Thursday 31 March 2016

31st March 2016

Mia: Mia has made me laugh today. First there was the "how dare you eat and not give me any food!" look (there was food in her bowl and milk in her dish) and then there was the absolute look of disgust when I shifted her out of my seat on the sofa!
Life: today I have mostly been painting. I finished off one canvas, almost finished another and have started yet another! I also went for a walk for an hour in the sunshine to try and get fit for Berlin in May. Plus watched BBC iPlayer and Netflix. Dunno if I can live this kinda life for the next 40 years but I think I could possibly do it for a while - until the next thing came along.
One Thing: the walk in the sunshine did me good. :)

Wednesday 30 March 2016

30th March 2016

Mia: more fun and cuddles with Mia today. Bless her! :)
College: I got to college at 8:30 this morning - half an hour later than normal! And I don't even have to start until 9am! I've done research practically all day - even the one scheduled lesson I had today I ended up doing research! The result is I now have 30+ pages of research for my FMP to cut and stick in my sketchbook over the Easter break - which starts tomorrow.
Life: this evening I have mostly watched BBC iPlayer but anxiety got to me this evening. Whilst depression softens me up by making me all sad, it's anxiety that really moves in for the kill! It's anxiety that tells me the world's about to come to crushing end so I may as well kill myself now! It's anxiety that makes me want to run away and never come back! And it's anxiety that is making me go to bed early tonight so I can go to sleep and stop my anxiety hurting me!
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today, for the umpteenth day in a row, is fun and cuddles with Mia. It's been my one true joy today!

Tuesday 29 March 2016

29th March 2016

Mia: more playing and cuddles with Mia today. Couldn't be happier! :)
College: I got to college early to print off my research for my FMP - except that it took longer than I expected and then I ran out of print credits so had to buy some more which was a rigmarole in itself! Anyway, I had them in time for my graphics lesson so was able to show my tutor. I was the only one in graphics today so had a one-to-one and had a good conversation about what I wanted to do - and what I could do. There was no drawing lesson today though so that left me at a spare end. After college, I went into Liverpool to get a sketchbook for my FMP and concluded that I wanted to do a designer toy and something about grief. So the next step is to see how I can marry those two up somehow.
Life: I arrived home to find a copy of Asylum magazine on my (non-existent) doormat. It contained cartoons I'd done for it. I had prime position too - inside front cover - and it was in colour! - so the first thing you see when you open the magazine are my cartoons! :) This evening I watched iPlayer whilst playing with Mia. :)
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is playing with Mia. She brings such joy into my life! :)

Monday 28 March 2016

28th March 2016

Mia: I have had a ball with Mia today! We played for a good half hour this morning and this evening it was like she couldnt get enough of me! All the love and cuddles she wanted! :)
Life: this morning I did the weekly food shop but forgot my shopping list! :( This afternoon I set-up my easel at long last (I got it at Christmas!) in the spare bedroom, moved all my canvases, paints and brushes in there and did a bit more work on one of my canvases for my promised exhibition. I'm pleased with what I've done on it so far. :) This evening I watched Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes and Hope Floats whilst doing a page in my colouring book. I liked the music in Hope Floats quite a bit! I will have to look for the soundtrack on Spotify. :)
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is time spent with Mia. She is such a joy to be with! :)

Saturday 26 March 2016

26th March 2016

Mia: Mia has been an absolute sweetie this evening! :) She came up and gave me several cuddles between sleeps. I love her to death! :)
Life: this morning I discovered a whole load of levels of Angry Birds I'd not played before. So breakfast was somewhat delayed as I didn't even get out of bed until 10am! Once I had got out of bed and sorted myself out, I headed into Liverpool for an 'open studio' at Big Love Sista. I started off doing a bit of Art Journaling and showed Hilary how to do it too and then I did a mixed-media canvas. I didn't really know what I wanted to do with the canvas so just experimented and I think most of it ended up on the newspaper protecting the table but I was really happy with what I ended up with. What was interesting though was I was doing a figure - some said it was my aura - but then Sandra spotted that, upside down, it looked like a wolf and I liked that idea much more so that's what I did! However, as I sprayed it with so much water, it didn't dry in time for me to finish it so I took it home and finished it here whilst 'watching' The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood on Amazon. Anyway, backing up a bit, after the session at the studio, I caught the bus home - except it came on to rain so hard I had to take shelter in a doorway. I'd not seen it rain that hard since I was in Montreal in 1997! As Terry Pratchett wrote in one of his books, it was like a sea with holes in!
One Thing: you'll have to forgive me being vague on this one because I don't want to open a can of worms but on my way to the studio I made someone very happy and the look of delight on their face was a joy to behold! And all for 29p! :)

