Experiments and Sneak Peeks

Experiments and Sneak Peeks

I experimented with an underpainting of blues for the berries and layering different yellows for the grasses. I'm happy with how they've turned out, and they are now available in the Hidden Gallery!

I also hinted at a new series in the new year. Here's a sneak peek of one of the pieces.

I'm putting together the words to tell the story of how this piece came together I can't wait to share the whole series with you in a few short weeks!

Last week, I mentioned that I would begin practicing and experimenting with paintings more. I'm pleased to report I did!

Here are two of last week's paintings.

Family Time

I sat on my mother-in-law's couch, surrounded by nieces and nephews, all cuddled in.

In my hands, I held a picture book called "Too Many Books."

It was a book I checked out every week as a child, enjoying it so much, and I had decided it was time to share it with the next generation.

Later, we ate plates of turkey, sweet potatoes, and green beans. I drank my first glass of eggnog this season. And the second. I shared my apple pie, with the crust I finally perfected after years of not-quite-enough water.

We talked, played card games, played Boomerang Fu, and watched football. It was a nice time to reconnect and be with family.

I rushed into the Rec Office, eager to get out of the cold.

Showing up to swim each week is a feat. It would be so easy to decide to stay snuggled up at home, and today is no exception I had gathered the swimsuit, swim cap, goggles, and towel, and driven to the other end of town.

Now, in the office, I scan the sign-in sheet to put a check by my name. Except, my name isn't there. Did I mistakenly sign up for the afternoon?

"Can I help you?" an employee asks.

"I thought I signed up, but I don't see my name. I must have done something wrong," I say.

"Let's take a look," she said, scrolling on her computer.

"I mean, it's no big deal, I don't really want to swim."

"ou're preaching to the choir! It was so hard to get up and do yoga today."

"Well I didn't sign up, it looks like. I only put it in my calendar. So I'll just sign up for next week."

"Why don't you go down to the pool manager, tell him I said if there's space because someone hasn't arrived yet, you can swim."

"Thanks!" I say grateful and annoyed that she was keeping me accountable to swim.

Yet once I got the first lap in, I started smiling.

I love the feeling of gliding through the water, even though it's an inner battle to get there every week.

And I'm proud. Except for weeks I've been sick, I've made a point to swim every week for two whole months. That might just be the longest I've kept any kind of workout.

Not much beats the feeling of gliding through the water, knowing both my muscles and willpower are getting stronger, little by little.

Muscles and Willpower

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