January roses
coloured pencil on bond
6 x 9 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010
(Steven buys me roses almost
every weekend -- my ongoing
Valentine's Day gift for nearly
two years now. In these
cold temperatures just getting them
home safely is an issue. Keeping them
happy with the furnace heat and
chilly drafts is also a challenge.
This is a quick sketch of some of
the current beauties.)
It's far from true today. The grim cold we caught
in Florence resurfaced last weekend and mowed
us down physically, if not psychologically. But
standing in front of a new class I feel ridiculously
happy and strong. Soon the feeling will pass. Each
class will become a group, and I will take a back
seat to their stories -- but at first it is all me -- all
that talk, all those ideas, and all that advice.
Then when I get home -- serious exhaustion. My
classes today were delightful. Now it's time to
prepare for tomorrow -- one of my two morning
classes and shut down for the night.
I'll continue my list of influences on my art
in the past year tomorrow. Tonight I do not have
time. Have patience. I know you're out there,
you know I care.
Have a staying-happy-and-strong day.
