Upsizing my life - step 1

Upsizing my life - step 1

For the last several years, I have pulled into myself in order to find peace and quiet. No friends to speak of, anything I did was alone. That kind of life is rather easy. I didn't really need to spend time outside of my little shell of work, workouts and some family time.

Now I feel like that phase has past. Not radically, like "TADA!" and some silver gates are flung open but  in a slow, flowing way.

I set off to find a hobby. Something to bring balance into my life.

Last summer, I went to Italy to spend three weeks learning some Italian and trying out the art of painting. I let myself get inspired by the food there through a cooking course and some lovely eateries.

When I came home, I enrolled in a watercolor course. Even though I thought I wouldn't care for it, I really did enjoy it. Step by step.

Then I tried out a course in experimental painting with acrylics. WOW! I glued textured wallpaper on canvas, attached wrinkled tissue paper and smoothed on marble paste for structure. Then I painted a picture on top of that. Really amazing what effects can be achieved.

Monday and Tuesday were my usual work days - long and hard. Exhausting. For the last few months, I have been taking painting courses on Tuesday evenings, and, despite my tiredness, I had a wonderful time working with paints and the fascinating colors.

My art teacher took a liking to me and asked me over for tea.

At the moment, I am "looking" for new things to do that stimulate my senses and give me joy. Maybe a "stretch" at first if I have to learn something I don't yet know how to do. At my age, a stretch is pretty much easy to conjure up!

And maybe a few acquaintances to laugh and do things with.