Friday 25 March 2016

25th March 2016

Mia: Mia was enjoying the sunshine today so I didn't see much of her until I got home this evening; when we had a lovely long cuddle. :)
College: this morning I sorted out my graphics book for current project. So I can put that behind me now and move onto my FMP (final major project).
Life: this afternoon I created another clay sculpture before heading into Liverpool to look at Clare's Indian goodies at the Big Love Sista studio. I found a lovely silk scarf I fell in love with so I just had to purchase it! I think it'll really set off some of my posher outfits! :) I then went and had shrimp pad Thai at a nearby takeaway before returning to the studio for an 'Indian Evening' where Clare and Sandra told us about their adventures in India last Christmas and read us some of their poetry, before hosting an open mike evening where I got up and read some of my poetry and others entertained as well. However, as the other's stuff was so lovely, I began to fret I'd got the tone wrong for one of my poems which is very sweary. I needn't have worried though because so many people came up to me afterwards to say they loved my poem! :)
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing tonight is performing at the open mike. I do love performing - more often than not - and it's a lovely thing to do - when I'm feeling confident - considering how retreated into my shell I was when I first got involved with Big Love Sista. :)

Thursday 24 March 2016

24th March 2016

Life: they say don't meet your idols. Well, I'm totally glad I met one of mine today! :) For some time now I've followed a web comic called Assigned Male, which is created by Sophie Labelle. Well, she is touring Europe 'meeting her audience' and today she was in Manchester. So considering she'd travelled all the way from Quebec (via Europe), I thought it was the least I could do to travel from Merseyside to meet her! :) She was a total delight - very personable with a wicked sense of humour and I found we agreed almost totally on our politics - in short, she is the sort of person I would love to spend time with socialising and getting to know her better. :) Out of the many memorable quotes she came out with, the one that has really struck a chord with me is that, when asked about Trans politics, she said she'd "love to see Trans people holding the microphone more" - meaning she'd love to see Trans people leading the debate rather than just being pawns of people with their own agenda. :) I agree - if this is truly our 'watershed moment' then we need to be the ones dictating the terms of it... Power to the Trans people! :) Afterwards, she was even gracious enough to have a selfie taken with me, sign my comic and give me some free stickers. As I say, she is a total star and so inspirational! :) After the workshop, I met Sonia for tea - which we did in two parts. First, we had bubble tea - mine was lychee with mango bubbles - and then we went to a Vietnamese restaurant where we had some rice pancakes and then a fried tofu baguette. It was all totally delicious! :) talking about being embarrassed though - the Vietnamese restaurant didn't have any change for my £20, so I had to give them Sonia's tenner instead! She's an impoverished student, so it really wasn't fair at all! :( After that, we went our separate ways and I caught the train back to Liverpool and then the bus home. Even though our public transport system isn't perfect, I am a total convert! It is a total pleasure to be taken places and (usually) arrive relaxed, rather than the hassle of driving and minding the other idiots on the road! It makes me more determined to be rid of my car! I just wish I could be 100% certain I don't need it anymore! It's a big commitment to sell it... and I don't like commitments that large! :(
One Thing: it shall probably come as no surprise that I'm choosing meeting Sophie Labelle today. She was everything I hoped for and more! So glad I met her! :)

