I started off my latest art project with a sketch of an elderly man. I then got stuck…a road block….couldnt work out how to colour white hair and white facial hair on white paper

I then decided to use some coloured pencils and also pastels just for the purpose of practice and below is the end result….my imaginary new friend. To be honest I really like this new friend.

This is the elderly man that I really want to do a portrait of. Any suggestions would be appreciated thanks.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all my wonderful WordPress Friends

Love and hugs from Ally xo

I have lived in Australia since 1989. There is so much to learn about this wonderful county.

The Australian Coat Of Arms



A lesson for me today is : Look forward to the future, stop living in the past.

Another lesson I learnt today: I never knew the States of Australia all have their own Coat of Arms

Queensland

Until you become an adult it is the responsibility of your parents to care for you holistically- physical, mental, social and spiritual.

When you become an adult it’s over to you. Yes that’s right. It’s your choice.

I am not perfect by any means. At 70 I am still trying to do my best to look after me. What I do believe is My body is my temple.

I will cut to the chase as to why I am writing this post today.

At 3am yesterday my son’s partner died suddenly. For privacy I cannot use her real name so I will call her Marg.

Marg at 45 years of age has now passed on. Several weeks ago Marg complained of sore legs and being short of breath. Marg chose not to make an appointment to see a doctor.

Marg since her early 20’s had been grossly overweight, unhealthy dietary intake, regular use of alcohol, daily smoking, little exercise…..an unhealthy lifestyle. Please dont think I am criticizing, I am just saying how it was.

On Sunday at 3am while getting ready to go to work Marg walked into the lounge, told my son ‘I can’t breath, then immediately collapsed and died. Sadly could not be revived.

Shock horror to everyone. Marg will be sadly missed by all. REST IN PEACE MARG.

Life is precious. There are no guarantees in life.

Sorry for the rant.

I guess this is part of my way of dealing with grief.

My lesson from the death of Marg is to take better care of my TEMPLE.

This morning I had the start of another episode of vertigo. Fortunately I had some Stemetil to take which helped.

I had to see the physiotherapist for ongoing treatment of arthritis in hip and knee. I mentioned about the vertigo so we decided to concentrate on that today.

I will gladly share the printed information about vertigo and recommended exercises.

For my current art project while still learning to sketch human faces I have chosen to sketch an 88 year old gentleman friend. I am working from a photo. Because my friend has white hair, moustache and beard I am thinking maybe I should have drawn on black paper. I am constantly reminding myself that this is a learning exercise so I must not stress. I am enjoying myself.

I am learning about facial features. This week’s lesson was to look in a mirror and sketch what I see. I ended up taking a selfie and printed it in black and white.

This is what I sketched today, more fine tuning needed, especially shading. Thank goodness I don’t have Prince Charles ears 😃..havent learnt to draw ears as yet, next week I think.

PS: It’s a really bonus to me when my online art tutor tells me ‘well done’ and that I have captured many subtleties. He said nothing to worry about, it’s a learning exercise and will get better. I did tell him that I was worried about submitting my drawing.

Due to reoccurring episodes of vertigo I decided to sell my treadmill because I didn’t feel safe on it and also because it was taking up too much room in my seniors studio accommodation.

I still have the option of getting outside and going for a walk when we are not in Lockdown.

There are days when I don’t go out of the unit but still need to keep on the move.

I watch tv most days. Shopping channels can be dangerous. I got sucked in after seeing several encores of a home exercise promotion. Yesterday my Ellipto Maxx Robotic Training Cycle arrived at my place.

No assembly needed, only had to put batteries in the remote control.

Plug into power supply, sit down and relax while you exercise.

I can sit here at night while watching TV and still be on the move 😂.

PS: This is not an ad for the machine.

Slowly getting there.