Untitled (Work in Progress)
Acrylic on canvas
12 x 12 inches
Barbara Muir © 2012
Yesterday was my anniversary. Did the universe conspire
to grace us with a perfect day? I think so. It probably
started two days ago when our flower store gave us
a bunch of peonies for our anniversary. Amazing. But I
woke up to my usual Sunday treat coffee in bed. Read my book.
Talked to my Mom, thanked my sister for becoming
a therapist and helping me learn the value of sanity in
relationships -- which lead to this happy day, this happy
marriage and even my work painting and teaching.
Then told Steven I had to head out for a minute.
I was drawn like a magnet to Type books in the village
(Forest Hill Village) and a wonderful woman there sold
me two great books on Italy, with pictures of Florence,
and recipes from Tuscany. Delicious and perfect books.
We talked about living in Italy (my dream) and she had
lived in Florence for two years.
Back home I called Steven who was somewhere
mysterious, and noisy. When my husband of lo these
many years came home -- presents. Our ritual? Close your
eyes and open your hands and you'll receive a big surprise.
His present from me -- two books on Italy-- pleased him no end,
and mine from Steven was a lovely, huge book on Lucian Freud
that he bought at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Plus a small
bottle of Veuve Cliquot. There you have it -- perfection.
We sat in the kitchen reading our books, and dreaming of
living in Italy. I envisioned painting after painting, he
read descriptions of places we've visited in Florence
and Siena.
Add a scrumptious dinner at our favorite restaurant,
a walk with the dog, lots of romantic reminiscing and you've
got another sweet anniversary. Thank you to everyone who
has taught me and encouraged me to be loving and happy.
It's a good gig. I want to continue.
Have a celebrating-the-love-in-your-life day.