Wednesday 23 March 2016

23rd March 2016

Mia: my goodness me! I played with Mia practically all night this evening! It wasn't very energetic on my part - I just sat on the sofa flicking the 'fish on a string' around but Mia kept at it right up until she went to bed! Never known her to be that energetic before! :)
College: so I was in college for 8am this morning, having my breakfast, when Andy - lead tutor of graphics - invited me to sit in with his students because he was giving them a presentation on contract negotiation - jolly handy whether I do the BA (Hons) or not! As it happens, I was fully up-to-date with things so was able to say yes (would I really have said no either way??!). After that it was lunch and then contextual studies so I handed my stuff in but she wanted us to do an appraisal of where we thought we were up to and 2016 being the 'year of no bullshit' I was honest and stated in my appraisal that I didn't know where I was upto because, although I was doing the work, without knowing why I was doing the work I couldn't say where I was with things! I'm sure I'll hear back from that next week! :)
Life: this evening I have done two more pages of my colouring book whilst 'watching' Netflix.
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is sitting in with Andy's students - it all helps clarify the picture for me whether I want to stay on for the BA (Hons).

Tuesday 22 March 2016

22nd March 2016

Mia: I've been spoilt this evening! I've had a cuddle and a short play session with Mia! She's such a sweetheart! :)
College: having to take my A2 canvas back into college today, I elected to take the car. I went via the petrol station and noticed that the price had nipped back over the £1 mark again - that'll be Mr Osborne's fault, no doubt! The college day started with a lecture from a performing arts company wanting creative types for their productions. I can't say as it grabbed me. Graphics lesson went well and then we had our drawing lesson where we had to do a still life. It went better than last time - last term - and I was quite pleased with it. :)
Life: after college I went to choir. A Muslim woman joined us today. I can't help reflect how brave she was to come out tonight after what happened in Brussels. If I was Muslim, I'd be too scared to go out today for fear of bigoted arseholes looking for someone to vent their anger at! It turns out she helped bring a load of faiths come together on International Women's Day and was one of the people who helped Liverpool win City of Culture back in 2008! :)
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is the kind things my peers/friends at college have been saying about my work. For someone who always thought they were run-of-the-mill, it's flattering and also heart-warming. :)

Monday 21 March 2016

21st March 2016

Mia: after a difficult start to the day, giving Mia her much hated flea treatment, this evening ended on a high note when she came for a short cuddle after days of ignoring me. :)
Life: this morning I caught the bus to Morrisons for the weekly shop. I got home just after 10am so did a bit more work on one of my canvases. For lunch I had homemade sushi and then at 3pm I made my way to the dentist for my check-up and was most delighted when she said I didn't need any work - that's twice on the trot now - a whole year without treatment! Wow! :) I then caught the bus to Liverpool where I 'celebrated' my good news with a meal at Casa Italia. I had the tagliatelle, spinach, ricotta and mushroom bake which was gorgeous but didn't leave room for pudding, so I didn't have any of their delicious tiramisu! :( I then went to yoga. Tonight's session was tough but I felt amazing afterwards! :)
One Thing: I'm choosing not needing anything doing at the dentist today. I'm slightly incredulous! Especially considering all the cake, biscuits and sweets I eat! :)

Sunday 20 March 2016

20th March 2016

Mia: just had to abandon Mia's monthly flea treatment. Luck was against me - I went up to her with the flea stuff but she was lying on her side and so I waited for her to lie on her belly but, by the time she had, she'd smelled the stuff! So that was it then - trust gone! I tried bribing her with Dreamies and played with her for 20 mins but, no, she wasn't going to trust me tonight. So I've stuck the stuff in the fridge and we'll try again in the morning. :(
Life: after a difficult start, I've started work on all 4 of my canvases for my promised exhibition. I was scared of judgement but, after a bit of encouragement, I felt that as long as I'd done my best then that was as much as could be expected and, anyway, I've been promised it because people like what I do so, if I just carry on doing what I do, then all should be well. The rest of the day was spent watching films on Netflix. I watched Pope Joan and La Bamba and found them both enjoyable.
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is what I've done with my canvases. I feel they're going to be a fair representation of what I can do.

