I feel like a Mistress

Helen Tilston painting en plein air

He wants me to paint the view from their home.  It cannot be painted en plein aire for a very good reason.  The painting is a surprise present for his wife.  The home is beautiful.  His wife spends most days working in the home.
However, when she leaves for a given number of hours, he calls me.  I then go to the home and paint. Orders are that the neighbours must not see me, as they may "spill the beans" to his wife.
I would make a lousy mistress.  The secrecy of the whole affair is causing me undue stress.

My living room in shadow

I need to return to the home and I hope "she" has a long appointment this week.  I am missing information, such as the light in the shadows.  Photos do not tell the whole story and my sketch does not have all the information. 

When I begin to feel a little self pity, I think of Monet and Sorolla who endured humiliation and rejection and who had hungry families to feed.   I am grateful for all commissions and supporters of my art.

Have you ever had to sneak around?

Moroccan Dinner for Friends

Moroccan - Food Lover's Collection

She is a Journalist with a curious and enquiring mind. She accompanied her husband on a  a recent medical conference to Morocco where her husband was a speaker.  Against the advice of the  Concierge, she took a taxi to the spice market in Casablanca and purchased all types of exotic spices. She survived the market, however, the airline lost her luggage

She is a friend whose generosity knows no bonds. It was high time to invite them to dinner.

My tagine - a gift from my Moroccan friend

It was decided that a Tagine of lamb with apricots, prunes and honey would be the main course. I have a beautiful serving tagine which a Moroccan friend gifted me.

Tagine of Lamb  Serves 6

2 lb/1 kg shoulder of lamb trimmed and cubed
2-3 tblsp. olive or argan oil
1 oz/25g fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
large pinch of saffron threads
2 tsp round cinnamon
1 onion, finely choppede
2-3 garlic cloves chopped
1 cup plumped dried pitted prunes, soaked in lukewarm water for 1 hr
1 cup plumped dried apricots, soaked in lukewarm water for 1 hr.
2 large tbsp runny honey
sale and pepper


Put the lamp in a large tagine or heavy bottomed flameproof cassserole. A the oil ginger, saffron cinnamon, onion garlic and sale and pepper to taste. Pour in enough water to cover. Cover and simmer for 2 hrs topping off the water if necessary till meat is very tender.

Drain the prunes and apricots and add them to the tagine Stir in the honey, re-cover and simmer for an additional 30 mins or until the sauce has reduced. Serve hot with buttery couscous and a salad.
I have also made this dish with chicken and it is equally delicious.

We had drinks on the balcony and watched the sunset.  Dinner was delicious and we talked in and laughed till the early morning.

Do you enjoy Moroccan food?