Week 70

It was nice.

It was nice having our two surfaces side by side. No jumping canvas from the others’ vigorous brushstrokes. Less bumping into one another. And - we got so focused on our work and each other’s good company, we suddenly had to stop ourselves halfway to switch paintings so each would have both our touch.

It was nice, but only because I knew that next week we’d be back to clinking our brushes as we worked. Back to brushing the hair from our face and accidentally painting on the other. Back to the annoyances, stealing color, the bouncing lines and struggle that working and being together brings. But that’s just it. Those annoying moments of being thwarted, hindered or messed with mean there is someone next to you, walking with you. They are as passionate and involved as you are. And because of that, “life” gets everywhere.

In the wake of several friends losing spouses this year, I look at these moments and cherish every one of them. The dirty, the blissful, the annoyed, the elated. Today, I am grateful for all the most annoying things that would be the very things I’d miss should I not have him.

“Egrets”

12x24 | 12x24 | Oil on Hardwood Panel