An Afternoon of Picasso & Moonshine

Last week Tarryn spoke of an art class that her friend had recently started up. It was a casual and fun afternoon held at Glen Eagle Estate Clubhouse in Kempton Park. All art supplies were included in the price, as well as three drinks of the guests choice (ranging from cocktails to beer to wine to soft drinks).

It sounded like so much fun, and something different to do on a Saturday afternoon. I mentioned it to Angie who was also very keen on the idea, and we booked for the next class which took place yesterday.

Not having much artistic flair myself (best drawing I can do is a stick man) I was a bit nervous, however excitement overruled the nerves.

Sam, the facilitator, is such a warm and accommodating (needless to say talented) person and made all of her students feel comfortable and at ease.

We had two cherry blossom pictures to choose from, which we would then replicate using acrylic paint on canvas. Sam gave lots of pointers on how to start, which parts to do first (background and the tree) and "if your artwork doesn't look good, take a step back and then look at it again". We were a group of six ladies and two young ladies, and we all had such a great time chatting and admiring each other's interpretation of the picture (absolutely no judgement was passed!).

Ange and I thoroughly enjoyed the class and will definitely be back for the next one with our mothers in tow.

Thank you Sam, for this refreshing and relaxing afternoon and we wish you every success in the future.

Anyone interested in attending a Picasso & Moonshine class can contact Sam on 079 878 5634 or email picassoandmoonshine@gmail.com.

Ange in action

Concentrating veeeeery hard 

Finished product

Nice from far:)

It's not Goodbye, it's See You Later

This week, one of my mom's oldest and dearest friends (we worked it out to 20+ years) Jill, moved down to Cape Town to start the new chapter in her life.

After investigating the option for some time, everything fell into place at the beginning of the month when Jill's official employment transfer papers were signed, and her first day at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital was determined as 1 April. Jilly was moving to the Cape, to be nearer to her daughter, Kelly. The news registered, but reality hadn't quite sunk in.

My mom was thrilled for her friend, and supported her during those rather busy weeks. The night before the two day journey to Cape Town, Jill stayed at my mom's house and the two of them went for a last dinner together (only for a few months). I said goodbye to Jilly that evening, not being very strong when it comes to farewells, and after trying in vain to stay dry eyed, I broke down. This was it. 

Jill worked a registered nurse at the Linmed Hospital in Benoni, and always the first person we'd contact for advice when someone we knew had fallen ill, or had some sort of medical issue that we weren't sure of. She was also our go to lady when a friend or family member was having an operation or procedure performed at the hospital, and would diligently check in on that person in the recovery ward then let us know how they were doing. Jill popped in when Courtney was in theater preparing to deliver Dylan, and checked on William when her damaged his knee playing football last year. Her wealth of medical knowledge has proven invaluable to us and to all the other patients that she has treated/cared for over her many years at Linmed. We thank you, Jilly.

The things I'll miss most is discussing the latest films at the cinema, and Jill relaying some interesting general knowledge to us - we've all learnt so much from you!

Jill and my mom were both single parents and that shared bond meant we did many things together. Jill, Brad & Kel were regular features at our family events too. Memories of many weekends spent away at the farm, trips to the beach and game reserves, flood our minds and we have so many photographs to remind us of these happy occasions.

BUT, it's not goodbye. It's see you later.

Cape Town is a two hour flight away, and you can count on us visiting soon. My mom has two other close friends in the Cape - Michelle and Hayley - so when we go down our visits are always filled with wonderful catch ups.

Jilly - we are so happy and proud of you, and wish you every success in your new home and workplace. You are an asset to any company and although we will miss you, bigger and better things await. Johannesburg's loss is Cape Town's gain, and I know Kel will be so happy to have her mum nearby again. 

This photograph was taken at my 21st birthday in 2007, Jilly dressed as a surgeon as part of the "S" theme

My mom and Jill at the Barnyard Theatre, August 2012

Kelly, my mom and Jilly at my mom's 50th birthday lunch last year

"Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there."