quick art, Christmas and memories...

Hello everyone!

It's good to be back. 

Are you all ready for Christmas?

Are you getting excited,

or stressed out?

I've had a few rough past weeks, 

but I'm finally on the mend.

I was sick for 2 weeks+ with the flu

and the rest of the time,

I was just lazy.

Make no excuses. ;-)

I did these 2 little pieces (above)

as soon as I started to feel better.

Acrylic on paper.

I rarely get sick, 

so 2 weeks away from art was a long time for me.

I couldn't wait to get back to my little blue room -

to painting and writing.

I got a bunch of old National Geographic Magazines
from a yard sale a few years ago.
Beautiful photography & interesting subjects.
Like this totem pole.
(watercolour in my little Moleskin)

Painting a few small stones from the local beach...

A little exercise in letting loose

but it always ends up looking

like someone else's work.

Like a copy of something I've already seen.

There are lots of people out there

doing fabulously loose art...

Still, whenever I get the urge,

I let myself be more messy.

I used these 3 colours (below)

Watercolor on paper.

 Yes, it's Christmas soon...

i love my peace ornaments.

Some people hate Christmas.
You may be one of them?
It's a lonely time of the year for many,
and of course, for those who have lost loved ones -
it's never the same Christmas ever again.

This will be our 3rd Christmas without mom.
She loved Christmas
and although the holidays are sadder without her,
I still love the decorations
and the Christmas music
and the soft white snowflakes
on a calm, cold winter night.
But I also understand those who don't.

I try to focus on those who are still with me
rather than the ones who are gone.
Plus, mom gave us so many good Christmas memories...
it had nothing to do with gifts
and everything to do with food, family
and being there for others.
She was full of energy at this time of year
and she always helped those who were less fortunate
by bringing them food
and doing what she could to keep them company,
even if only for an hour.

I remember an older woman who lived nearby
when I was younger.
She was an alcoholic.
This woman had been a bank executive,
was married and had two children
and lived in a beautiful home.
She began drinking seriously,
for whatever reason,
and by the age of 50
she had lost everything.
Her husband, her job, her home,
and her children.
Mom always had a soft spot for her.
She always said:
you never know what life will bring.

At Christmas time,
mom would make meat pies,
or poutines... (Acadian specialties!)
and she would bring her some food
with a Christmas card.

She did this for many others as well,
just so they wouldn't feel so alone
during the holidays.
Always said if you had nothing to give,
you could at least give of your time.
Mom was a philanthropist
throughout her whole life,
only rather than give money (because she had none to give),
she gave of herself
which is far more precious, I believe.

(Billie Holiday, water-colour on paper)
I wish ALL of you
wonderful healthy holidays
and hope you all find the time
to have that quiet morning tea,
or to read a good book,
or to make a mess with the paints.
Do something good for yourself.
Start there
before extending your love
to others.