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10 Feb 2026

Days of Sunshine

                
Hi everyone,

 Not many walks in the woods this winter. The Japanese call a walk in the woods forest bathing. Clever people.

The winter has been extremely cold and stormy season so far, but so happy to be out recently to gain new perspectives and inspiration. Wonderful to see blue skies.

Of late, enjoying the sunshine and longer, brighter days. Sunset 5:20 p.m. and daylight increasing by two or three minutes per day. The way I see it that means approximately fifteen minutes per week.  Hurray!

Computers have kept me away. Main computer still out of commission. Inside the computer tower the hardware has been cradled in spots that are, at this point, inaccessible. Done, no doubt, so that you have to buy a new computer, or send it in for repair.  An expensive endeavour for sure.
 My son usually builds the towers, but not this tower. We took it to the “geek squad”—(yes that is what they call themselves) and they said no cant be done. 

Not one to say uncle before all avenues have been exhausted, I think Jesse still has a plan.

Meanwhile, my iPad took a bath and required more than TLC.  I’ll spare you the details of that fiasco.
New rules.  No water, tea or any liquid within 10 yards of computers at the moment. So easy to think a spill won’t happen. 

 Nearly Over it ...
             
Definitely time to locate the book Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. 

Green Tea
Pleased to Join T Stands for Tuesday this week.


           In the middle palette dried gouache. Many people use dry gouache, but from the tube              might be a better option for me.  I still have much to learn about gouache.                             The small gouache painting looks more like watercolour. It's difficult to mix a thick mix from dry gouache. Maybe it depends on the brand. Any thoughts?                                                          
                         There are divots in the paint because I forget to spray the palettes with water.


Speaking of spray, notice the buckled
 canvas to the right. ( Buckled canvases are usually in the cheap bin at the store.) A quick fix: spray the back of the canvas with water, and once dry it will tighten like a drum--treated canvas on the left.    (Info I read somewhere.)

Although canvases have a layer of gesso, it’s good to add another layer or two of gesso so that the paint doesn't sink into the canvas. Some people gesso the back as well.


Pleased to be linking to Nicole's Friday Face Off

A very Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

Be well and stay strong. Good will prevail.

                                   Linking to Link Parties via my link party page.

                                      Thanks to everyone for hosting.