I'm still standing

I sit here wondering what this year will bring.
I sit here wondering about my apparent diminishing capacity to cope with what seemed quite easy last year.
I sit here hoping for little change, but for everything to change.
I sit here fearing an invasion of my world...for the robbers of time and stagnation born of apathy.
I'm standing now and want to make a difference again...my capacity has just increased and I want to slay my demons of which there are a few...none of which are sitting.

What I'd like to do in 2012...
Try some things I've never experienced before.
Windsurf the English Channel (something I've wanted to do for years)

What I have to do in 2012...
Be realistic...It'll take more than this year to prepare to windsurf the English Channel. I think it will have more impact if I wait until I draw my pension:) Extend the upstairs bathroom instead, and for an encore landscape the back garden.
I also have to stop over-committing myself.

That'll do for now.

foreboding

I've got that feeling again. You know...the one that you get when you've done something wrong and you know you'll be found out.

Do I come clean straight away and take it on the chin or choose my moment carefully?

Christmas

My daughter's family have endured months of upheaval while the extension was being built and the new kitchen fitted...just for her to set fire to it and also burn a hole the exact shape of an iron in the new utility room carpet... a day or so before all the family arrive for a get-together.

Luckily, the fire was put out quickly and the smoke damage was confined to the cooker area. A teddy bear now sits on the utility hot spot, hiding it from view.

When we got back home after a fantastic family Boxing Day, we found out that trees have blown over into our garden in France. for some reason, though, I'm as unconcerned as Juli was with the fire. C'est la vie!

We've had a wonderful Christmas and our wood store has just increased significantly.

Before...

After...

Serene has just picked up grandma (my MIL) to help her with her Christmas shopping. She has been so ill of late...especially last night, that I thought it impossible to even think about her going out today.

As she knew what day it was when she woke up, I felt optimistic and, after a hearty breakfast, an insulin jab and her tablets, I closed the door behind them on this wintry but sunny day with the hope she gets my present first:)

I enjoyed the few moments before they left, watching the Christmas tree lights with Spencer as Serene searched for the screw from MIL's glasses which she had just dropped in her part of the house.

Anyway, they are gone now, and I scrambled up the stairs to my studio, grateful for such a caring daughter in law.

As it turns out, my MIL had her purse stolen whilst in town shortly after withdrawing £200 from the bank and Serene, having returned to the scene to make certain all bases were covered, accidentally locked her keys in the car and had to be rescued by her dad who dashed all the way from Mansfield with a spare set.

Sometimes the blessings aren't always apparent when you go the extra mile.

I feel like Mrs T when she said that the Lady is not for turning...then made a U-turn.

I've felt a little lost not recording my life online...especially now that the busy period is over, therefore I will resume soon...perhaps once the busy Christmas period is over:)

Last Post

Like General Custer I'm feeling overwhelmed and have decided, unlike him, to surrender before I become a casualty.

I began this journal in April, 2009 and thought I'd be making entries until I drop, but now that I am painting full-time, I feel the need to de-clutter.

Genealogy is one area that I've neglected over the years and need to make space for.

Once my other blog (Destination Brittany) is up to date and categorised, I will be leaving that as a complete record for visitors.

I will continue to visit my good blogger friends and hope they will be friends with me on facebook or visit my art blog which, unlike this one WILL be around in one form or another until my last breath.

Thank you for all your comments over the years...I really do appreciate them.

Finally...this is not goodbye. KEEP IN TOUCH!

Daily Art Blog

The Usher

While on holiday, we attended church with my son and his family. We attend this church whenever we are in the area and count many of the members as good friends.

As we quietly edged our way to two vacant seats right next to my good friends Marie-Jose and Florent Vogel, my son, with his wife and daughter Liliya, sat three rows in front. Liliya was displaying signs of discontent and the usher who I didn't recognise, kindly came forward and offered her a 'quiet book' to play with. It was a thoughtful gesture and I immediately warmed to him.

I noticed Corinne leading the music...she has such style and enthusiasm. I caught her eye and she smiled. Later, she would be coming for dinner with her husband and daughter.

I desperately wanted to talk with Marie-Jose, but to do so would have been irreverent. I glanced around and noticed so many of the people we have grown to love over the last eight years. It was a good meeting and, in the crush afterwards, we never managed to speak with Florent or Marie-Jose. It will be another eight months before we see them again. I think I'll invite them to dinner in May to make certain we get to talk. In the meantime, I'll practise my French.

I later found out that the stranger at the door who was so kind to Liliya,  is head of President Sarkozy's bodyguards. She was obviously in good hands...as is President Sarkozy, no doubt.

I love being reminded that a common faith can, and often does, bring so many people together who would, under normal circumstances, never have the opportunity to mix.