Tulips, English and holidays

Yesterday was another holiday here in Rio, if you can believe it. St. George’s Day, as in St. George and the Dragon. It’s not like it’s a day millions celebrate. Only the St. George devotees. I was hoping to enjoy it, but had to teach. Since I am teaching missionaries they want them to learn they can’t always celebrate their holiday Brazilian holidays in other countries. But why did I, the teacher, have to suffer along side them????

I didn’t mind, really, but in compensation, I wanted to enjoy our official day off, Friday. However, I had accepted a very small speaking engagement at the International Christian School here in Rio. It was at 8:30AM, which isn’t bad, except it’s an hour away. My poor sweet (and very patient) hubby had to get up early to drive me over. Me I still haven’t renewed my license and am dragging my feet as long as I can. Who really wants to drive in Rio? I enjoyed getting speak in English, and I usually accept those kind of engagements readily. It is so strange to speak to such a silent group, as the discipline is pretty strict at this school. I am more used to the loose anything goes manner of classes here in Brazil. It was the chapel service for the high school and I tried to keep it short and sweet (12 minutes is a record for me!). I talked about how the movie “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is a great illustration of Ecclesiastes (Meaningless, meaningless. It is like chasing the wind!). Then I contrasted that with the life of my great heroine, Charlotte Diggs Moon. (For my non Southern Baptist friends, she was a missionary to China from 1873-1912, and our only “almost canonized”  saint!) I think it actually worked as I ended by sharing Philippians 1:21 – “For me to live is Jesus Christ and to die is gain” .

Afterwards, we went to the large nearby mall (Barra Shopping), and enjoyed cappuccino and books! We came home with more books (our personal addiction). This afternoon, I finally finished up my watercolor tulips. You may remember that I did them in graphite (See my April 8th entry) and now have finished them in watercolors, with an acrylic paint background, as I just couldn’t get the watercolor dark enough for the contrast I wanted. Did I show you the original? It’s on the right! (A little humor there!) I still haven’t been able to create the luminosity I would like with watercolors, but in my defense the original is brighter than the picture of it.

That, then, was my Friday. I think I really need to accomplish something serious, so guess I’ll wash the breakfast dishes that are still in the sink. Have a great weekend.