Pumula late afternoon #462

Daily painting #462 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel

We arrived at Pumula around lunch time to the most glorious weather. My children couldn't eat lunch fast enough to get to the pool for a swim...it was around 37degrees Celsius and the humidity levels added a good few extra degrees! By late afternoon when I finally found some quiet time to paint the sky had turned grey and the day's heat seemed to be brewing a huge thunder storm. Distant rumbles of thunder could be heard as I painted and I anticipated a good African thunder storm....but nothing materialized ....at least not at the coast! Pumula is a Zulu word meaning 'to rest' ...and this really is a place of relaxation. Below is a photo my husband took from our bedroom...so beautiful! How privileged we are to be able to spend time in the bush only a few weeks ago and to now be at the beautiful coast. South Africa really is a beautiful and diverse place. Only an hour away from Durban but heading west we would come to an amazing mountain range called the Drakensberg....bush, sea, mountains ....how lucky we are! A trip to the mountains will have to wait for another holiday! For now I am enjoying this beautiful coastline and a special place that we have been visiting for ages....a place that holds a bucket load of treasured memories for us!

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Lilies #461

Daily painting #461. 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel

I was given these beautiful lilies over the festive season and it is SO hot at the moment they are literally opening before my eyes. A closed up bud one minute and the next I walk past and the bud is opening. I have felt a bit like a wilted flower today....the heat has been incredible and leaves one feeling lethargic and drained. A load of washing hung out to dry was almost dry by the time I had finished hanging the entire load! Tomorrow we are heading off down the south coast to our favourite little beach spot! I better make sure the sun cream is packed....it's going to be HOT! My paint box is packed and ready to go....

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Cherry and brandy Christmas cake #460

Daily painting #460. 6"x8" oil on primed canvas  panel

Today was the last day of the season's festive feasts...a traditional lunch on New Years Day at my mum's house. The last of the feasts ....and the last festive season painting until next year ....heaven willing I am still daily painting! My clothes are all feeling tight, a price to pay for all the feasting! For someone who loves to cook, I can honestly say I am tired of being in my kitchen! On the 3rd of January we are heading off for one last get away before my husband returns to work. We are going to a place called Pumula down the south coast. For those of you who have been following my blog for a while, you will know this summery place on the beach has a special place in my heart....my children have grown up here and we have been holidaying there since before Andrew and I were married! One of the best things about a trip to Pumula for me (besides quality family time) is that the food is delicious and I don't have to cook it!!! So I guess my clothes are going to get tighter still ....it is going to have to be back to some exercise and seriously healthy eating when we return! All the feasting is taking it's toll....and NO more cherry and brandy Christmas cake for me!

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Old year, new year #459

Daily painting #459 5"x7" oil on primed canvas panel

It is the afternoon of the last day of 2014....and my last daily painting of the year! I have completed 459 daily paintings in as many days ...and 2014 is my first full year of daily painting...one each day of the year. 2014 you have been kind to me! As I bid farewell to the old year and welcome in the new year, I am grateful for the health, determination and passion that has kept me going throughout the year. Who knows what 2015 has in store but I am ready to give it my best shot! Happy New Year to you all....wherever you may be....make 2015 a good one!

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Moth with a broken wing #458

Daily painting #458 6"x6" oil on primed canvas panel 

This giant moth, it is about the size of the palm of my hand, is sitting near the ceiling in my kitchen. It has a damaged wing but I think I know why! On the floor below sit 2 beady eyed cats waiting for the sport to begin! The moth however is wise ...it has learnt it's lesson ...it is out of reach...risen above  its tormentors and taking a moment to recoup. It's wing is damaged but it can still fly. I have opened a window close by in the hopes that it will make a wise choice and free itself from trouble ....

My second to last painting of 2014. I wish you the same wisdom I wish for the moth! May your decisions be wise...may you free yourself in 2015 of anything that is bringing you down...may you continue to fly even when life sends you a challenge, it always does! As we bid our farewell to 2014 ...may your 2015 be everything you wish it to be....only you can make it happen! Now fly out the open window moth.....new adventures await!

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Lemon wedges #457

Daily painting #457 6"x6" oil on prime canvas panel

Today was the birthday of one of my dear friends. Melanie was my high school art teacher. We lost contact for a few years when I lived in London (many years ago) but we have stayed in contact since and we are now the best of mates! We have exhibited together in a show called "...a long story!" and in November she opened my Paintings in the post exhibition. She is one of those special friends who you know you can call on for anything and she will be at your side in a minute! A kinder person (and more naturally talented artist) I am yet to meet! So tonight we celebrated with a fabulous feast....all gatherings in my house end up around the table, sharing food, wine and wonderful company! We feasted on lemon and herb and peri-peri smoked chicken, huge Mozambique lemon and garlic prawns and delicious fresh salads. It was a feast fit for a king....in my case....a wonderful friend! I wish I could share more with you but other than the last few wedges of lemon put out to squeeze over the prawns, not much else was left! Happy birthday Mel....to a year of blessings and abundant happiness my friend! X

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Garden Rosemary #456

Daily painting #456 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel 

Tomorrow is one of my very close friend's birthday and we will be celebrating with a lovely meal here at home! I have cut some woody rosemary from my garden to use in a marinade I am making for some chicken which will be cooked over a fire to give them a delicious smokey taste. Of course I will be serving up lots of fresh garden salads with that ....it's just too hot to eat cooked food at the moment! The rosemary in my garden is beautiful ...it is in flower so I have cut a few extra pieces to put in a jar in my kitchen. I love the heady, strong aroma it gives off...and the dainty little lilac flowers are so pretty too!

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