'Remember me'

Memories ~ we all have them don't we?  Some tinged with sadness, some that bring a smile, others we wish we could forget, then those that warm our hearts and put a spring in our step.

This week my dear man and I were remembering the beautiful sunsets we would sit and watch from our verandah at our home in the country where we lived for 17 years.  A work move to the coast 3 years ago bought many changes and challenges, but one thing we did miss was sitting watching the sunsets from the verandah after a hard days work...all because of a wall at the end of the new porch that was blocking the view.  On our new verandah we could look north out over a peaceful park, over the roof tops to the coastal bushland, then to the blue hills in the distance, but not west to the glorious red, orange, pink and mauve sunsets ~ all because of a floor to roof colourbond wall.

One day while contemplating our dilema I asked Graeme if it would be too hard to 'move the wall!'  Well if you know my hubby, nothing is too hard, so the task began.  Banging, hammering, pulling, pushing, unscrewing, then re-building and adding a blind for the days when the sun is too hot, saw the job complete.  I'm sure the cheering on from me with nice hot cuppa's helped:) 

We did have to wait a couple of days for the clouds to move and the sun to start it's evening grand performance, but ohhhhh was it worth the wait!  Cheese, bickies and a glass of bubbly all helped to make another fond memory as we sat and watched our first sunset flood our back verandah with colours that brightened not only our evening but our hearts as well.

This little excercise has made me think just how many other lovely things in life I may be shutting out because of a 'wall'.  It is sooooo good for ones soul to have such times of reflection don't you think?  Hurts, offenses, unforgiveness and the like so easily sneak up on us and before we know it, our joy is stolen, the clouds come in and we are missing the beautiful colours of a gorgeous sunset because of our 'walls.'  So for me, all is well again as I hand these things toward heaven and thank God for the beautiful life He has given me.

Well I'm off to the studio now ~ I wonder what strokes of genius the ladies will perform today with their art work.  They never cease to amaze me with their imaginative thoughts, creative styles and willingness to learn.  If I get a chance I will dabble some
more with a rose I am painting called "Remember me."  This stunning rose was a gift to me from the ladies that used to come to my previous studio.  They presented me with two charming roses, "Remember me" and "Appreciation."  To my surprise they are growing so well here on the coast despite the heat and humidity.  Every time I walk past the blooms and breath in the fragrance the memories of these gorgeous girls from way out west bring happiness to my day.   I'm up to painting on the highlights and glazing, so it won't be long now before I can show you the finished piece.  In the mean time I will leave you with a photo of this radiant rose which resembles all the colours of the brilliant sunset we have just experienced.

Until next time may happy memories be filling your days,
Cathy XXX