Oil pastels

     After a rocky weekend, I've perked up considerably this afternoon. A and I are hanging out in the front parlor -- there's a beautiful glow from the changing leaves outside, and lamplight against the orange ceiling -- while M bakes bread and makes chicken stock and beef stew. I hear the football game on the TV. Very cozy. A has decided to mount an art show after Thanksgiving, and is inspired by the fall colors. She is using oil pastels to sketch trees. She says she prefers them to crayons, which are "baby," and to regular pastels, which are too chalky and smeary. This is some little artist we have here.

     It felt good to get out a little this afternoon. A was playing with some friends across the river, so M and I got some coffee and walked around the neighborhood while the sun was still out. Now, it's cloudy and cool and just beautiful.

     Busy week ahead; I hope to hang onto this good energy.