New Chapter

 

Canna Party
5" x 7" watercolor 
Arches 100% cotton cold press paper

It's been a year of big changes, so far, with the loss of my mother and a move from CA to IA, which means no more easy access to our CA VIPs--our sons, daughters-in-law, and grandsons. 

We always knew this day would come--that we'd retire back in IA, where we lived before our 6.5 years in CA. While the political landscape here seems precarious, there are still good reasons to be back for close friendships, our sibs, the lower cost of living, the saner pace. The prairie, for goodness sakes--it's gorgeous right now and it smells divine. 

And as a recent visit from two of our CA family members illustrates, we'll still find ways to see our VIPs, here or there or in between, or who knows where? 

During my mother's decline and little-care and our preparation for the move and our settling in, I lost touch with any semblance of a regular painting practice. Now I feel like I'm starting over. Which I guess only makes sense--it is a new chapter, after all. 

I did eke out this painting after our quick trip to Chicago, which included a side trip to the Morton Arboretum. That's where I saw these lovely cannas backed by the purple somethings. Wow, did I feel rusty, painting it. I know the final product has issues, but it is growing on me, and it's a symbol of my intent to begin a very regular painting/learning process.  

Change is stressful but can be good. Here's to our New Chapter back in Iowa.