Phantom Whispers:

It’s been longer than I had hoped before getting back here, so I’d better just get to it. Life has been rolling along. The Mailman and I just got back from a trip to Arizona. While there we visited with my father-in-law, Leo, and his significant other, Pat. It was a short but very nice visit with a little time to play dominoes with them and to admire the organization of Leo’s workshop. I don’t seem to have the hang of compartmentalizing things as well as he does. I am envious.

But the real reason for going to Arizona was for Art Unraveled in Phoenix. Once again it was lovely even though it was hotter than all get out. Thank goodness almost everything is air conditioned. Art Unraveled is one of the events I do each year full of workshops from some of the most amazing instructors and attended by talented students. I am always honored and humbled by the work that is created in workshops and this event is no different. I love my students at Art Unraveled. Some I have know for years from this and other events. The Mailman and I celebrated our 32nd anniversary while at Art Unraveled. He got tired of me leaving him at home and so joined the fun.

And of course, I love getting together with other instructors and attendees. I have to say getting to hang out with all these very fascinating people is just the best. The conversations and ideas that flow is awesome and I have to keep teaching just so I can hang with these folk that speak the same language that I do and get the joy of rusty things and the appeal of a good junk shop or book store. And it is amusing to know the effect these folks have on me. Every show Susan Lenart Kasmir is always asking me where is my lipstick? Thanks to Susan , I am now sporting some deeper colors of lipstick (in the long lasting variety). Jane Salley has me admiring her great legs and fabulous shoes, shown here. Sad to say heels will never look as good on me :-)

But other things have happened on the home front as well, good and bad and just plain changes to adjust to. Raphael, both a boon and bane to my existence, a parakeet of undetermined years, passed away suddenly before we left for Arizona. I was glad that it happened while I was there so that the boys wouldn’t suffer any guilt. Raphael often would swear at me in the mornings for not uncovering him quickly enough. And each night he would flutter his wings as he settled down for sleep. And If I’d forget to cover him and turn out the light, I’d hear this soft chirping, to remind me. He’s gone now and I miss him.

Both of my sons, who are well of an age to do this, moved out together, leaving me to suddenly face an empty nest as I prepared for the show. This move is a very good thing but it has been a major adjustment for me that I am still coming to terms with. Fortunately for me, the boys haven’t moved far away and they visit often. They were in charge of the house and the pets while the Mailman and I were in Arizona. They did a very good job but they had to take care of one very hard task.

Bianca, our dear 16 year old cocker spaniel, deaf and almost blind, Miss Sunny Personality, had reached the end of her endurance while we were. We knew that her time was close but had hoped that she would bounce back like she had always done before. But the poor dear had no bounce left and the boys, Isaiah, especially (she started as his dog before being taken over by all of us) had the heart wrenching task of taking care of her in her last days and making sure that she didn’t suffer anymore.

So, things are a little unsettled here right now. It’s just all part of the ebb and flow of life.

Next time I'll post some more pictures from Art UnRaveled as well as some samples from some pens I've tried out.

You all take care now.