My friend Carrie organized a hike on Facebook. 5 people showed up. All really nice. Very casual tromp around the Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio. It was in the middle of the day which worked out because Char was in school. It felt great to be out in the sun and in the woods. 3 miles. I stayed and painted a flower with Char’s kid watercolors I keep in my purse.

I am really not in a good place with my health and weight and overall mental outlook. So, so, so looking forward to warm days.

David and I are working on a song about a cardinal that comes to visit in a time of mourning. I want to make a really special image of it for the songs placeholder. As special as I feel the song is. I don’t think this is the one but it’s what I worked on today.

Usually it is more comfortable to paint and I find sketching the hard work. I need to just sketch more. Put in that practice time. It always makes a better painting. This one was the opposite. Painting it was driving me batty. Mostly happy with it.

Perfect day to get outside but Charlie is still telling me he doesn’t feel well. We are camping out with toys, art supplies and my work laptop watching the bikes pass while sun pours in.

My sister brought us some groceries and legos and my niece worked for me so we could stay at home and get well. I am well, well, not mentally well this week.

I said I was not going to paint but when Char decided to give himself a nap on the chaise I drew out a seahorse.

David comes home late tomorrow. He has been gone awhile. I am not even sure how long. 10 or 11 days?

I really had a need to create today. Completed two pieces. I feel crusty and hunched over in need of sunlight and fresh air. Tomorrow will be for work. Going to have to take a break from the brushes.

I really want to make an enormous watercolor mermaid. I bought the expensive watercolor paper to do it but can’t get started. I generally have time for small paintings because I want to finish something. When I have worked on larger pieces I always use acrylics. I may start one Sunday. Just dive in. I really love all the possibilities of the seahorses here. Maybe I will start with one of them. They are free and fast and don’t have hands that I can never draw quite right.

Poor Char had a sick day so poor Mom didn’t go to work or get much done. We made a little art together and doodled a little crazy out.

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Charlie was a maniac last night and I let him stay awake so I could paint a fast bird. About 1:30 we went to bed and at 4am I was back up and planing to work on business issues. After I made an espresso I was compelled to paint the bird again. So I painted the bird again. I am not sure if it’s better but I thought so at first.

We all worked well and fast at the shop. I drank too much coffee and felt on edge but generally focused. Good work day in a positive direction. Team Guitar Parts.

Charlie and I have been lounging since 7pm. He wouldn’t go on a bike ride. We need a real night of sleep. Soon.

Just because, I am posting a photo of the dinner I made. Shrimp salad. Why not?

I did make art today. Tiny practice bird. I have nothing left for writing though.