So I'll keep this short but but suffice it to say that the kind words, cards, hugs and thoughtful stuff from everyone helps as my sweet husband and I remember to live and love even as we greive and miss Joe. We're lucky to have painting (mine) and bowling (his) as habits and things we love. Right now he's at the alley (my husbands average is impressive ladies, sorry to brag :) and I'm going to hit send and go upstairs to my studio (where the average is not so high but there's always another chance to make the painting work).

Tomorrow will be calling hours, Saturday will be the memorial mass and since we know how loved, respected and be-friended he was, we are anticipating a large crowd of amazing people sharing their stories.

I hope the connecting, the kindness, the lesson of living to the fullest and not leaving with regrets will be themes tomorrow and everyday...

be good to the other kids,
Rachael

Death and Taxes, dammit.

One of my favorite people, my dear father in law, just passed away a few days ago after a battle with colon cancer. He was kind, funny, smart, honest, fair, true and good and so many many many people will miss him. He once told me that I was a great writer and so tonight I just wanted to put a couple of lines down in this soapbox before I crawl into bed with his amazing son, the love of my life. He's got so many of the good qualities his dad had, plus even more tossed in by his mom, seasoned with his sister and the experiences of his life. Meaning that I'm a lucky gal to be married to this fellow. I know this and I know a lot more today than I did a few days ago.

While struggling with this loss, we had to pay the stinkin' government some taxes even though their isn't universal health care, money enough for education and we are in a stupid senseless war.

Grump, sniff, and sigh. Life does go on and there is still joy in mudville. Amazing connections to wonderful people, poems by Barbara Crooker brought to my attention by one of the kindest women I've ever crossed paths with, and more reasons to listen, talk, share and enjoy every moment we can.

goodnight,
Rachael

Focus is a little tough lately. I'm wrapped up in responsibilities and trying to say goodbye to a dying loved one while supporting family in the process as well. I'm spending all my freetime trying to tread water and keep some prespective. Death is inevitable, growth is too.

I simply wanted to say something in this forum and maybe that something is best by showing some little things that help.

Watching Rauschenberg talk about erasing DeKooning

Looking at Hans Hoffman

I can't promise new content too often, but I'm not entirely swallowed by circumstances and hope you are not either...

Artist Richard Wicka in Buffalo has a long running project where people tell their short stories on video. My favorite is when Mari talks about her early endeavors as an avon saleslady.

Don't we all know what it is to lose the basket contest? May you continue to make the daisies, tho, they are certainly full of artistry...

that's all for now,
Rachael

John Baldessari. (American, born 1931). I Will Not Make Any More Boring Art. 1971. Lithograph, composition: 22 3/8 x 29 9/16" (56.8 x 75.1 cm); sheet: 22 7/16 x 30 1/16" (57 x 76.4 cm). Publisher: The Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax. Printer: Nova Scotia College of Art and Design Lithography Workshop, Halifax. Edition: 50. John B. Turner Fund. © 2007 John Baldessari

And I can't tell you how often I've told others and thought to myself that my sketchbook is a tool against boredom. If I am making lines and shapes on a piece of paper, I am not sitting in a lump doing nothing. Only the boring get bored.

Lately, though, as the busy has overwhelmed my day job, my free time, my spare moments and other moments and I've been pining for the big nothing. Time to simply be. Moments not promised to anyone else and the art that might be spurred from that time, place, lack of pressure.

Don't know what it would be but it would not be boring. Couple of days off this week won't hurt...

take care,
Rachael