Saturday 19 March 2016

19th March 2016

Mia: Mia has been such a sweetheart today! We've played and cuddled and I love it! :)
College: this morning I drafted up the concept for my poster for my current graphics project. It didn't take as long as I expected, so I had my lunch and afterwards...
Life: I got the bus to Lark Lane and joined Clare and Lisa at a wellbeing event selling their wares. They weren't selling much but I enjoyed the company and the music. :)
One Thing: being with friends does make a difference. I am so lucky I have friends I can just be myself with - no bullshit involved. :)

Friday 18 March 2016

18th March 2016

Mia: had fun playing with Mia this morning before I went to college but still no photo of her rolling around. It'll probably elude me forever!
College: I arrived at college early because I had nothing to do at home. However, my plans for the day soon went out the window when my tutor asked me to mount my work up. She told me on Tuesday that she wanted to show my work to the assessor - which I was flattered by - but she said I wouldn't have to do anything because that would be unfair asking me to do extra work. So I wasn't best pleased when she changed her tune this morning! Nor that she now says we'll have to sand down our easels for our end of term show when on Tuesday she said we wouldn't have to do that! Having done woodwork at school, I can remember what a pain in the arse sanding down stuff is! So again I am not best pleased! To add to my annoyance, I was told today that the library have removed Photoshop from all the laptops - which is just fucking brilliant for us A&D students! So, again, I find myself dissuaded from staying on next year when A&D students are so clearly of so little consequence to the college!
Life: having had a discouraging day at college and getting whacked by the depression stick again, I stayed on the bus until Liscard and then bought myself all the things I like but shouldn't have and I have made a pig of myself tonight! It's done little for my mood though. :( I find it really doesn't take much to send me over the edge anymore. I'm also not best pleased I lied to one of my friends because they asked a question I didn't want to answer so just said what I thought would shut them up. So I'm in bed at 9pm because I've had enough of today! :(
One Thing: today I'm choosing the one good thing that has happened - playing with Mia. She is my salvation :)

Thursday 17 March 2016

17th March 2016

Mia: had good fun playing with Mia today :) But that elusive photo of her rolling around still evades me. Makes me appreciate the art of the nature photographer more - I just don't have that kind of patience!
Life: today was my decapeptyl jab. There are some nurses that know how to stick a needle in your arse but a surprising number don't. Today's was one of those who don't! I should've known she was a rookie from the questions she was asking about the expiry dates on the packaging! Confused.com! On the way home I picked up my Progynova prescription and, when I got home, I made my check-up appointment with the dentist.
College: today I spent 4 hours getting my studies folder and sketchbook up to date. I still have to print off some stuff and was hoping to leave it until Easter but she wants to see it all next week. :(
One Thing: playing with Mia has made my day. She is such a sweetheart! :)

Wednesday 16 March 2016

16th March 2016

Mia: not seen much of Mia again today. I hope to make up for that tomorrow.
College: I arrived at college at 8am and by half-past I'd started work on my character designs. However, what I intended to be just a few hours work turned into an all-dayer! The only interruption to which was contextual studies which turned out to be a total waste of time. Not pleased with her plan for trip to Manchester either because she gives fuck all regard to people such as myself with disabilities! If I remember, I'm gonna bring it up with my course tutor because it's not really acceptable in this day and age - especially as the college boasts about its E&D policies!
One Thing: although it took me far longer than I intended, I'm choosing my character designs today. They're pretty cool, if I say so myself! :)

Tuesday 15 March 2016

15th March 2016

Mia: much amusement with Mia this evening. She went mental over a packet of cookies, trying to get them open. Even when I tried to pull her off, she wasn't having none of it! And she doesn't even like cookies! :D
College: in tutorial today we were shown the space we will have for our end of year show. It's gonna be a tight squeeze! Graphics lesson went OK but I wasn't best pleased that he subtly changed the brief so that we're meant to be advertising an exhibition of character designs based on Gary Baseman when the brief says Baseman was only a startling point for inspiration. If I'd known my character (Princess Mia) was meant to be based on Baseman, I'd have done something completely different! And maybe I still will??!! Life drawing went a lot better. I did three pieces and the tutor told me to include 2 of them in my portfolio! Well chuffed with that! :)
Life: after college, Patricia gave me a lift to choir but our stand-in choir-mistress didn't turn up so we had to manage on our own! But we totally nailed it though! :) Afterwards, Carrie gave me a lift home but I must've confused her with my directions cos we ended up doing a detour. Still, I got home all the same and it was lovely of her to give me a lift! :)
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is getting 2 portfolio pieces done in the space of 1 hour! Bloody good going that even if I do say so myself! :)

