Lessons and Carols

Since pondering some of David Bowie's lyrics the other night, not for the first time, I have been on a Bowie-fest... replaying and reliving some of his finest moments. Gutted that I don't have 'Scary Monsters' and don't fancy ordering anything on Amazon right now when the extreme-ly crap postal service have failed to deliver on all but two days since the extreme-ly snowy and white snow fell upon us all. Making do, however, making do... plenty to chose from after all. I always quote 'Sweet thing/Candidate/Sweet thing' as my favourite song ever ever and that is since secondary school; think its still up there too.

The snow has slowly melted into brown sludge and disappointing gritty patties beside the roads over the course of the day; I still managed a few nifty wheelspins this morning but it wouldn't be the same without them now. Managed to drive to work at last and purchase my tax disc with the help of breathing exercises and meditation in the post office queue; our local one must be award winning for its incompetence and has never knowingly had more than three windows open - ever, ever, ever. Queues regularly snake outside the door, grumbling and shuffling; toddlers whining and abusing the stretchy barriers. The manager is one of the most terrified and misplaced individuals I have come across and someone really needs to take him aside and suggest a transfer to a nice quiet garden centre or conservatory sales office.

Made it in though, only to become seriously overfed with the staff Christmas lunch, which was delightful and cheery (and free) but made me wish myself anywhere else for the rest of the day as I struggled to a) stay awake, b) not scare people with scary stomach noises, c) not blind passers-by with buttons pinging off my straining clothing. Truly a day of gargantuan proportions. Light relief came late with entertainment in the form of a teenage choral group who serenaded the last two hours of my shift with a selection of numbers from 'Carols for Choirs' or a similar publication. I am the product of a CofE school education and a choir member for the duration of it, so the hymns of the festive season are burned in living holly on my soul. Word perfect and pretty good on many of the harmonies to boot; it was very, very hard not to dispense with caution and all good sense and tag on the end of the line. One very good reason not to do this, and this is a brave confession; I am a total sap and will shed a tear at many a favourite tune; Christmas carols included. Joan Armatrading was a three tissue gig and I really excelled myself by not just sniffling gently to myself but having a full on cheek waterfall moment...('The Weakness in me).

Now I have some drawing to do as besides bringing out my inner sentimental side, the carol singing brought back the angels and I have some great little faces in my head. Planning a big piece involving nine mini-canvases mounted together in a kind of 'angel yearbook'. I loved doing the little ones for the galleries so much that this will be a dream project and I will be able to give each little one a lot more time and attention. Can't wait to get back in my painting rhythm again..