It is very frustrating how it often happens that when I am planning to be busy the next day my subconscious says to itself, ” Ha ha, tonight we will make sure that she gets very little sleep . ” I imagine that there are a team of little subconscious elves , one responsible for making up a long list of possible problems which he threads through my mind so that the list seems never ending. Then there is the ” toilet elf” whose job is to constantly whisper in my ear ” you know you need to go again…..and then again. Lastly there is the ” tense elf” who shouts things like ” you’ll be too tired to work, it’s going to be a disaster, you should never have eaten these biscuits/ fizzy juice/ peanut butter etc. You deserve to suffer.

Eventually I get up , make a baked potato in the microwave, turn the electric blanket up full, get my Miss Read book out and tell myself ” **** it , who needs sleep anyways. ”

I don’t know why my subconscious has such a down on me.

However it was very cold this morning so wearing my thick jacket, usual 3 jumpers , 2 pairs of trousers and socks I set off to work on the mural.

Aided by 2 coffees I had a lovely time. It must be getting near the end of it now so I have a plan

Today I more or less stuck to my plan. Which means tomorrow I should paint cactus leaves. The idea is to leave Saturday to fix all the little bits and pieces and add any details I think would help.

This afternoon with the help of my tablet,( I download a photo of the mural so far) I used my drawing app to add bits and pieces and see how it looks. It ‘s a great help. I’ve printed out a copy of it for tomorrow.

It looks like the weather will be okay for the next few days . It was easier to work today because it was cooler….apart from the strong gusts of wind. I am really enjoying the whole experience of mural painting outside. Sitting inside in front of an easel might feel a little tame after this.

Today I also decorated the border round a portrait with a gold pen.

I like the variety of my work.

Now it’s wine time and fingers crossed that my subconscious has a holiday tonight and let’s me get some sleep.

Cheers.🍷🍷