Reverb 10: December 15 and 16

I had a very busy day yesterday and forgot to do my Reverb 10 duty. Here's yesterday's prompt:

December 15 – 5 Minutes Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. (Author: Patti Digh)

I thought about writing a snarky answer to this silly prompt but decided to just play along instead. Here are the top things I'd want to remember. Since I only have five minutes, I am not going to go back and link to relevant posts: My sister's wedding and all the fun preparation leading up to it.  My trip to the Grand Tetons with my husband staying in the posh National Parks Lodge. The way my nephew giggled and sang along with the Shrek Karaoke Party. My adventures in painting class.  My angst over stats class and the relief when it seemed like the students were finally getting it. My trip to [intimacy] (weird name, great bra fittings) with my closest work friend, the birthday party I had at my house with my family. I'm going to Toronto soon so I hope that memory will not be wiped out by this freakish event where I lose my whole memory.  I imagine if I knew that would really happen I would go see a neurologist ASAP and find out why.

December 16 – Friendship How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst? (Author: Martha Mihalick)

My art teacher (of the famous watercolor painting classes) is leaving for a several-month ministry retreat and may or may not be coming back to teach us again.She officially says she will, but she has hinted that she's not so sure.  I have been taking this class one night a week for two hours.

When I first started taking the class, I thought it would just be forced practice. I'd have some time set aside where I'd paint, and that would help me develop as an artist. I didn't think I needed or wanted any instruction. I have been drawing my whole life and I thought watercolor was basically drawing with a brush.  I had taken a 6-week class at the art museum so I was sure I knew everything I needed to know. 

Second painting

First painting

I've learned a lot from my teacher. The first night with her, she recommended I change everything about how I mixed colors and buy different paints.  I was really upset and didn't like hearing it.  She also thought I should spend more time drawing my pictures before I started painting.  I hated that too.  Over time, though, as I saw how much better my work got with these suggestions, I really have been won over.  I have only done four paintings, and the first one was mostly done before I started working with her.  The difference from the first painting to the second is striking to me, and the third and fourth paintings were so good that I have had them both framed and am giving them out as Christmas gifts.  (I didn't think to take pictures of them before sending them to the framer, so they are not here). I will always be grateful to her for everything she has taught me and I am hoping we can stay in touch.