An Oklahoman in Okehampton

February....Our wedding anniversary has passed...and a lovely one it was.  Dave tried to surprise me (bless him) with a little overnight getaway at the Bedford Hotel in Tavistock where we were married.  I sort of had it figured out before we got there...but still had a surprise when we were given the original honeymoon suite where we spent our wedding night.  Awwwwww....x

We spent the day prowling around town (the market is fantastic) and also took a walk along the river. The river Tavy is beautiful, and actually has salmon jumping up the steps created for them. We didn't see any this time...it's probably too early for their Spring run. Then we had a pub meal at the hotel. I think Tavistock is my favorite town in the area, with lots of historical things to see...I believe it dates back to the 1500's and was called a Stannary town...where courts were held etc.

I'm anxious for spring....I looked in the garden this morning and found buds on my little trees, and on the miniature roses.  The water garden barrel still has thick ice in it....that will take a while to thaw.  It's such a pleasure to see buds though...the catkins on the pussy willow are starting to open and little white fuzzy "babies" are beginning to emerge.

I'm still working on my water colour lessons....it really "ticks" me off when something goes wrong and I waste a sheet of paper.  At £1 each a person doesn't want to throw many of those away!  I just turn it over and practice techniques on the back.  I'm really enjoying doing this...and no one is more surprised than I am when something turns out well.

Dave was looking at something I did the other day and said "That looks like a beach."  (drum roll please.....applause)  That's exactly what it was!!!  Mission accomplished!  Its fun and even though I still have a lot to learn...I feel good about it.

I guess I need to wrap this up....Time to wake Dave and feed and water him for his night shift tonight.  I really dream of the day when he doesn't have to do this anymore, amd I'm sure he does too.

Take care everyone...and I'll be back on here soon.

January 2010....It feels so strange to write that.  A new year to start new things...which, by the way I have done. 

After my mom died in December, I was looking for a way to ease the sadness and guilt I was feeling for not being with her.  One day I spotted her paint box in the back of my wardrobe and pulled it out.  I left it sit for a long time before opening it and discovered that action alone was some comfort to me.

I could almost hear her say "Remember when we used to paint together?"  It's been at least 30 years since I had picked up a brush...and I began wondering if that was what I was supposed to do now.

A few arguments with myself later...I went to a local art supply shop in town and began wandering around looking at things.  There it was again...the feeling that someone was telling me "You can do this again."  Hmmmmmn....I wonder....  I left there quite a bit poorer and with a heavy tote bag just full of watercolour supplies.

Since that day, little by little I'm producing paintings...with the help of some good lessons on CD.  It's been very theraputic and really feels good to be doing this again.  Of course I'm not showing them off...no one would at this stage...but Dave thinks I'm underestimating myself.  I say it's lack of confidence.  However....I'm enjoying it, and just may try to put one of two paintings on an online gallery I've found...it's free, so nothing would be lost if no one buys one.  It may be good for me to see my work on line and compare it with other beginners.  Who knows...I just may be a millionaire one of these days.  (Yeah...and the moon is made from green cheese too!) 

I'll close for now...time to wrap up the day.  I'll write again soon...take care all.