MY FATHER WAS SUPPOSED TO BE WATCHING A VERY YOUNG ME… BUT HE DOZED OFF.

 
I headed straight for my mothers lipstick and drew pretty pictures all over the walls. I remember sniffling while I sat on the floor watching my panicked father scrubbing off my masterpieces and periodically checking his watch.

My dad sold art supplies.

A dream come true for any budding artist. I got to experiment with all the new products. As a teenager, my parents made a slight error in judgment and left me alone for the weekend. Upon returning they found giraffes, monkeys, tigers, elephants and colourful birds all over the walls. I was so proud.

They restricted me to one wall.

My mother was thrilled to pieces when my dad brought home canvasses and paper. I bought every art book I could find. I loved everything I tried; pastels, oils, watercolours, coloured pencils but life interfered, I got married, had two boys and two jobs, when the husband and boys grew up and left, out came the art supplies. I took a few courses, received a few awards and sold a few pictures and stories.

I’m a happy camper.