Monday 14 March 2016

14th March 2016

Mia: another day when Mia has kept herself to herself except for when she wanted feeding. I miss her company but I can't force her to be with me if she doesn't want to be.
Life: after breakfast I walked to Wallasey Central Library to drop off my book. I then walked back into town to get a few things. I am starting my 'get fit campaign' in earnest after the shock of last Wednesday! Today's walk was about 3 miles. I wasn't exhausted but I knew I'd done it! I am somewhat concerned about my left leg though as it was considerably stiffer and more achy than the other one. It's also the one I have most trouble with in yoga and the one that I never seem to get comfortable when I sit down! :( After getting home again, I had my lunch and the afternoon was spent doing a tiny bit of college work (2 mindmaps) and colouring. Then I caught the bus to Liverpool for yoga and found it a bit more easier going than last week and there were no tears either. Coming home I passed 4 homeless guys which made me feel rather fortunate to have somewhere warm and dry to sleep on a cold night like tonight! I also popped in to Morrisons to see what bread they had on offer and got a dozen bagels for 20p! :) When I got home, I relaxed with Classic FM and more colouring.
One Thing: seeing those homeless guys tonight has helped me take stock of how fortunate I am. So my one thing I'm choosing tonight is being a home owner.

Sunday 13 March 2016

13th March 2016

Mia: Mia's been pretty much her usual self today: Hard to fathom sometimes but always adorable. :)
Life: I had a leisurely start to the day with a bath - a very rare treat - with a Lush bath bomb I was given at Christmas. After lunch I decided to do the weekly food shop. It being a Sunday meant the buses only run every half hour so I didn't want to risk the bus as I had frozen stuff to get. So I drove down... but a glimmer of sun had brought the masses out so I couldn't park anywhere near New Brighton seafront! So I went to Tescos. :( this evening I watched Spectre. It wasn't as boring as the reviews said but, considering the potential of the concept, it was somewhat disappointing.
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is the fact the daylight hours are getting longer again. It doesn't half make a difference!

Saturday 12 March 2016

12th March 2016

Today, for some reason I've been reflecting on what I can't remember. It's incredible to think that a mere three years ago I was still married to John. I hesitate to use the phrase "happily married" because, of course, he was dying - a few weeks from his death, in fact. So much has happened since then that 3 years feels like a lifetime ago. But it kinda was... a different life at least. But it pains me that I can remember so little of the most precious time of my life. I was sharing my life with my one true love and it is all a fog to me now. That's partly deliberate - the loss was so great that I didn't want to remember what I'd lost. But there are days like today that I desperately want to remember and can't. I think fear plays a part - I'm partly scared of the pain that these memories may bring up.
I've tried to write about my time with John several times but I lose patience because all I remember are the bare bones when I want to remember the details. How it felt to kiss him, to hold his hand, to run my fingers through what little hair he had... My brain says these are happy memories but I don't remember them. 
I have a picture in the spare bedroom that reads 'appreciate the little things in life because one day you'll look back and realise they were the big things'... I'm pretty confident I didn't truly appreciate how fortunate I was to have John in my life. Not that he was perfect - who is?!! - he could be selfish and hurtful. But I have to take my share of the blame as well. In fact, I believe I was far the worse half of our partnership. But, although not perfect, he is my one true love and I should've appreciated that far more whilst he was alive.
Now I am lonely - as much as I love Mia, she's not really a talker! - and happiness goes just as quick as it arrives. Whether rose tinted or not, I feel that happiness stayed a lot longer when John was in my life. 
But I also have to reflect on what I have achieved since John died. I didn't believe life was possible without him but here I am, coming up to 3 years since he died. In some respects, I've been living on borrowed time and I should be thankful for every day and, yet, I seem to regret far more than I appreciate... so back to the subject of appreciation - the lack thereof - again then. Perhaps that is what my subconscious is trying to tell me - appreciate what you have. That I'm alive to make mistakes and feel miserable. So...
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is being alive. I'm lucky to be here. There were so many times when I almost chose not to be. The balance of the days are turning towards light once more, away from darkness. :)

