An Oklahoman in Okehampton

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.

Just a short note this time.  I've received news from family in the states.  My dear mother has died.  It seems as though these events have routinely happened during the holiday season, and it's a little hard to bear.  Christmas has lost a little of it's glitter at the moment, but it doesn't dull my wish for everyone to have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

You probably won't be hearing from me till after the first of the year....I'm sure everyone has a lot going on.

See you in the new year...

Hello all

My birthday has come and gone...and a wonderful one it was!  Many cards, and a special honour by being asked to light a candle in the Advent wreath at Sunday's church service.  That event meant a lot to me.  I've never done anything like that and it's just another thing that has made my move here so great.

The Christmas lights are up in town, and we've had Edwardian Night.  There seem to be more lights this year.  I think people are using lights to lesson the emotional effects of the recession.  It's hit this country hard and people are looking for ways to "make it feel better."  I even saw a news report on TV about neighbors than had banded together to decorate each house in their neighborhood with "American style" lighting displays.  They did a good job..and loads of people were coming to see.  Outdoor decorating has seldom been done in UK, and it's good to drive around and see lights up.  Almost feels like home.

I have our house decorated.  I've always loved victorian Christmas decorations, and this year is no different.  Dave even admits it's pretty.  And that's a big statement coming from him!  I brought my creche from home and it's lovely seeing it out again on the mantle.

Dave is working Christmas this year. :-(  Not my idea of fun...however I am having dinner with friends and that will help.  The day after Christmas is Boxing Day...the fox hunt....and a big meal...we'll have our little Christmas then.

February brings our first wedding anniversary!!!!  Can you believe it?  Dave told me at the beginning that "we'll be saying hasn't time flown?"  I didn't believe him...but it has.

It has been such a good year....with more to come.