DID I MISS THANKSGIVING?

Thursday, December 4, 2014

DID I MISS THANKSGIVING?

I can’t believe two weeks have gone by since I entered a blog. There seems to be a fog of memory that has settled down and that’s why I’m so grateful for all the photos I take. I know it must drive you all crazy….no eating allowed until a photo has been taken and my capturing all the little moments but you might want to consider doing the same. It’s a wonderful way to diary without having all the bla bla that’s needed and so I shall continue. Thoughts?

Back to Thanksgiving. Thanks to the disastrous prescription given to Sir Charles by the ‘fill in doctor’, he was unable to get out of bed or hardly even open his eyes. Lots of drama along with that and my main job was keeping the ship afloat. So, the decision was made to do the bird and carry on. Now here’s the amazing fact…..I had not ordered the usual….'give me your most expensive and largest hen' at Whole Foods’…….

….Instead, I waited until Wednesday to grab any bird hanging out at Trader Joe’s! They had three left…..Not having high hopes I grabbed one and Thursday morning Vicki and I went to work.

Kita’s always ready to help!

The special Black Truffle Sea Salt from Miss Judith was put to good use!

O.K., stuff that bird and send it on it’s way!

I really hate to brag but I am the queen of stuffing and lately I’ve been getting help from a few things at Whole Foods.

Almost finished….

I always simmer the neck, giblets, and liver with onions & celery to have a base for the gravy. Don’t you? Anyway, I can tell if the turkey will be tender when I have the neck (love it) for lunch. Well, this was amazing, the most tender, juiciest neck ever….just delicious and I knew we’d have a sensational bird Turns out I had never purchased a ‘brined turkey’ which this was and it’s opened up a whole new world to me. I suppose you all knew that already as you’re all so smart!

I was so happy Charles could have a little taste even though he had to stay in bed.

I think this was my second helping! Eeeee gads….out of control!

Dessert was simple….Collins Street Fruitcake with whipped cream…...

After a huge amount of ‘help from my friends’ (Yea Beatles) I had Vicki and Kim stop the RX and Charles was not only able to open his eyes but sit up and eventually get back to our routine! Yippee!!

Saturday’s class in the studio was wonderful. Laurie Pie brought her artwork that she will be exhibiting.

Here’s the info. Please let me know if you plan on going.

I had gotten this Danish Kringle at Trader Joe’s…..

…..and it was sooooo good Nikka brought some up for the class!

Sunday’s with Sandie. Always the BEST! This time it was mounting her beautiful paintings….

….and catching up with some Nespresso cappuchino!

So, after a couple of weeks of drama, drama, drama, it was time for a Bloomie’s fix with Mary and lots of catching up. You’re looking at her plate, I had exactly the same & can’t believe I finished it off & then had an ‘extra thick’ smoothie!

I know how happy everyone is with the rain….Vicki fashioned a coat for puppy….tres chic!

And then it was time for a little dancing….

Someone please tell me why Kita is so over the moon about our mailman! He’s the only one she doesn’t jump on but waits patiently for his greeting.

The tree trimmers came by….

As did Edgar, Charles assigned PT. We love him!!!

Wishing you a GOLDEN week!

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Introduction

There is no avoiding the pull of the internet, the blogs, the YouTube imaginings. It's as if we're all 'On the Road' with Jack Kerouac each in our own world of meanderings. When we tell someone to 'get a life' it might be a bit difficult when you're dragged into other people's 24/7.

I've come to realize two foundational principals, there are no accidents and everyone has a purpose. More and more I'm desiring everyone to come into a full realization of their purpose as we all find our way on this little jewel of a planet.

For me, as a professional 'Western style artist', I stumbled into Chinese Brush Painting after a trip in 1980 to Monet's home/garden. Seeing all of his collection of Japanese woodblock prints was an ahh haa moment for me and when I returned to the States I started painting in the Chinese manner and never looked back. The first year was extremely painful for me as I felt that I should be able to master the technique since I was a 'trained' artist. Not a chance ... that just gets in your way.

Now, after teaching close to 3,000 students and having my book 'The Ch'i of the Brush' published by Watson Guptill, I can say that every one of my students does better their first day than I did my first year! Why? Because I insist that they leave their critical parent outside and just enjoy the journey, respecting the work that they do. I never let anyone throw anything away because that just ingrains frustration and defeat.

We really only begin to learn when we stop and figure out how to 'save' a painting. It works every time.I am so proud of my students, their receptivity and eagerness to express themselves is a continuing blessing for me.So, back to finding your purpose. Perhaps it starts with realizing 'it's not about me'. It so easy to want our needs met and to filter everything thru this attitude. When we realize that we're here to be of benefit to every life that we touch the universe really provides the ways and means.

The best part is that it's really exciting to not have yourself on your mind all the time!I'm re-reading a wonderful book about authenticity and in my next meandering I'll tell you about it. In the meantime I'd love to hear about your journey and am here to answer any and all questions about Chinese Brush Painting.