She Walked Away: March 2013

Binge-watching: Season One of American Horror Story. It really doesn't scare me, but it's worthwhile viewing. Jessica Lange is outstanding. OUTSTANDING.

I've tackled some household chores that have been neglected, and while there is much, much more to be done, I realize the instant gratification that even the simplest tasks can provide. Note to self: Make a list and accomplish at least two tasks daily.

Stepping back, I recently visited the vacation property of a friend with her brother and a representative of her mother's estate. Unfortunately, this friend of mine is not in good health - physical or mental - and we went there in an attempt to help. It was eye-opening in more ways than one.

I was happy to see it standing. I don't think anyone has been there for years. Despite my best intentions and my repeated attempts to talk to this friend, the property is being emptied and sold and its contents will be auctioned. It is a sad conclusion for a place that was fun and exciting to visit with a friend who used to be fun and exciting to visit there.

A few weeks ago, I received some work from textile artist Maria Wulf. Maria and I had arranged a swap of my painting of her dog Red. I painted him back in July as part of my 30 Pets project. I would have been happy to give the little painting to her and her husband, author Jon Katz, but I was so happy to come to an agreement to swap the painting for three of Maria's original pot holders.

You can read about Maria's work on her website, but I really love that she uses recycled clothes to create her unique pieces. After she posted some similar potholders near Valentine's Day in the shapes of hearts, I asked if she would consider circles for mine. I didn't want to direct her, it was just that circles have greater symbolic meaning to me. The result is beautiful and I am so pleased with the exchange.

I am also VERY pleased that Red now resides where he belongs. If a picture paints a thousand words, than the more than thousand words written by Jon (and by Maria on her blog), certainly helped paint this picture.

As the sun started to drop in the sky today, I took the opportunity to capture the alter ego of my dear friend, the artist Robin Long-Jordan. The Robin Doll came home with me right around Thanksgiving and I admit to not taking her out much. Sorry Robin, but my life can be pretty boring sometimes. Today, I thought you might enjoy climbing the crabapple tree in my back yard.

Then I thought, "A picture with the dogs would be appropriate." The picture with Wilson was fine, but my attempt to photograph Parker with The Robin Doll quickly went awry when Parker tried to swallow her.