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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It's going to be hot! #455

Daily painting #455. 4"x6" oil on primed canvas panel 

It's the holidays....I wish I could have a lazy sleep in but the summer heat is a killer and it gets light so very early that my body clock is playing havoc with my sleep! Even with curtains closed and fans spinning to cool the room, my body just seems in tune with the rising sun and slumber seems near impossible as the Prussian sky quickly changes from around 4am. Today the sun seemed to just appear with no prior pink and tangerine glow to herald its arrival. The Prussian gave way to sudden blinding light....it's clearly going to be one hot, steamy and humid day today! The joys of Summer....wish she would bless us with some rain!

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Red chili red cherries #454

Daily painting #454. 5"x7" oil on primed canvas panel 

There seems to be an abundance of red in my kitchen at the moment...red chillies, red cherries, red strawberries, red apples, red nectarines, red plums, red peppers! It must have something to do with the season...good thing I quite like the colour! 

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Broken candy cane #453

Daily painting #453 6"x8" oil on primed canvas panel

The family have all gone home, my kitchen is clean and most of the things have been packed away. The last remnants of Christmas celebrations can left for the morning ....my feet are sore, my body is tired (my children woke at 4.30 with bundles of excitement), my tummy is too full but my heart is even more full! A special day! Love my family beyond measure! X

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Christmas bells #452

Daily painting #452 4"x6" oil on primed canvas panel 

Christmas Eve is magical! We attended the Nativity service at St James church, had a wonderful meal with our 2  special mums and grannies and I am finally catching my breath in the quiet after a busy but exciting day! My children are in bed asleep, the presents are wrapped and under the tree and all that's left is for me to wish you all a very Happy Christmas! 

I hope you all have a very special day!

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Christmas pudding berries #451

Daily painting #451 5"x7" oil on primed canvas panel

Today has been about cooking more than painting! I do love to cook...as many of you already know! Today I did all my final preparation bits and bobs in the kitchen...all those little things that can be done ahead of time to make the Christmas feasting that much more enjoyable for the one preparing all the food (me!). As you know I am sentimental and our family loves traditions and rituals in that there is a comforting sense of nostalgia and familiarity in the little things that stay the same, especially at a time like Christmas! So the famous family Mustard sauce (for the Christmas gammon) has been made...you might remember I painted mustard last year, and the Christmas cakes, puddings and all the 'usual' family recipes have been paid homage in my kitchen today! On Christmas Eve we will have a dinner with my mum-in-law and on Christmas Day we will have the traditional Christmas family lunch so I have 2 Christmas celebrations to prepare for.....a busy time....but I wouldn't change it for the world! I feel grateful that we are able to share wonderful meals together, that we are able to spend time with family (missing those that are far away) and that these traditions and family values can be passed onto my children. It is a time of giving, sharing and family....and wherever you are and whatever your beliefs...I send you good will....we could all do with more giving, sharing, gratitude and good will....no matter the time of year! 

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