Thursday 10 March 2016

10th March 2016

Mia: not much to say about Mia today other than I have more scratches in my hand from when she lost her patience with me.
College: as I couldn't work on my current project because the computer file is at college and I am at home, I tidied up the loose ends from my previous two projects. It didn't take as long as I expected, so I was left with not much to do with too much time to do it in!
Life: I had my gas fire serviced this morning. The man told me as he'd had next to nothing to do - it was almost as if he objected to getting paid for doing next to nothing! - I should only have it serviced every other year. That's fine by me as it'll save me money! The rest of the day was spent watching movies on Amazon and Netflix - none of them very good!
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is being able to spend the day indoors without getting bored out my mind! It may be a precursor to the rest of my life!

Wednesday 9 March 2016

9th March 2016

Mia: for the few hours I've seen Mia today, she's kept herself to herself. Although, I did see her chase something in the lounge. I didn't see what it was but I hope it was small and she ate it! I don't want no dead bodies in my house, thank you very much!
College: so today I was up at 6am to get to Preston for 10am. I wasn't best pleased and neither was I happy that I did so much walking! But uclan was very impressive! So much so, I feel like I'm making a mistake going to Hugh Baird but there's nowhere I can afford to rent privately in Preston and I really don't fancy student digs again! Once in my life was quite enough!
Life: on the subject of all the walking today, it rather alarmed me how unfit I am! Less than a year ago I was doing the Wirral Coastal Walk and now I feel just as tired doing a couple of miles around Preston! I really need to get myself back in shape - perhaps catch the bus the other side of Liscard or something! Also... today is the day George Martin, producer of The Beatles records, died. :( and the second Wachowski sibling came out as Trans! You know, I always have wondered about my brother...
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is sharing a piece of Patricia's birthday cake. It's incredible to think how close we've become in such a short space of time! She's an incredible woman and I was privately (not any more!) regretting all the times I'd said a cross word to her. She deserves better! But I thank her for her patience xxx

Tuesday 8 March 2016

8th March 2016

Mia: more cuddles from Mia tonight. I love that pussycat to pieces! :)
College: I'm making no secret of the fact that I think my tutors are taking an absolute fucking liberty telling us we have to travel to Preston station tomorrow for 10am at our own expense! To do what exactly?!! Visit a library we have no interest in, that I will never visit again; when we have better on our own fucking doorstep?!! Oh, and miss college time to boot, doing our projects, that we will have to make up for in our own time! Not to mention the ungodly hour I will have to get up tomorrow to be at Lime Street to get the train to Preston for 10am! It's an absolute crock of shit! ...otherwise, I had a pleasant day at college. Graphics went better than I expected - I never expected my experience doing my colouring books to be of influence on my graphics work! - and I actually enjoyed my life drawing lesson for a change! But, seriously, every time I resolve to give college another chance they push it that bit further! If they're wanting to introduce and retain students for the next three years, then they're going about it all wrong!
Life: Patricia and I went via the chippy for tea on the way to choir this evening. Choir was slightly chaotic again but we seem to make progress. But, honestly, I can't wait for our usual choir mistress, Hayli, to come back! Missing her big time!
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is my life drawing lesson. It was fun :)

Monday 7 March 2016

7th March 2016

Mia: just had a good half hour playing with Mia. She's absolutely adorable when she's rolling about on the floor playing. :) However, it's been a bit of a mixed day for her as I managed to stand on her paw and she also tried to bite my hand. I'm hoping the documentary on itv about cats will help me understand her better and know how to be with her as sometimes she baffles me.
Life: this morning I did the weekly food shop via the chemist to get my decapeptyl. This afternoon I went to the surgery to get my injection but we decided it was too early and so we've rearranged it for next Thursday. I then caught the bus to Liverpool to buy more art materials before yoga. Yoga was fabulous tonight but it also opened the floodgates and I ended the session sat on the floor crying. I've found these last few weeks since I started yoga again that I've been more emotional which I think, on the whole, is a good thing. Pretty powerful stuff this yoga - even if it is just lying on the floor!
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is playing with Mia. She is a total delight most of the time - especially when she's playing! :)

