:Life Lessons from Painting

Still working on this darn thing, determined to make it work. I think because I am working with transparent colors, that when I get done they seem to disappear into the canvas. I'm not familiar with working with night scenes - and the light source is coming from the front....wrestled with the dang thing last night and parts of it got better, parts got worse.

Painting is a lot like life - you start something, excited about it, and all of a sudden realize its not working so well, and now its a big problem to solve. Now, I'm sure more experienced painters would know exactly what to do with this.....so really, I guess it comes down to education and problem solving skills. Then somewhat, finding what one is really good at and focusing energy into that area.

I paint from emotion - usually. I think what I need to do, since I relate to the flamingo and the flamingo's soul, is to just paint a flamingo, without landscape - a portrait of a flamingo - look in its eyes and let it speak to me, and paint. Sooo will that work -? I looked in the eyes of the parrot and all I have is a pretty picture. I want the magic!

Ok, getting ready to go to church - I am a bit huffy as "H" is getting all showered, perfumed and is running off to church without me. I have to go to second service, because that is the only time grandson's age group meets. I feel hurt - I tell him - he pays no attention - a source of contention from long ago - church as avoidance. Ha, ha, I tell myself, put that one in your hat, and paint it.

Never paint with negative feelings in your heart. I started an angel and got in a tiff with someone else who means a lot to me - it was a pencil drawing and I was touching it ever so lightly with washes, and my hand got heavier and heavier and I made it mediocre, the hotter I became in temper, the more I ruined it. Its ok, but its not "wow" so its going to garbage. I think that is another life lesson.

Will be glad when I have a more peaceful spirit and tolerance. Its Lent now. I miss the traditions that point to the importance of the coming of my Savior and the reasons, and the cost, and the emphasis on the whole importance of the Easter season. Mardi Gras and the partying are gone - I've never quite figured out how the craziness and extremities of Mardi Gras fit in with the concept of Christianity - not that I haven't gone to the tamer celebrations (I am not into having someone peeing on my shoes at the wild parades and parties!)

Ok, the old grouch is going in for her shower and perfume and the second church service. Perhaps God will meet me there and soothe the grouchiness, maybe even turn it to joy.

A Cat Named Psycho

Secrets, Herons in the Night, Tired too.

Eaaaghhhh. I have spent the last 3 weeks it seems running up and down the road in my car and buying gasoline. I am so tired I can't even sleep - I didn't get to the pharmacy today to pick up some Ambien - and here I am, bright eyed and bushy tailed at bedtime again. I haven't even watched TV for three weeks.

Today, I took a fancy. I never have secrets. But now I have a secret. A very big secret. So I went to Target and bought a big locket that I've been looking at, hoping, jus hoping I could find a secret to put in it. Now, I'm going to carry my secret next to my heart in the locket. And see what happens. It will work for me as I smile mysteriously at locket compliments, if I don't die prematurely.

Picked up my grandson - took him to Shrimp Basket where he ordered huge basket of friend er- yes I'm tired, I mean, fried crawfish. I ordered veggies and glad for it, because I feel nice and clean inside. Yeh, weird, huh? The older I get, the more I am enjoying the enjoyment of being free to be weird.

This beautiful stately bird was waiting on the entryway to the restaurant - a Blue Heron - it was like a moment of magic. After dinner we fed him/her french fries, left over crawfish and, weird person that I am, I told him how beautiful he was. Or she was. I wish it had not been so dark when grandson snapped his photo.

I am excited - the son of my best friend in the whole world back in Iowa contacted "H" today on Facebook - I hope I can find my long lost friend once again!

Finished.

I'm such a procrasinator - its always a triumph when I actually finish a piece of work!

This is oil on canvas.

The Casa Pantheressa

Just taking some pictures around the house. I finally cleaned it this month, haha.

Mojo Workin'

Where have I been? In a strange, but definitely not unpleasant place. In the last two weeks I have done two paintings - the guy in the hat needs a houndstooth pattern added which hope to finish tonight. And I think the flamingos need a second going over - we'll see. Just so pleased to have the urge to paint again.

Lots going on with family, and lots going on with me, none of which I can really talk about but I think the ends will all be positive.

Have been driving off the weight gain of the holidays - from henceforth I will remember how easy it is to put on and how hard it is to get off. Only five more pounds to go - but that can be a lot.

Cats have been chewed up and had to have vet treatment. Steering shaft out of car and had to have new tires - four car accidents in the family between my two daughters and grandkids. That's just a sampling.

Also I might have a web design job which would necessitate me spending a an expense paid week in the West Indies - now that makes me truly happy!!!! I hope it works out with another must do appointment in April.

Spending hours on computer with finding old files, preparing for CD's, offer, etc.