Friday sketches and thoughts

I showed my client my antler collection!
We compared them, admired their structure.

When my kids were small manufacturers began to design and produce various tools, games and write books that would teach you:

• how to potty train your child in 3 days
• how to teach your child to read at age 3.

These days they are creating all sorts of Brain Gym exercises for seniors. It is very healthy to pursue various hobbies. Retired, there is much pressure these days to purchase these brain builders, brain boosters, which are purportedly designed to prevent dementia. As if! 

The important thing is to eat balanced meals, mostly plants; exercise body, mind and spirit; get outdoors; play in nature; have some hobbies (blogging, photographing lifers, daycations); volunteer. 

I usually have a daily routine. I find it really helps. First, I post a blog article (usually with a cat beside me!), read on-line news, visit other bloggers who have posted a comment on my blog, exercise, shovel snow/cut grass (as required!), feed the birds, go for a forest walk, brush and play with the cats. It's been so cold (-20 C.), and I think I'm experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, as I haven't been outside in the sunshine as much. It's a tough time of year for many.

She's painted, and sold,
 hundreds of canes!

I always try to do a sketch at my client's house. He always inspects it, too! His wife was a wonderful folk artist, painting and selling more than 500 canes. No more, as dementia has taken that skill away. He is unconditionally supportive for my silly drawings. He is a thoughtful man.

Our Lanark County fences!

My blog buddy, EGCameraGirl, posted a photo of a scene. I found it inspiring. Her recent photos have been as stark and white as my part of southern Ontario. She has a keen eye. 

Incorporating the veggie garden, and some (feeble) deer and a snowman, it was a peaceful moment of meditation. (Yes, I failed to master meditation! Those mind worms, and that devil on my shoulder, telling me I am making a mistake!)

I used to have to teach art to my elementary students. It was much fun, as most of them were as amateur as I am. There was always a brilliant artist in my classroom. We used them as our inspiration. I think that's what I miss most about my classroom community. 

EGCameraGirl

We were stuck together for a school year, some hell or high water, and we learned together. The gifted, the bullied, the learning disabled, the 'average', and those living in dysfunctional families; all of us were there to make it through the school cycle of the year. We were a team.

EGCameraGirl, for fine photos of southern Ontario.

Visit Paint Party Friday for inspiration.

Good Fences, with Theresa.