Speaking of Life...

Yesterday I did my first life drawing class in about 3 years and to say I was panic-stricken is putting it mildly. Carole came too and it was a toss-up, which of us was most nervous. I don't know why I get so worked up about it ... I suppose probably because it's such a disciplined procedure and the rest of my art is so free-wheeling.

As it turned out, I was really glad I went and will be back for more next Saturday ... looks like being a regular fixture. We set up in the garden courtyard of artist, Katie Sabry, who I knew a little from time at the Cyprus College of Art. Her studio is also out the back and she is well equipped with all the usual stuff ...easels and boards etc. Shade from the trees and pergola were welcome, but I fear Ray our model, might get a bit crispy around the edges as the summer moves on. In the winter we will be working inside of course.

It was also great to meet up with, Sheila, an old friend from the college, who is coming to the end of her BA course. It was just terrific to see some of her progress, plus she is such a sweet woman .... it made my day!

Also I've been tagged by Jan at Wibbos Words and Lesly at Pastel and Paint.

Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs 7 things that are a habit, unusual or that no-one else knows, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.

OK I'll play :-)

1. I have a phobia wrapped around viewing large ships or underwater wrecks. TV documentaries about the Titanic or similar, have me heading for the hills. Even a still image of a fully intact ship on the ocean sends a feeling of hot lead to the pit of my stomach.
2. When I was 8 years old, I won an award at school and was allowed to choose any book I wished as a prize. I asked for a cookery book. I was disgusted to be presented with a thin volume that explained how to make tea, buttered toast and fairy-cakes, when what I actually wanted was how to make Coq au Vin and Tart Tatin. Odd how we're who we are so early on.
3. I am the only woman I know who doesn't like talking for hours on the phone. For me they're a tool for saying the minimum of words to get my message across, then hang up. I'm a pictures person ... so sit me down with another face opposite and I can chew the fat as good as the rest of 'em.
4. I dislike shopping for or wearing new clothes ...I know, I'm one weird female! With the obvious exception of lingerie and shoes, I much prefer to buy my clothes secondhand. It wasn't easily done in the UK where charity shops are usually full of boring tat, but for some reason, here in Cyprus there is a more colourful and interesting assortment of tat to play with.
5. I have been spat at by a Palestinian shopkeeper in old Jerusalem. He took me for a Brit or American, both equal in his eyes. I wondered how different it might have been if I'd had the language to tell him that I understood and that if I was him I might have spat at me too.
6. When the boys were small, my favourite holiday location was Mousehole, Cornwall. I have a painting in my home by Nigel Hallard, viewed from a position on our special bit of harbour beach. If I could be confident it would 'feel' the same, I would like to go back one day.
7. For the last several years I've had lunch about once a week at the Meze Taverna in the old town. Every time, I always order Kikoula's fresh home-made humus with hot pitta bread and a glass of white wine spritzer without ice ..... every visit Diomides continues to ask me for my order and never assumes ... though I do detect a twinkle in his eye. Occasionally I'm tempted to ask for a pork chop, but I'm afraid he'd faint.

I tag;

• Robin Ann Walker. A prolific artist with a fascinating blog full of professional artist insights.
• Mr Zip. An old friend to many of the people I know, and a new and interesting discovery for me.
• Francesca Burras. The first blog I became addicted to.
• Lisa Lorenz. A bright beautiful blog with zingy colourful art.
• Neda Doany. An amazing collage artist and an absolutely lovely lady.
• Philip Edson. Still trying to figure out how he produces so much art and still gets time to work on his Spanish tan.
• Judy Scott. Dear sweet angel Judy. She takes shabby chic to a whole new wonderful dimension.