First – a gentle reminder:
If you’re in the Chicago area…I’d love to see you at Harper College, courtesy of The Cultural Arts Committee, when I read from “Surviving Sue” this coming Thursday, November 6 from 11am – 12:15 pm.
Second – a gratitude story:
I’m ever grateful to my blogging friends for their camaraderie. Last week the talented Beth Kennedy offered a compelling observation about artistry and artists, writing a thoughtful piece – Palette. In our exchange of comments, Beth (a deep reader of “Surviving Sue”) offered a humdinger of insight. Here’s the convo:
Me – Commenting about Beth’s post:
I discovered some of Sue’s unfinished canvases over the weekend. I don’t think I’ll be the painter to finish them, but you never know!
Beth – In reply:
Oh, Vicki. This could be such an interesting project. the unfinished paintings and you help to complete your mom’s work, or show them left as undone, as we are all works in progress. they would be a great example of that, but also, I think you were always trying to help your mom to be a complete person in some ways.
My reply to Beth:
I LOVE all of this, Beth! You’re giving me ideas…and your insight about trying to help Sue…even when it was difficult. Yes, yes! Love you. I’ll need to pull one canvas in particular…maybe blog worthy. Sending big hugs.
I had a particular canvas in mind when I replied to Beth, thinking about Sue’s unfinished projects. (My mom was an adept artist, and I wrote about her painting a thank you gift for me once upon a time. Take a peek. I’ll wait for you here.)
I hadn’t spelunked in Sue’s artwork – finished or otherwise – for years, but the day before Beth posted “Palette“, I stumbled over some of Sue’s canvases. Intending to paint pets – neighborhood pups and cats – Sue became frustrated, exclaiming, “They’re terrible posers!” I never asked how she attempted to wrangle pets into submission, but my mind wandered. I hoped she hadn’t abducted them. Unsurprisingly, she never finished this painting:
If you look closely, you can see the bones of the painting. Outlines where Sue intended to add critters left and right – flanking the threesome in the center.
Our sweet daughter, Delaney, has some of Sue’s artistic skills, so she might be game to finish this piece and I love the idea. I also adore Beth for her observation.
Sue continues to be present in our lives in many ways, thanks to the lovely response to my book and it makes sense to pick up a palette to see her artwork to completion. A full-circle moment, and one I’ll be grateful to receive. Just like the opportunity to read from “Surviving Sue” at Harper College this week. A gratitude two-fer, for sure!
Vicki š
Hi ā Iām Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and Iām a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.
Check out this link to learn more about my book āSurviving Sueā.
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Victoria Ponders 
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