Yesterday I was on the bus returning home from Kingston upon Thames. Most people were carrying large shopping bags and looking pretty exhausted and fed up…..and then quite spontaneously three little children began to sing Christmas carols….and everyone smiled and began to talk to one another. Everyone’s mood changed…………
watercolour/gouache
It”s so easy to get caught up in all the adult stuff. I remember very well when my own children were young and being responsible for putting on Christmas celebrations with all the trimmings. Quite often, the real meaning and essence of the celebration was lost,
It would seem that for the most part we humans insist on making life complicated and in doing so forget the pure joy of simple pleasures.
Millie visiting my studio and being caught up in all the colour and magic. 
Capucine – a little girl I painted in France this year. Her eyes were filled with wonder and curiosity 
Look at the amazement and curiosity in the eyes of these little Amish boys who had come across a field camera his week in Pennsylvania. They had no idea what it was or what the flashing light indicated….but were clearly amazed and filled with wonder. (My son sent me this picture from a friend’s farm). 
As adults we don’t have to give up our childlike ways – in fact I believe that a fully integrated person is capable of being both an adult and a child. The child-like wonder that still lives within us is what keeps us filled with the promise of the unexpected, the spontaneous.
dancing hummingbirds – symbolising the unseen magic in our world……watercolour
It would seem that it is the simple elements of life that give us all great pleasure. Singing, dancing, giving to those in need, being part of a community and laughter….and of course a simple smile can change the day for so many people.
Christmas decorations at Hampton Court Palace. 
I hope that everyone enjoys a Christmas with elements of spontaneity and joy and of course some really good food:)
I will spend the holidays with friends and then my daughter Christie arrives from the USA on the 27th December and will be here with me to celebrate the new years. What a gift.
May magical hummingbirds surround us all. 
A bientot
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My Life as an Artist (2) 