Thursday, February 25, 2010

sweet & melancholy

After a record amount of snow yesterday, I was able to sleep in a bit this morning, having the day off.  Got into the studio even before I had breakfast, painted for at least 20 minutes, then went to find something to eat.  And then went right back to the studio.
What helps keep me glued to the seat is having something good to listen to, and this morning it was an audio book of "Animal Farm."  After having read some of the "Freddy the Pig" series by Walter R. Brooks, I was intrigued to find that Orwell wrote his book in 1945, well after the Freddy series began (in 1927.)  I hadn't read "Animal Farm" since the '90's, so it was high time, and there it was waiting for me at the library.  Obviously Animal Farm is an excellent--though depressing--allegory, but it's amusing to note the many similarities it has to the very amusing & well written Freddy series.
And needless to say, it's an odd mix to have a cheery painting going on the easel while an allegory of the Soviet Union is playing in the background.

Took a break mid-day to attend the funeral of Rita Roy, mother of my own mother's best friend Therese.  Barely made it there in time, but was so glad I went.  Therese & her husband are both wonderful musicians and each contributed to a part of the ceremony.  James played oboe during one part,  later Therese with her violin while he accompanied on the piano.  Watching & listening to them play, especially in such a setting, I don't know if I could convey how sweetly it came across.
After the funeral, there was an honest-to-goodness church-lady meal (oh marshmallowy-green-fruit-stuff,  so tasty) and for a brief time, we were able to visit with Therese, her sisters, and Mom's friend Annie.

The day wrapped up a bit with a massage, which I have almost ruined the effect of by coming home to paint more at my desk, and oh yes, to type on the computer.
Now the winds are picking up outside, I think another branch just fell off of the pine outside my window, and it's time to go to bed.  Actually, I should have been in bed an hour ago.
Hopefully I'll be posting an image or two tomorrow of what I worked on this morning.

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