Oh my I have missed writing for you, missed imagining that you are reading my words and resonating – like harp strings across this globe.

I have been deflected. I guess that’s obvious.

And I’m thrilled by the reason I’ve lost my writing ways.

I heard back from an art gallery that I had applied to in March…I’d forgotten all about it since I had not heard back from them. Out of the blue ( where did that expression come from? ), the chair of the membership committee contacted me in October to tell me they’d found my application and were interested in me and my work. But again there was a long wait for an interview to be set up. Finally, that appointment was made, the day and time arrived and I showed them samples of my art. That was nine days ago.

The chair told me she’d call that same evening. She didn’t. But along about 10 pm I checked my email one more time. I was accepted.

I danced around grinning and shouting with glee to the consternation of my two dogs who’d been peacefully sleeping. It’s been years since I’ve been a member of an art gallery, I’ve hardly painted since I moved in September 2009, and I was nearly overcome with delirious, delicious joy. A reason to paint, a reason to paint…

HOWEVER, the next morning, I was shocked to learn that they expected me to hang my first exhibit yesterday. Glory be! I never dreamt my participation would be immediate.

I didn’t even know what images I still had since they’d been packed away and stuck in random spots, many of them wrapped in shrink wrap, sheets or pillow cases for protection. I hadn’t thought to keep a written inventory. So I had to dismantle closets and the filing slots under my two art tables, turning my bedroom into a maelstrom of bits and pieces, dust and clutter.

Made the dogs nervous. They probably thought we were moving again.

I spent much of this last week in two pursuits – rounding up my old work, cleaning glass, refurbishing frames, making new business cards, printing note cards, “rebagging” and repricing my prints, redoing the accompanying text, collaging my art work onto handcrafted journals from my favorite supplier, pricing treasure boxes made from my imagery, the list goes on.

That’s one pursuit!

The other was actually painting. I only had one new image so I had to get to work. Such a joy to be back at the table. I began two new images. The one I finished now hangs on the featured artists’ wall at the gallery. Experimental mixed media, I painted watercolor first and then collaged bits and pieces of Japanese origami paper, adding a tiny bit of oil pastel for highlights on the raven. All of that is applied to a board painted with bright white, slick clay surface. First time, I’ve tried this product and I like it. The pigment slithers and slides and lifts so I can play in ways impossible on paper. Check out the company called Ampersand and their clay board.

Here’s the image, titled “Waiting for the Future.” The whole family of Corvids entrance me. They’re ubiquitous, urban survivors and happily populate the skies of our minds.

You can get a feel for the gallery by visiting them on the web. I look forward to seeing my face there!

I want you to know that writing this blog has become a meaningful part of my life.  This simple act of stringing words together on a screen seems significant in ways beyond measuring, so I don’t intend to let it go just because I’m painting again. I may be a bit more sporadic, but this new art affiliation may lead us in even more abundantly creative directions.

Here’s to possibilities.