I remember when rock was young

Elton John is selling his pianos at Bonhams. This news got me excited, even though I'm not really an Elton fan. Apart from "I guess that's why they call it the blues."
But anyway, did you know that his first UK number one single was in fact Don't Go Breaking My Heart, a duet with Kiki Dee?
And if you have at least £35,000 you could own the piano on which that song was performed.
It is a Model D grand piano in a burr maplewood finish together with matching concert adjustable stool. If only I'd kept up my piano lessons beyond grade 5.

Costa del deserted

I've been going to a particular part of the Spanish coast for nearly 20 years now. Only because a friend has an apartment there. It used to be a cheap way of grabbing some sunshine and a few cold beers without having to try too hard.
Don't know if it's the credit crunch but the place where I stay, near Fuengirola, was decidedly quiet. It's not the full summer season but the cafes were quiet, some not even open.
If you believe the Sunday papers everybody's cutting budgets and camping this year, which given the weather so far - yet more rain - is a challenge for all but the most seasoned outdoor types.
Sunday afternoon in Mijas was nice, herbs spread out on the ground for a festival.

Apologies for lack of blog

Have been away in Spain enjoying the "delights" of easyjet and the costa del sol where the local internet cafes are simply too seedy to spend longer than one nanosecond.
Hopefully both my regular readers won't have missed me too much!

Wish my hubby came with a manual

That was my best joke of yesterday.

Self portrait

I've got two portrait projects on the go now. The photo is of an underpainting of myself. I did it in oil painting class the other day. We're a mixed bunch of ladies and one guy. Can't help noticing that one particular lady has a crush on the tutor. I can understand why, he's good looking and talented and the only tutor under 40 in the college I think.
But it's got a bit embarrassing.I mean, if you're gonna wear that much make up at least apply it properly. And the rest of us have paid for tuition, not to watch those two flirting. Meeow.

It's a hot one

It was 28 degrees today, one of those seductive summer days when you don't want to do anything apart from chill out with a long, cold drink. Pimms with ice, lemonade, strawberries and mint.
Also the sort of weather that makes people cranky and bump into things.
I finished my painting after getting twiddly with a palette knife. I decided that enough is enough.

Have you seen the Secret?

I was just browsing some art websites when I came across a film/book called The Secret. American, of course, it claims to potentially unlock the secret to health, wealth and happiness. And it gets pretty good reviews. I wonder, could a team of life coaches really spur you on to do something great?
I'm going to watch the Secret, so I'll let you know.
Seems like Harry Potter mystique has gone to all our heads these days!

Hairdo Day

Two new paintings

Been working with oils. It's quite hard, keeping the colours separate and not muddling them up. I think my work is a little like Van Gogh...and I'm only nearly as crazy.

painting the landscape

Just been taking some pictures of the glorious late spring landscape with a view to doing an oil painting. Been in winter scruff clothes so long it seems a shock to see bare flesh about the place.

Laser yes or no?

My friend, S, had laser eye corrective surgery and recommends it to everyone. She has suggested it to me several times, and I know what she means. The thought of not having to wear glasses/contacts after 25 years is very appealing.
Opticians, naturally, sway towards not having it done as there is the argument that a myopic person like me won't need reading glasses. If I have it done, I probably will.
Other friends say how nice I look in glasses and how many cool frames there are around now. That's true, too.
Don't know what to do really. Your thoughts?

Happy Birthday Ma

With lots of love xx

If I was on the Apprentice..

I caught about half the Apprentice on tv last night, and watched a very young, nervous but endearing blond guy get "ripped apart" by the business sharks, Sir Alan et al.
Their idea, which had to relate to the greetings card industry, faltered a bit. They wanted to produce cards on a green theme, but of course the point about consumption is that you don't buy cards...
However, maybe it's not as bad as it sounds. You could still use an occasion such as Christmas to remind people of other issues. For example, my card would be of the rainforest and, with some Photoshop magic, add fake snow. As well as Seasons' Greetings, I would print on the back: no trees were felled to make this card. (as I would use recycled materials..)Or maybe you could take a theme, like chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and link it to fuel consumption.
The other team's idea, a "happy singles day" to coincide with Valentine's, went down surprisingly well, and sold a whopping 19,500 to a greetings card company.
The green idea sold much less, just 6,000 to Tescos but still not bad considering.
Glad I don't have to try and sell...I'm useless at it.