Day 2 of Ani's plan

[Kate Frances]

Went to Mcdonalds yesterday. Before you think 'Well, Ani's plan didn't last long, did it!, I went because a bird pooed on my head when I was walking through the park into town. What a splat! As I was trying to scrape the worst off with a couple of old bus tickets, a man passing said 'It's supposed to be lucky'. I went into the loos at Macd's to get cleaned up. Later, went to M&S to get my tomatoes (Piccolini - lovely), and a sales assistant asked if I'd like to buy some flowers that they were reducing. Beautiful scented stocks, all colours from palest pink through to deepest purple. I got £15-worth for £3!! So thank you, bird!

On the way back from town, I met an elderly gentleman that I've beeen smiling at for a few weeks now in passing. He stopped me and we got chatting. He's an American, a retired news reporter, and told me he's interviewed 4 presidents. Still does a bit of work now and again, flying between countries. I heard all about how he met his Canadian wife! Can't think how he ended up in this sleepy little back water, but no doubt I'll hear the rest of his life story next time we meet!

Woke up feeling exhausted, though I wasn't hungry at all or tired yesterday. On reflection, I probably didn't drink enough water. Ani's recipes were lovely. I found the Pak Choi soup very refreshing (apparently it's Bok Choi in America. Isn't it funny how names get changed!).

Did lots of walking yesterday. Went to a strawberry farm to pick some lovely fresh strawberries for this morning's shake, but didn't get as many as I'd hoped. I think the rubbish weather we've been having in England for so long has affected them. Nothing is growing particularly well in my garden this year  :(   It's raining again today. Met a woman out walking her dog as I crossed a bridge over a stream, and she told me that a kingfisher has been spotted recently flashing past under the bridge. I stood for ages watching, but didn't see anything. I've always wanted to spot a kingfisher. Might brave the rain and go back today.

Did some studying, but not much. Didn't do any painting. I think I have a fear of painting! Afraid of not being good enough, maybe? I started a degree in art years ago, but left in disgust after a few weeks. The main tutors for our part-time group were a bunch of rather arrogant 'Bad-boy Brit Art' types. I simply wanted to learn the skills and techniques of good drawing and painting, but they wanted students to work on concept art - the more shocking, the better. Not my thing at all.  It was the last straw when they dragged in an old stained mattress and wanted us to decorate it...

If I ever win the lottery, I'll go and learn at an atelier. There's one in Florence...sigh...!! A girl can dream...

Anyways, enough rabbiting. Back to food.

Breakfast today: Simple strawberry shake. Going to try it with walnuts instead of almond milk. Might be a bit gritty, though as only just got round to soaking the nuts.

Mid-morning: More strawberry shake.

Lunch: Ginger soup.

Mid-afternoon: left-over Ginger soup, or a shake (maybe raspberry, banana and mint. Had a lovely-sounding recipe arrive in my inbox yesterday).

Dinner: Minestrone.

 

Have a lovely day, all!

[djd]

Nowadays there are lots of tutorials online for art (or anything).  I belong to an art club; we don't have a teacher, we just get together one afternoon a week and do our thing.  We help each other if asked.  That helps me set aside the time.

[angela usher]

I agree with lovely Bette...lovely post : ) Did you mention that you were studying archeaology?  Years ago when I lived in Colchester they were always doing "digs" and I would have loved to join them but life took another turn as it often does. Enjoy your food and keep on keeping on!   Love Angela XXX

[Bette Bliss Shaw]

Lovely post.

Paint anyway. "Not good enough" is a story we make up. We are going to make it up so make it good. You didnt show up in that class without the desire and ability to be an artist. You merely saw that you already had all it took, that is what art classes are for, getting you clear.

Paint Kate, Paint