. Children can see things with wonderful eyes and represent them brilliantly. Quite quite lovely!

Loved painting this today because I was using a larger canvas. Have been constrained lately by smaller working and I needed to break loose. A good feeling. I will enjoy hanging this in my first art exhibition. Funnily enough today I have painted with no title in mind...

This year's Christmas Card - I've got plenty of time to experiment with it and actually remember to get it printed.

On the 31st December 79 years ago my Nan and Grandad got married. My Grandad died on the 30th December 2011 and it gives me some comfort to believe that they were together last night reunited in a heavenly place. They were both remarkable people and I strive to be as good as they were. God bless them both.