Sorry, I haven't done any painting, but have finished this applique wall hanging (it is a pattern by The Chook Shed - well I think it is by memory). It is a teacher gift (school finishes next week here in Australia and the children start their new school year at the end of January with new teachers). Over the years I have made countless Away in the Manager wall hangings for friends and teachers - yes, that's right, so many I have lost count. Do I have one myself? Nooooo. I have never had the time to make one for me. Do you find that? Do you give away everything you make and have nothing left but memories? I love to see the joy my creations give to others, but gee I wish I had some of my stuff for display in my own home, LOL. Three of my angel paintings have gone to their new homes. My work colleague was thrilled with hers, so were the rest of the staff, they all want one of their own. One work friend was talking about how she hadn't had enough money to buy much for her Secret Santa person and asked how long it would take for me to paint an angel. I explained that it was quite time consuming and I wouldn't be able to do it for a week. Meanwhile her Secret Sister recipient asked if I could paint her an angel with brown hair and blue eyes and that she would pay me for it. When I got home I wrapped up the brown haired, blue eyed angel and gave it to my work friend to give to her Secret Santa recipient. She was overcome, and just about shed tears - she was so grateful. I said, if I had another one she could have that for herself and have promised to paint her one of her own as soon as I can. It was such a good feeling to make someone's simple wish come true. It was quite weird actually, because the painting was destined for someone in the UK, but for a couple of days I had been having second thoughts about sending it, so I guess that must have been the reason. Christmas really is about the joy of giving.
