I was thinking about what kinds of things you remember, when your memory isn't what it used to be! Like why we seem to remember things from our childhood, when we are many decades 'past' that point....

And when most of the time you don't remember why you walked into the next room....!

So I gave myself a little challenge - something to start the new decade with - now that I can do it with 2020 hindsight!!! Here are some 'first', or at least memorable moments I recall from earlier decades.

1. My first 'art' show was when I was 6 years old, my entry into the Calgary Stampede Kids Art Contest...a fuzzy rabbit drawn with stinky, waxy crayola crayons.
2. My first pet was a cat named Bobby - who somehow 'disappeared' from my life, after she climbed up inside the chimney and then jumped into the full bathtub where my Dad was bathing....I now have a wonderful hubby named Bobby - but he doesn't do such crazy things!
3. My first broken bone was age 8 - and I managed it twice ...same arm, same place, 6 weeks apart. Got the cast off, went rollerskating at a friends birthday party -snap, there it goes again!
4. My first boyfriend in Elementary School was Jeff - he was a twin, and his twin brother Jonathan was boyfriend to my best friend Jill.
5. My first real life job was cleaning out kennels at a veterinary office, and yes, where I obtained my first dog! I thought I wanted to become a vet for many years....
6. My first art related trauma was when my brand new set of pencil crayons got stolen on the first day of school. I continue to have art "experiences that don't go right" but I don't let it upset me as much!
7. My first trip on an airplane was on my own - at five years old... Calgary to Vancouver!
8. My first circus - I was totally wonder struck, and continue to be a major fan of Cirque du Soleil. The attached drawing is some of my earliest 'saved' artwork.
9. My first 'lost tooth' fell in the snow and I couldn't find it to leave under my pillow for the tooth fairy....She still left me 25 cents....
10. My most memorable gift from Santa Claus was a guitar...I awoke about 4 in the morning and played around with it for hours...I'm sure my parents appreciated my enthusiasm... OK, that wraps up some fun trips down memory lane - I hope it brings some nostalgia back for you!

We are just starting our 10th year as Red Art Gallery - and we have some fun events and great new art planned, once the kitchen renovation is complete. We hope to see you then, but you are always welcome to arrange a visit by email or phone call, any time.

Your support is much appreciated and we are so grateful for all the people we have met via the gallery!

Marion and Bobb

p.s. my nickname in Junior High was "red"