Did you ever agree to do something because it sounded like a good idea at the time, or because your friends were all doing it, or simply because you feared missing out? Then when the fateful day arrived, did you ask yourself why in the world you were doing this – but had no good answer?
Tonight was Paint Night.
Ironically, when I was at an out-of-town social event this past weekend, I was seated beside a man whose wife had given him a gift certificate for painting lessons for his 70th birthday. He was now 72-years-old, was in his second year of painting, loved every minute of it, and was planning a neighborhood showing of his work this coming summer. I told him about my trepidation with my upcoming painting lesson.
“I am sure it will be an abstract painting class,” he said confidentially.
It wasn’t.
“I know that you will be a much better painter than you realize,” chimed in his wife.
Sadly, I wasn’t.
“Whatever else, I know that you will love it,” he concluded.
I did love the pre-painting dinner, the drinks, and hanging out with my friends. I also loved seeing first-hand what great artists my friends were. Although the teacher was excellent and everyone was extremely kind, the painting part, for me, was a bit humiliating. I was actually far worse than I had guessed I would be (and my expectations were low to begin with)!
Would I go again? Absolutely–mostly because I feel a strong need to redeem myself.
Is there something that you have recently tried that was out of your comfort zone? If so, how did you do?
Retirement Reflections 
What fun! How I wish I had been there and joined you – we would have laughed and laughed at each other’s attempts before being thrown out….
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Absolutely, Mads! I will sign us both up for when you visit. Hope all is well with you. Miss you!
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I did one, and my final effort was dismal. No, really horrible. My girlfriend’s was worse. We had a blast! My new phrase…be joyfully creative!
(On a side note, both boys, yes it was a couple thing, had great final pictures and neither enjoyed the event very much….next time, we’re doing it just girls!)
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Being “joyfully creative” is great advice, Pat. Our event had just women. The men would have been horrified!
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“Joyfully creative” – I LOVE that!
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I think if I wanted to have painting lessons, I’d take a series of classes focused on teaching the fundamentals. If I wanted to hang out with my girlfriends, I’d plan a happy hour or dinner. Combining the two wouldn’t be my cup of tea… or glass of wine. I can’t imagine that I’d end up with anything I’d want to keep, let alone display. But, I’m glad you ending up having a good time with your friends.
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Thanks, Janis. I am definitely not serious enough about painting to take focused, uninterrupted lessons. Dabbling in painting with my friends, in an easy-going atmosphere, was just perfect. The lessons actually took place in our local pub! Thanks for reading, and for commenting.
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I did one of those with my daughter before I moved to Colorado. My painting, was, well, we wont talk about it but I do have the painting on the wall. I am one of those who thinks that you can do just just for fun, and you don’t have to be good at it. My next thing is glass fusing, and we’ll hope I leave with something recognizable.
I’m glad I found your blog, because my next blog post this week is actually on dabbling (and puttering, lets not forget puttering).
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Hi Barb – Thanks for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts. I look forward to your post on dabbling and puttering!
Donna
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Ooooohhhh Donna…Don’t you wish we could grab Barb, and some wine, and go do some glass fusing??? I have not yet had the guts to try the local paint-n-sip place, but now you’ve given me a certain amount of courage! What’s the worst thing that could happen? You survived it, right? I don’t think I’d be particularly worried if it turns out I’m no Rembrandt! Still fun!
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Hi Lynn! I definitely survived it and would do it again! I LOVE the idea of grabbing Barb for an evening of glass-fusing — and adding Pat Doyle so that we can all be ‘joyfully creative’…glass in hand! Thanks for commenting!
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