Sunday 6 March 2016

6th March 2016

Mia: I didn't get a card or any pressies off Mia today. I feel quite hurt that she could be so ungrateful!
Life: today got off to a lazy start - I didn't even get out of bed until gone 9:30am! And I haven't bothered to get dressed all day! This morning I did the laundry and this afternoon I started on one of my canvases for my promised exhibition in the summer and created another clay creature. I also did my accounts and was pleasantly surprised to see I'd saved money last month! It won't be happening again this month, I know that for certain! This evening I started to watch Support Your Local Sheriff but the battery ran out on my iPad, so I shall resume watching it on my iPhone very shortly.
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is finding my bank balance increased last month. I'm very proud of myself! :)

5th March 2016

Mia: I think Mia knows how to get me to play with her now. She's obviously got used to the fact that I play with her if she has a mad moment because she was quietly minding her own business this morning until she saw me and then she went nutso! So I duly obliged and played with her until she went and sat in the window admiring the wildlife. :)
Life: today was pretty full on. By mid-morning I was in Liverpool shopping for clothes and did pretty well cos I got a pair of trousers, a tunic, a vest and a bag for under £40! :) Having done my shopping I stopped off at The Lobster Pot for a chip barm - the chips were very nice but I thought £2.20 was a bit steep for just a chip barm! - before catching the bus home. I had just enough time to change into my party outfit (for Patricia's birthday) and get my make-up on to get to Intrust just in time for the meeting. Unfortunately, despite having had a 4 year booking with the hall, somehow they'd double booked us with a kids party! So we ended up in a side room having to contend with the noise next door! Anyway, it was a pleasant meeting and lovely to catch-up with people. :) From there I headed straight to Patricia's surprise birthday party at a Chinese restaurant and her face was a picture! She clearly was taken by complete surprise! :) The meal was lovely and it was lovely to see her family and how close they were - even the kids! It made me wish my own family wasn't so remote from one another. :(
One Thing: so much to choose from today but I think I'm gonna choose the look on Patricia's face when she found out about her surprise party. I think it will stay with me for my lifetime! :)

Friday 4 March 2016

4th March 2016

Mia: Mia came dashing into the lounge this evening having another of her mad moments. So I took it as my cue to play with her for half an hour until she got bored. Then after that she came for a cuddle. She is such a darling and brings such joy into my life. :)
College: I got to college about half nine this morning because I wanted to finish off my teabag work. It seemed to be well received in the crit so that was nice. :) Then I spent the rest of the day doing the research for my graphics project. I feel quite confident now that I can have the weekend off until Monday. :) I loved being in college today though, having a natter with people. I wouldn't get that sat at home - Mia doesn't talk! (One of several of her drawbacks)
Life: this evening I have watched a couple of movies on Amazon. The first was The Color Purple and the other was Hocus Pocus. I can't say I liked either.
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is socialising at college. You appreciate these things when you live on your own!

Thursday 3 March 2016

3rd March 2016

Mia: Mia had a mad moment this morning when I was making my breakfast; darting up and down the stairs like a lunatic. So I decided to get out 'the red string of doom' and play with her for half an hour until she'd burned off her energy. She's a funny little thing. :)
Life: after breakfast, I hoovered up and then drove out to New Brighton to buy 4 canvases for the exhibition I've been promised. I stopped via the library on the way back to see what art books they had on offer and was very pleasantly surprised. :) I got one out called Just Paint It which covers a range of techniques but what I really liked about it was that each technique had a list of artists to go look up for inspiration. :) This evening I have done another layer of my Goddess 2016 painting and watched Argo on Amazon.
College: this afternoon I did 8 pages of character design for my current graphics project.
One Thing: the one thing I'm choosing today is seeing the selection of art books available at my local library. It's given me hope. I also understand that today is Book Day so my timing was excellent! :)