3. Painting a Memory

Painting to copy

In April a Living Social coupon caught my eye.  It was an Art Uncorked Painting Event.  The idea is to teach participants how to copy or paint a specific painting while in a wine bar type environment.  One of my dear friends has always expressed how relaxing painting was for her.  I thought why not combine date night, painting, and wine!  We finally used our coupon last Sunday.

Cafe Bella

Neither my husband or myself have ever painted an acrylic painting on canvas before Sunday. We were nervous when we walked in an saw the painting on the easel.  You can sort of see the instructor to the left of the blank easel.  She gave step-by-step guided instructions to guide us through the painting process.  You could follow exactly or change up whatever you wanted.   It was a super low stress experience. The wine and food added to the relaxed and fun environment.  We both thoroughly enjoyed it.  You can see our finished products the picture below. What a new and joyous adventure that we can now hold in memory together! 

2. Herb Garden

I am excited to plant my very first outdoor herb garden.  I noticed that the temps here in our so-cal location were cooler.  I thought could it be that an outdoor herb garden would work? It has been a dream of mine to walk outdoors, cut some thyme, basil, etc, and use in my very own dish.  Dream has become reality (at least for the moment).  What a wonderful adventure planning, planting, and harvesting!!!

As you can see I am a fan of thyme, since I planted 3 varieties.  I had used all these herbs in cooking before with the exception of the lemon thyme.  It has now become a favorite! It has a slightly more lemon flavor than just regular thyme  Chopped fine, added to butter and  placed on top of  grilled salmon equals deli-sh!  Some thing about adding your home grown herbs to a dish brings joy to me.  Another step in joyous living!

1. The Beginning

First post...a little scary for me!  I have always been more numbers than words.  Starting this blog is a true new beginning for me.  An experiment, if you will, into the more creative side of myself.  The name itself is there to remind me to explore and imagine.  It will be devoted to less inward thinking and more outward doing.  Time to share those projects, activities, and ideas that I find entertaining and joyous.  Perfection not required!  Please join me on this journey.