If you like it, DO it!

I never thought I was any good at drawing (Still not convinced...)

When I was in the third year at 'big school' - secondary school, the place where all my motivation and any confidence I did have was eroded and squashed - I was told, 'Michelle, you can't...' so many times that I actually began to believe it and once that process has started, you can kiss your hopes and dreams goodbye for a while at least.

I was fortunate that I met Trev while I was at school and though it was a little too late to prevent all the damage to my fragile psyche, it proved to be not too late to undo at least some of that damage - although it has taken decades.

@opheliafu has helped a lot too - probably more than she realises.

When in the third year at school, we had to think about our 'Options' - what exams we were going to study for over the next two years for qualifications we'd need for careers and jobs and further education.

Just after I left school

Well that was all new to me. I had no idea what I wanted to do when I 'grew up' - there's still time to decide because I've still not 'grown up' and I have no intentions of doing so, so there!

I 'Opted' for:

English Literature, English Language, Maths, Physics, History, Geography - all at the higher level - 'O' Level exam and Cookery and Typing at the lower 'CSE' Exam level. The reason I opted for CSE in those two subjects was because it wasn't an option to do them at 'O' Level.

Prior to all that, our 3rd year exams went quite well... except Art.

I was not allowed to take English Lit or Lang or Maths at 'O'Level, even though they were (are) my best subjects.

"Michelle, you can't do that..."

I dropped EVERYTHING down to 'CSE' level and left school a couple of months early because I hated school. I hated being told, "Michelle, you can't..." because I know there's always a "Michelle, you can!"

On Sunday, in Evora, around 2 hours drive from Lisbon, I told Trev a story from those 3rd year days at school.

"I don't know why you think you can't draw," he said.

"Because I can't..."

"You can," he said. "I've seen your drawings."

"Trev," I said, in earnest. "I have it on good authority that I cannot actually draw. I came equal 35th in class. The Art teacher didn't even give me the benefit of any doubt and make it equal 34th. There were 35 in the class and I came equal last. Dead last. I got 5%. Five-per-cent. I think I got that because I spelled my name right and the other guy didn't show up."

Seriously. My Art teacher's advice was:

"Michelle, don't take Art."

My reply went along the lines of: "Don't worry... not gonna."

A little while later... 38 years since he gave me the benefit of that wisdom, I've decided to have another go.

And I make cards...

And boxes...

But the drawings I've done lately are the most fun I've had in a while.

@opheliafu started a Doodle challenge and I picked up my pens and threw my self-doubt to the winds and I had a go.

I didn't mind that my drawings are not as good as anyone else's. For the first time, my drawings didn't have to be perfect because they were FUN!

Cat, Balloon, Mouse

I drew this.

Fairy, Accident, Banana,

Owl, Moon, Flying

Pumpkin, Giant, Party

I still have to reveal my next drawing for the challenge, so it's something to look forward to.

On Sunday, while having a coffee in a little courtyard cafe, I took a couple of pictures and I did two drawings. They're not great and they're certainly not exact, but I like them.

I took a picture of this little guy and drew it this afternoon.

When someone says "No you can't..."

You have three words that can break that jinx.

Just Watch Me!