I. There’s a lot I want to say about Anthony Bourdain but I’m not ready so I’m just putting this in here as a placeholder and a reminder to self. Write it out, bebe. When you’re ready.
II. This giveaway will close on Sunday. Get your name in.
III. 
I painted this ahead of Full Moon in Aquarius. She is layered with things I am releasing and a willingness to listen for that still, small voice that will answer this question.
I’ve decided that this will be my next tattoo. Just the question “What’s next?”
Feels like an anchor.
IV. I’ve been struggling with my base line. I want it to be higher than “not holding my guts in today”. I want it to be somewhere approaching “content”. I’ll even settle for “not too shabby”.
I’m working on it.
V. Therapy rode me hard and put me up wet yesterday but I discovered that if I use these Burt’s Bees facial wipes to wipe and cool my face while I’m crying. I do not end up with the usual truck smashed my face in look that I usually get after crying. They’re cucumber scented and they really help.
You’re welcome.
VI. Kimi and I were talking this morning about the fact that it is almost August already and we haven’t had ANY FUCKING FUN.
Must fix that. I need a beach day or something. For now, though, we’re going to sit on the lawn and swill rose.
VII. This got painted yesterday because it was The Magdalene’s feast day. “Oh lamp of the world, oh gleaming pearl. Pray for us.”
VIII. Anthony, and my delayed response to his passing. It’s been three years and I’m just now starting to feel it which says something about how trauma impacts my ability to move through grief. He is not the kind of mirror I would wish to gaze into but there he is with his gaping void on full display in twelve seasons of Parts Unknown. The constant seeking. The grappling.
I get him. He would have gotten me.
I will make it, though.
IX. These words came out of my mouth yesterday and they made me furious. “I swear to god the only reason I am still alive is to spite my mother, who used to tell me I’d be dead by the time I was 21.”
X. I am, as ever, alive in hope.
Ken told me he wanted to marry me because he never wanted to know what was next!! We had 44 wonderful years and I hope I fulfilled his wish!
You’re Magdalene is GORGEOUS!!!
I have yet to watch “Parts Unknown”, I want to though.
((HUGS))
These paintings are stunning. So are you. <3
There is something about Mary.
I’d frame her and put her where I could see her always.
So many feelings about what your mom said… I can’t say them but I sure the fuck can feel them : punch, Side kick, Karate chop.
<3
As for your mom’s comment…you are in good company. Mine is 90 years old and she “worries about who is going to take care of her when I die.” I kid you not!
I have learned — and lo, it was a long and winding journey — that there are some places that I cannot go and some stories I cannot witness. Mr. Bourdain is one of them. My distress tolerance is incredibly high and I’m also undone over the tiniest thing <– living the dialectic, dahlink!
It's a delicate balance and the pendulum swings wildly.
Mary, though. Star of the sea….
And your mother. I don't think there are sufficient words. I'm so very glad you're in my world. xo