My main intention when I added this “Musings” page was to have a place to share some of the stories I brought back from Japan. It was so incredible that I wanted to share some of the experiences. I am in the process of adding a few paintings I did for my last show there in 2005.
But today is different and I want to add a story that is more about being an artist. Not so much as someone who produces paintings, but as a person. Too serious? Maybe a bit.
Today is my 10th wedding anniversary. So that is my reason for writing this. To say thank you to the man who had supported my efforts to be an artist for as long as I have known him. Who went with me in 2003, 2004 and 2005, to Japan and was unwavering in his enthusiasm for the trips and the experience and my work. Because there were times when I just wanted to quit. And because of his support, I kept on going.
On our final trip in 2005, my first show was in the south, at Takamatsu. It was lovely there and we stayed at a beautiful and elegant Clement hotel. It was across the street from the little train station next to Takamatsu Castle. That is where I left and returned to, from my show at the Tenmaya department store.
The economy was starting to slack off in Japan and the show got off to a very slow start. I was beyond discouraged. I came back to the hotel from the first two days of the show feeling very low. I got off the train on the second day and I looked up to the 16th floor to see Rick, waving wildly at me. When I got to the room he asked if I could see his note. I could see that someone was waving madly for that room but that was pretty much it, I told him.
The next day I came back to the hotel and got off the train. I got to the street and looked up. And this is what I saw.
I started laughing and got some very odd looks. But it turned out, the woman standing next to me had lived in Santa Barbara, she told me, and knew exactly what it meant. The others gave me wide berth.
So this is my Happy Anniversary card to my husband, for the years of love and support and encouragement.Thank you. ILY!
