Christmas is not a time for minimalism in my house! I've loved it and I shall miss the lights, the twinkle and the sparkle that the decorations create in the mid winter dark, (but not the Christmas tree needles which shower down at the slightest touch....)

When I took it all down today, I noticed how badly the room needs decorating.

Oh dear.



It was fun though....

I'm teaching 'Drawing For Non-Artists' again in Dunoon, Argyll, starting Saturday morning 8th January.

Drawing is a teachable, learnable skill, and the classes are pretty intensive but also friendly and fun! I love teaching this course.

Here is what I say on my posters and flyers for the course:

If you can read, write, ride a bike or drive a car, you can also learn to draw.

Would you like to sketch for relaxation or while on holiday? Draw portraits of your children perhaps, or teach your pupils to draw if you are a primary school teacher? Could being able to draw be helpful in your work?

In this 10 week taught class you will learn the basic skills of drawing, each lesson building on the one before.

No experience required or expected - this class is for anyone who would like to be able to draw.

If you live near enough and would like to join the class, click on comments (top right) and I'll get back to you. (Your e mail address will not be published).

If you don't live near enough, I'm planning a five day course near York in late July....

New Year, new skill........?

I've got together my fitness pack: one DVD and three books.

New York City Ballet workout DVD for 'Strength, grace and a sculpted body'. Wow!

Zoe Harcombe Recipe Book for real food at every meal. 'Eat better and do what you want'. Yes.

Dr David Servan-Schreiber Anticancer, A New Way Of Life for ultra healthy foods that 'nourish the life' in me and keep my immune system strong.

The Power of Less Leo Babatua  for motivation tips and reducing stress. 'Smile, breathe and go slowly.'

I shall try every day to do something which makes me fitter. Exercised last night and ate three good meals yesterday. (Still looking for gold stars!)

I can do this....

My word to set the tone for 2011 is fitter.

What do I mean by fitter? Well, I simply want to have boundless energy and strength, a lean toned body, no illnesses thank you, glowing skin, perfect teeth and glossy hair! It's a small ask!  I've read all the books, watched all the videos, come across many inspiring people who managed it, so what's the problem?

The problem is I'm always definitely going to do it tomorrow!

My inspirations are Zoe Harcombe (I've lent her book out, must get it back quick), Dr David Servan-Schreiber, the New York City Ballet, and Leo Babatua. With help like this how can I fail?

The research is the easy bit, isn't it. Read lots of books and order the best ones. I don't even have the effort of going to buy them - click a few keys and the postman brings them to my door a couple of days later. Then I sit and read them in a warm cosy room, drink in hand, blog about how good they are - how insightful, how inspiring, how RIGHT they are in everything they say. Try their ideas out (in a small way, see how they suit). Just testing....no stress, (little effort). And put it off until tomorrow.

OK. The time has come to stop being such a wimp.

In the five weeks since I bought Organise Now!  (Simply Organise Nov 25) I've organised my books and CD's, recipes (I copied some family ones for my daughters - something I've been meaning to do for years), the car and associated paperwork, back and front door clutter, and a party. Simply one a week.

I do like checklists, though until reading The Checklist Manifesto,   I felt vaguely embarassed about saying that! (Surely only repressed/rigid/uptight/boring people make lists and tick boxes?) Maggie's card says it all - thanks Maggie!

The Checklist Manifesto  by surgeon and writer Atul Gawande is an unexpectedly good read.

Wide ranging, and a real page turner I found, it is 'an exploration of the nature of complexity in our lives'.

Of the many interesting points he makes so well, I was most struck by his assertion that today, success in many fields requires knowledge that 'outstrips any one person's ability' therefore greater co-operation and teamwork are now essential, not a matter of choice or personal preference.

I would say that probably bodes well for the human race....


Now, what will I organise next....?

1.1.11. Paula called this an auspicious date. 'Like a brand new start!' she said.


Reading through my diary last night I came across this, written Tuesday 16 March 2010 - I think I must have been feeling quite poetic that day!

                    A beautiful ordinary day.
                    A little love, a little hate,
                    a little annoyance, a little thankfulness,
                    a little work, a little play.
                    A little chance of another day. 
                    A little me, a little he.
                    A little grace.



I've just remembered I promised no more poems for a bit!  But I didn't write it as a poem - it just sounded like one when I re-read it.... Sorry!

I hope 2011 is getting off to a good start for you....