[dropcap]G’day[/dropcap] mate! If you’re Australian or in Australia, I hope you had a happy and relaxing Australia Day on Thursday (the 26th of January). We had a pretty quiet day, actually. But happy and relaxing, nonetheless. It was overcast and we had just returned home from a road trip so we were content to just chillax and not do too much indoors. No bbq nor alcohol. Just grazing/eating and sitting back watching the tennis/Australian Open on telly, pretty much.
We did drive up to visit our good friend Rose yesterday. Along with her good friends, we enjoyed a fine summer evening of inspired conversation – the sharing of ideas and planning for the future/year ahead. We drank (the best) water, wine and tea, and ate flavourful/nourishing meat-free food.
Today, we prepared and cooked vegetarian skewers (with veg prawns from the Asian grocery store) and veg chicken nuggets out on the flaming bbq/campfire. It was a pleasant surprise to all how delicious the mock meats were! We further responsibly enjoyed a couple of glasses of refreshing wine and sliced watermelon/plums under the dappled shade of wild/native Australian trees. We later drove back home just in time to watch the end of the AO men’s final. So, the week (which included Australia Day and the welcoming of the Chinese New Year) unfolded to be a very joyful one indeed.
It’s always a blessing to visit and catchup with good friends, especially Rose (and her circle) who’s a source of loving wisdom and intellect/advice. We always feel re-energised and inspired afterwards (and with more confidence and clearer vision/direction), ready to take on the year ahead. Speaking of the year, can you honestly believe January is almost over? How does it go so fast?
Art wise, I’ve been slowly painting and drawing/preparing new paintings on canvases for the year. After our road trip from down south last week, I’m trying to get back into the habit/swing of regular painting again, while finding the time to garden, write and photograph too.
I’m trying hard to finish mum’s portrait which I started about two months ago and promised to have completed by last Christmas, but is now postponed to a later date. Looking forward to finishing it asap so we can drive down to Albury to visit my parents (and eat the best Lao food!) and finally give mum her painting.
By the way, if you’re looking for someone to paint a commissioned portrait, be sure to consider myself as the artist. My commissioned paintings start at AUD$1,000 (depending on the size of the painting). You can find more info here. Feel free to inquire by sending me an email. There’s no need to be shy. wink
You’re probably thinking – hey Ngeun, why don’t you just focus on finishing mum’s portrait first and then we can perhaps talk about a commissioned portrait/artwork. I agree, but I thought I’d just put it out there now so that you know who to call/email should you want/need a portrait/painting in the near future. All right?!
Anyhow, until next time, keep safe, happy/hopeful and creative/creating!🍡🍢
Jem @ Lost in Utensils
I know how you feel. I also have felt that the new year has just begun and it’s the end of January already! Can’t wait to see your Mum’s portrait.
Ngeun
Thanks Jem! Will be sharing many paintings this year. Best wishes for 2017.