The big big city and taxes....mixed medium
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I had the unique pleasure this week to explain (or try to) the concept of taxes to a couple of 10 year olds. 
The question arose when the topic of schools came up. I have two students that take a class together. One is in the Public system, the other in Private. Both are truly quite brilliant and I, at times find it a challenge to answer the questions that come out of the "mouths of babes". These babes anyway. I am always very proud of myself when I give them a reasonable answer  and I think  "hey,  quite smart of me" as I brush the beads of sweat off my brow from the stress.
 In this instance, I explained how a  portion of the money that their parents make is given to the government to pay for such things as public education, medical care etc etc....
Of course they got it with those young brains that are loaded with so much grey matter. 
If you ever get a chance to watch two ten year olds debate (yes this is what happened) over what should be taxed and who... it is quite the thing. Look out you future Politicians, I have a few here now and I am getting an early debate.





Tulips (Sold)

I am publishing this email from someone.... I rarely do this... but the fact that a person expressed this thought to me... well, all I can say is.. I am so lucky . They are an artist and scholar so I am honoured. Thank you.... If we all encouraged each other in the way they have just encouraged me, I say, as they did, the world would be a better place. Thank you. 


   Here is the email: 


  I've been reading your blogs. Absolutely bloody marvellous! I love the way you write. Funny, witty, and so erudite. But most of all heartfelt, and within each little story there lies a moral for living. It should be basic reading for Life 101. The world would be a better place! And the art work is fabulous too. You should also mention that you not only teach Little ones like baby w.h.n, but also older sods like me who are  forever in your debt. And don't roll your bloody eyes!!



 

It's always time for a change!

My new poster for the "New" year!

 I had a request for, believe it or not, something that someone could wear that had a painting of mine on it. Wow. I think that will be a challenge, however, I will experiment with silk.

  I have decided that so many good things have happened this year and that means that you should change it up to match the new groove...so... here it is.. my new "logo" poster/all the stuff you put this on  "thing"!   Look for this new one in January..... 

OK, so on another topic, I teach a young student who I just adore. (actually, I adore all of them but this wee girl I have been teaching for 5 years now). She was my first student at the very beginning when I remember being so worried about teaching. I just wanted to make sure that I taught the right things and made it so fun for them that they would appreciate art for the rest of their lives. Not so much pressure eh? Anyway, she arrives early at times and I enjoy our time together. When she started she was around eight or nine. I remember her coming to the door and saying in her sweet little voice " I am so glad you are not a boy". Now she is older we have conversations about boys. Oh my God! I know a bit but not without my fair share of mistakes and disasters. Oh wait! Perhaps that is what it is all about. Teach her not to make the mistakes I did in the past.. I love it, as she listens and takes note.. As she so gracefully puts it when I explain how boys think.. and girls think.. she says in a slightly older voice "I think I know what you mean Anya..it's "girlology"..