So, here it is, the height of holiday madness again. With Thanksgiving under the belt, so to speak, and Christmas looming ever so near, I find myself reeling and spinning, dare I say it, out of control? We once again enjoyed fish tacos and tequila in Cabo as our tradition, but this year the energies were more deleterious than re-energizing. Got home only to learn that my BFF from Asheville had suffered a traumatic hiking accident and had just been released from the hospital. Next stop, Sky Harbor Airport.
I am grateful for sooooo many things this year, not the least of which is H’s and my good health!! I can count a whole year between me and chemo now.
I have been working so hard to eat nutritiously, exercise (and I mean sweat!) daily, meditate morning and night, deciminate love and gratitude consciously and often, especially when challenged with surrounding negativity…so what is the problem?! The problem is that I feel emotionally and spiritually drained. I burned my first novel a year ago, and have not been able to find any words to begin again. Writing is my passion, my means of expression, my shrink and confessor. In desperation, I turned to painting (really?!), even tho I have never painted anything in my life ever since the first grade. My sweet and lovely teacher (thank you Suzie!) inspired me to take a stab at emulating Vincent, one of my absolute favorite artists. I was more amazed than anyone when my first attempt to put paint to canvas produced this interesting rendition of one of his “Iris” paintings.
Because he loves me so dearly, H suggested that I make Asheville my first stop on a trip to recharge and rejuvenate. With a tad of guilt and a wee bit of trepidation, I am heading to the south of France and the Mediterranean coast on Thursday. Anne gets her staples out on Wednesday, so off I go on a lovely, soul-enriching adventure on Thursday. I intend to commune with Vincent, Matisse, Chagall, Monet and who knows who else, and frolic in the fields they painted and eat the food and drink the wine and celebrate life! I feel inspired already. Perhaps more from France? Love, light and joy to all…
Dec. 7, 2014
Judy Richter 