Angel Whispers

The First Time

For most of my adult life I've dabbled in painting even though I'm perfectly aware I'm not very good at it. Watercolours, glass painting, acrylics and oils I've tried the lot, but never in my life have I ever been involved in home painting and decorating.

My husband did all that and seemed to enjoy it. I was never tempted, contemplating whether painting a wall or ceiling was any more interesting than watching paint dry. But now, in the midst of attempting to turn my new house into some sort of home and one that is aesthetically pleasing I have had to succumb to the advice to do it yourself. Not the major tasks, but the smaller areas like skirting boards and door frames. I look at my efforts and conclude like my other attempts at painting they aren't very good, but it's a case of needs must and who is going to inspect things closely anyway?

The mind wanders during such underwhelming activities and I found myself thinking I'd never have predicted trying to paint interior walls and such at my age. But life is what happens while we're busy making other plans as we all know and proof there are always 'firsts' in life no matter how old we are.

This set me thinking what other 'firsts' I have experienced since turning sixty and I was surprised at how long a list I compiled. I won't number them as this list goes well over my favourite number, but here are just some of the new experiences from this decade of my life. Some good, some bad, some small, some massive, some chosen and some thrust upon me, but all things new to me.

Became an orphan

Acquired a new scar

Started geocaching

Switched to a Mac computer

Became a widow

Met a millionaire

Adopted a kitten

Became a great aunt

Bought a toolbox

Published a book

Experienced a family feud

It's an interesting exercise and one I suggest you try whatever decade of your life you are presently living in. I have several years left of my present decade God willing, but won't contemplate what new things they may hold, be they good or bad. One day at a time sweet Jesus.