When it’s  going to be over 40C later then getting up early to have some quality time on my doorstep  is no hardship. It helps that I have been sleeping fine upstairs in the attic on my big mattress.

Every morning is different. Today I was a little worried about something so I spent some time writing it down which usually helps.

Then my little cat came back to say hello….and keep your distance . After that another little cat peeped out of the gutter on the house across the road before strolling off up the roof.

After noticing that my baby oleander has flowers coming ,I thought I might sketch it. But I couldn’t find my stylus anywhere. And I looked everywhere. I love sketching on my tablet so was a bit put out.

I ordered another online. Turquoise this time so less easily lost.

After that I tried using my cheap spongey ended stylus. Was a completely different experience.

I spent 5 mins reading more Patti Smith and wondered if I should experiment with making pictures with words….. maybe tomorrow.

Shopping is best done early when I am walking and there is still a bit of the spirit of lockdown in me whereby I like to be prepared. I noticed that some people are not wearing masks now. I did take mine off when walking up the hill and there was no one around. It’s too hot.

Today’s work was to draw on my next 3 canvases so that they were ready to paint. I lay down , read and fell asleep.

Then I found my stylus in my rucksack which I had searched thoroughly twice earlier.

After lunch and thanks to Harry Bosch. (who I am growing to dislike. Why are so many detectives such horrible people.?) I spent an hour drawing a complicated Pisticci scene which I fondly imagine will become a cubist masterpiece…. or something like that.

I painted roughly, in contrasting colours , a Seaview and another scene which looks great as a photo, but am not sure it will work as a painting.

And now it’s wine time. The door is open as there is a wind blowing. I tried fake tan on my arms this morning. It’s looking subtle…..I think. I am blending the edges with moisturiser so that it looks a bit realistic.

Jazz blues and wine now. Cheers 🍷🍷