Today is my friend Mick Duff’s 70th birthday.
Mick and I first met when we were five years old. We attended The Camp School in Kent, situated in the middle of bluebell woods and housed in wooden army huts from the war, it was a wonderful foundation for creative spirits.
Gail, Mick’s wife, came to The Camp School when she was about seven – and yes, they married and together have lived a life filled with creativity, along with producing their glorious daughter, Lucy.
There was no central heating in the classrooms, – we grew vegetables in little gardens around the huts, which we ate for our lunch. We danced around the maypole, as well as lots of country dancing. We walked and ran everywhere….no being ferried around in cars…
Mick and Gail are very involved with keeping up ancient English folk lore traditions. They believe that their love of this came directly from one particular teacher at The Camp School, Mrs Whitefield.
When we get together, it’s as if no time has gone by at all….as if we are exactly the same as we were back then……long may that last.
May the magical hummingbirds always surround you, Mick.
A Bientôt
My Life as an Artist (2) 
I have goose bumps, Janet.
What a gift, such a long-standing friendship and all the wonderful, shared memories 🙂
Good morning, Vera….thank you so much…yes friendships like this are such a joy:)
Happy Birthday to Mick , and what a simply beautiful gem of a story you have Janet about this wonderful friendship. Many happy returns to all of you! ❤
Mick much appreciates all the birthday wishes….Thank you, Gil…:)
Happy birthday to Mick. I love the portrait. And it warms my heart to hear of the common ties you have with Mick and his wife, and the stories of your youth together… the love of study, and learning to enjoy life… 70 is a very good age. There is still strength, together with a lot of experience… May you all continue to dance in your hearts, to create, and to bring happiness to one another.
Good morning dear, Shimon….yes 70 is a good age…the key is good health, and Mick, Gail and I have been blessed with this thus far:) Thank you so much and wishing you a beautiful day.xx
Happy Birthday to Mick , and what a wonderful gift, your watercolor paintings!
Mick is thrilled with all the birthday wishes. I painted this quick watercolour of Mick last year… Janet:)
Janet i love your style with portraits. This one is wonderful. And a happy birthday to Mick, of course. Hummingbird hugs! 😀
Good morning, Teagan,
I painted this quick watercolour of Mick last year, along with one of Gail….I can still see the little boy in him:) Have a beautiful day.xx
You have some wonderful friends, and I love hearing about them all. Happy birthday to Mick, I love his portrait, especially those amazingly blue eyes! Your hummer today is glowing, I am always amazed at the vivid clear purity of your colours!xxx
Thank you so much, Dina….yes, I do have some wonderful friends…a real gift in life. Have a beautiful day.xxx