Five roses tea bag #465

Daily painting #465 6"x6" oil on primed canvas panel

The last few days have been so relaxing. I have almost finished 2 books, spent some quality family time with my special people and managed to continue daily painting! We headed on home today as we did exactly a year ago when I painted my last Pumula painting...painting #100. How awesome it felt to have reached 100 paintings back then! Today I have reached 365...plus 100 more! 465 daily paintings in as many days......I have surprised myself!

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Looking up #464

Daily painting #464 4"x6" oil on primed canvas panel

Lying at the swimming pool on a pool lounger while my kids swim. This is what I see when I look up...blue skies and palm trees! What a beautiful day even though the heat is almost unbearable. I struggled to paint outdoors without my sunglasses on so this was a really quick one...looking up! I did get a few sideways glances from others at the pool who were chilling with magazines, books or cocktails....I had my paint box!

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Flapjacks and berry jam #463

Daily painting #463 6"x6" oil on primed canvas panel

Flapjacks, griddle cakes...or as we call them crumpets! Just one of the delicious things served today with an assortment of jams, berries and fresh fruit! Have I told you how delicious the food is here? The best part is that I don't have to cook it! Delicious food, plenty of rest, the ocean and a good book....what a way to start 2015!

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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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