After sadness, Sassy Sue’s painting classes bring joy
By LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent
On Feb. 8th, 2025, my 94-year-old father, Joseph Ivan Marti, passed away in the home I grew up in, in Kissimmee.
My best friend, Pamela Kay Sapp, who is a home health nurse, always faithfully answered my phone calls with hospice related questions and concerns while walking me through the end-of-life stages with Dad.
Also, while I was in Kissimmee taking care of my father right before his death, the weather in Wakulla dropped to freezing temperatures and I was unable to travel to turn the heat on at the house for my cat, The Kitty Meow Meow. Like a best friend does, Jessica Haubrick went to the house and ensured warmth by heater for my menace cat I love dearly.
I read on Facebook that on March 14th, “Sassy” Sue Scott was offering a Western Tipsy with a touch of Irish event at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs. I attended the Tipsy Witches event held at the Lodge this past Halloween. From experience, I knew Sue’s events are always fun and I thought, “What a great time to get together with my friends who will be a sight for sore eyes, and I can try to laugh and smile again.”
For those who don’t know, a “tipsy” event is a “no judgement zone” themed painting party for beginners and up. There is trivia to play, door prizes, music to listen and sing to as you paint, while Sassy Sue shares instructions on painting. Although alcohol is available, many visitors to the event take advantage of the unlimited tea and water.
A western themed outlined cow skull with horns on canvas while accommodated by appetizers and drinks provided by the Springs (my happy place), is what this tipsy event revolved around.
For a girl who can’t draw a circle or a stick figure and has artistic talent comparable to a 4-year-old, I somehow walk away with a finished painting I am proud of, thanks to Sue’s patience.
What will make the night even more spectacular is a Lunar Eclipse the same night at the Western Tipsy! And I get to see the moon at the Wakulla Springs; I couldn’t wait to invite my friends.
In effort to win the prize for best costume, I crafted an ensemble which included my Justin boots, blue jeans, a cinch belt, country flowered blouse and turquoise jewelry I received as a gift from a true Kissimmee cowboy a while back; hoping my combination will bring home the W. The prize went to a man named Dallas who wore a black cowboy hat. For him, it was destiny, I thought.
As the night progressed, the paint brushes were swaying to the 90’s country favorites and I was glad to be with my friends in my happy place having fun on a full moon, finally laughing and smiling like myself again. The Lodge is like a cure-all remedy for me.
Upon admiring my finished product, I looked around the room and everyone else was sharing their approval of their finished art piece as I was.
There is something magical about good friends, good fun and a full moon at Wakulla Springs Lodge. These painting events are perfect for “date night” for established couples and first dates or girls’ night out and mother-daughter time.
The next tipsy event will be chicken themed and will be held on May 30. The event is yet to be named, although name suggestions included “Tipsy Cluckers” and “Totally Basted.”
For more information, you can call or text (850) 688-3727. Sue Scott is a certified Bob Ross Instructor, and she regularly conducts classes at the Lodge where she uses her approachable teaching style to make art accessible to everyone. You can view the Lodge’s website for further information.
March 22, 2025, Wakulla Springs Art Saturday Spring Craft Show will be at the Lodge. The free event with park entry is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sue will have her art for sale for $25. You can contact thelodgeatwakullasprings.com or call (850) 421-2000.
Linda Ann McDonald is a correspondent for The Wakulla Sun.
