2

Brushstroke of memory

This painting feels like a little echo of the garden my aunt loved so dearly. [www.newbloggycat.com]

It’s been nine years, and still, on these quiet days close to the end of the year, I find myself reaching for ways to remember my beloved aunt.

This time, it wasn’t just words. Near midnight a few days ago, I took up the brush – and this painting came to life: long graceful leaves, two standing tall, others softly surrounding, and one small twig touched with dark pink petals. At the base, a gentle wash of lighter shade, like the earth that holds all growth.

To my dear cousins, MS and MY and to her treasured grandsons, J and H who brought such joy to her heart and stories to her days. And to her son-in-law, KS, whose quiet presence she admired and appreciated.

This year’s tribute is especially for you. In these leaves, I see her strength and elegance; in this fragile bloom, her lasting beauty. And in the quiet of the painting hour, I felt close to her, and to all of you who carry her light.

Every year I write, but this year, I painted. Maybe because some memories grow deeper, gentler β€” more like ink than words.

Today, I hope she sees these leaves and smiles.

Still here. Still growing. Still loved.

Always remembering,

Pat ❀️

2

Self Por-horse-trait

🐴 This painting feels like a self-portrait in equine form… mane flowing like ink, spirit untamed!

And complete with my ever-so-slightly crooked seal. Because sometimes, beauty leans into imperfection.πŸ’š


β€œDespite the chaos, I re-mane calm.” [www.newbloggycat.com]
4

Let’s get quacking π“…­

This little duck has lived a long life. It was a gift from my friend’s 90-year-old father, twenty years ago. I brought it home with me from Adelaide.

Since then, it has faded, crossed borders, and survived the not-so-gentle test of doggie teeth. It has been loved, and because it was loved, it has been knocked down, scratched, and cracked.

My recent restoration wasn’t about making it new again, but about caring for its story.

It reminded me: some pieces aren’t fixedβ€”they’re carried, healed. πŸ¦†

I’m still standingπŸ˜… [www.newbloggycat.com]
0

Hello, Kiwi

On Christmas Day, a little butterfly came to visit. He didn’t stay in one spot – fluttering playfully around me for five precious minutes before quietly flying away after my eldest appeared. Still loved, still remembered… my precious Kiwi πŸ’š

http://www.newbloggycat.com
5

Fur-liz Navidad ≽(β€’β©Š β€’γƒž

I hope this Christmas brings you calm hearts, love around you, and joy in the small things.

πŸŽ„Meowy Christmas, everyone!πŸ’š

β€œMay you be like this catβ€”beautiful, strong, and effortlessly classy.” ✨🐾 [www.newbloggycat.com]

2

Love remembers

πŸŽ„The tree was finished, but my heart wasn’t.
Adding Kiwi changed everything.
Love remembers, even at Christmas.πŸ’š

Art, memory, and a little bird who still belongs here. [www.newbloggycat.com]

0

🍫 Choco loco🍦

Homemade chocolate ice cream: simple, creamy, and dangerously good.

First, let’s whip-up 800ml of heavy cream
Ahhh you look creamy, reindeer but still pale. No worries…chocolate sunshine is coming up.😜
Next mix-in 100g of chocolate sunshine (unsweetened cocoa powder)πŸ˜‰
And whip it until the cocoa power is mixed evenly.
Then pour in a can of condensed milk.
Give it a good whip.
Ahh look at you reindeer – tanned, creamy and yummy! πŸ€ͺπŸ˜‹
Pour the creamy β€˜reindeer’ into a container and freeze it! πŸ˜‰πŸ˜‹

I tasted the ice cream after letting it set for four hours, and the result was perfectly creamy and delicious.❀️

0

✨Kiwi had other plans

β€œI meant to paint a penguin.

But Kiwi had other plans.”

http://www.newbloggycat.com
2

Here comes the reindeer πŸ¦Œ

http://www.newbloggycat.com

Budget reindeer. Zero glue. One bottle cap. Seasonal spirit: 100%.

I didn’t buy a reindeer. I assembled one emotionally.

Proof that Christmas spirit can be made from twigs, string, and mild delusion.

2

Quote of the day – NBC

β€œSome days you meet the Joker… other days you are the fool playing the fool to fool the fool. πŸ€‘πŸ˜‰β€

http://www.newbloggycat.com