Canvas and Cocktails

Canvas and Cocktails.  It was fun.  I painted Red Rocks. Well.. I attempted to paint Red Rocks. So did Mark.  I was happier with my painting that Mark was with his.  I guess he had higher expectations for himself than I had for myself.

I guess the real reason for painting wasn't to prove we were amazing painters, but to prove that anyone can pick up a brush and paint.  Good or bad..  it's a painting.

I have all kinds of advise for the people who run this business.  First of all.. the music.. the music should be low and in the classical genre rather than LOUD and obnoxious 80's music played through tinny fuzzy speakers.  It just added a chaotic feeling to a situation that already felt a little chaotic.  Peaceful is the way I envisioned our experience.. but loud, noisy, and chaotic is how it was.

Dinner afterwards was nice though.  Good food, great company and my wonderful husband at my side.

All in all.. it was a good day... And I have an original Susan Tatum painting to hang on the wall.

Thankful

Often times we take for granted the love and support we have in our lives.  I'm guilty of that sometimes but I must say of late, I've been much more aware of how fortunate I am.

As I sat at our Thanksgiving table, I looked at the faces of my sons, their wives, my daughter, my mother, my granddaughter, and my husband.  I had an overwhelming feeling of pride and gratefulness. My sons are incredibly successful in their adult lives and they are so good at letting me know that they love me.  My daughter, although she is going through a bit of rough time, is bright and funny and beginning to make her way in this world.  My granddaughter is a little source of light and love who reminds me that life is something to be wondered at.  My mom has been steadfast in her love and commitment to me and my siblings.  Our road has had it's share of bumps and dangerous curves, but in the end, she is there. My daughters-in-law are bright, confident women who shine in their own right.  They stand strong by their husbands, but stand equally strong on their own.  They impress me more each time I spend time with them.  Then there's my husband. Words fail me quite frequently when I try and convey my feelings for him.  I have never felt so cared for. So loved.  He brings a stability into my life that I've never experienced.  When I wake up in the morning he's there to caress my hand and tell me how much he loves me. At night his chest and arms provide a warm cocoon of love for me to snuggle into.  Each day brings another opportunity for me to show him how much I love him.  I try to stay in the moment with him and just enjoy loving him. It isn't always easy, but it's something I strive for.

So, being thankful isn't just something I am on Thanksgiving, it's something I am every day of my life. I'm surrounded by love and grateful for all the people in my life.