Good morning!
How are you? Are you feeling the 2020 Effect? The one that makes you feel like everything is a little off kilter? The one that leads you to hold every plan loosely? The one that makes normal, everyday, common annoyances seem bigger than they are?
I hope you're enjoying a gorgeous Autumn. After an unexpected, early snow (with very cold temps for three days) on the tail end of Labor Day weekend, we've settled into some glorious days, for which I'm very thankful.
I wish we could sit down and have a proper visit. I have a million thoughts chasing each other around in my head. I keep trying to catch one and write to you about it, but I can't seem to get any of them to hold still, let alone line up nicely.
I feel about as scattered as the dry leaves blowing around in the yard. Skittish and fluttery. Not a stable thought to be found. Lists and more lists to no avail, because I keep misplacing them.
Or the plans on the lists get changed at the last minute because of all sorts of unexpected happenings. It's ok, but I've begun to call it the 2020 Effect. You know, where you say "Of course! It's 2020!"
Every day seems like I'm going at near break-neck speed, barely getting the things done that I need to. I can't tell if I'm actually doing more, or if it just feels like it. Know what I mean?
I know I painted a Quick Draw at a local fundraiser. It was supposed to be online but got changed at the last minute, to an in person event with very limited guests. Not what I had anticipated, but fun.
I did get another commission painted, framed and delivered. That was according to plan.
I've entertained guests from downstairs at least once a week. Somewhat planned and executed.
We've had kids and grandkids come visit on two separate weekends (both unexpected, but fun).
I attended a three day painting workshop in Cody (sandwiched between the visits from kids) where the smoke from fires was so thick you could stare at the sun without harm. The workshop was great, but not what I had expected. Hmmm....
And I sent Duane packing. For an elk hunting trip that is. Which turned out to be not a bit like either of us expected. It was an adventure, but not what we thought it would be. The 2020 Effect strikes again.
I'm happy to say one of my paintings I submitted to the Mountain Oyster Club Show was accepted. But not the one I thought was a sure thing. Not complaining, just saying ....
So, all that to say I don't have a solid thing to tell you about or a new painting to show you. I'm chalking it up to it being 2020.
Maybe you're feeling your own version of the 2020 Effect too. I couldn't stand to send you a letter without some sort of visual joy and reminder of the beauty we're surrounded by.
I found myself smiling and relaxing as I chose these favorites to share with you. They're a few of my favorite paintings, all of which are available.
