Sunday, December 23, 2007

Mulled Wine & Mince Pies



Bid for this painting!

A funny thing about living in a country I didn't grow up in, is the unexpected onset of nostalgia. I've never been patriotic, or even that enthusiastic about Britain, especially Wales - but now I'm away... wow there's so many silly little things I miss, and I find myself increasingly drawn to seek out all things British. I listen to BBC Radio over the internet all day while I'm painting, and recently heard a live session with a very talented young singer called Duffy. I was even more drawn in when she said she was from Nefyn, quite near where I come from, and her lilting Welsh accent just hypnotised me. I watched the video to her new song on Youtube, my new favourite place to watch British TV shows, and it just captures so well the Wales I remember:



Dark, and kind of depressing really - but very beautiful in its way too. There's something very earthy and authentic about Wales, and it's just steeped in ancient history the way America isn't.

Anyway, Mulled wine & mince pies remind me of Christmas in Wales. Forgetting the fact that I usually eat so many of these that I'm sick of them by December 25th, I do love them. I made my own this year for the first time, and I'm surprised to report that they came out completely edible and really quite nice.