Inspiration for a new income. Mike was frustrated with his dissertation so he and I went for a walk and sat outside the pub by The Castle. I took out my sketch book and watercolour stuff and did a doodle of the old gate. The waitress came over and asked if I would sell it to her. After considering a token price (the cost of our drinks seemed fair) I agreed and was suddenly swept along by enthusiasm for the life of an errant painter, living hand to mouth on smoky paintings of the city's corners and characters. Unfortunately the romance of the whole idea faded when her enthusiasm seemed to wane-announcing she would 'think about it'. She suggested I pop back on Thursday when she has the cash. I don't think I can face the embarrassment if she has changed her mind. 'Hi, I've come to sell this painting' (take out lousy sketch). Likely she just found the idea of buying a customer sketch appealing and then realised £6 for a torn out page of my book wasn't so hot after all. Did I ruin the moment by actually considering a price? Should I have confidently asserted I sell all my work at £10 a canvas-I don't use canvas. I didn't really want to make money off it, a token sale would have been a massive watershed.