That's Life...

Here's a simple sketch for a new triptych I've started.  So far I just have a few layers of the base coat down, so there isn't much to show you except a lot of beige.  It feels good to have a bit of time to actually paint.  That time seems to have been eluding me lately.

Despite my best intentions, Fountain Hills turned out to be a stressful fair.  The 7-hour drive and set-up went smoothly enough.  I didn't even forget anything.  The first day was actually quite nice, too.  Then came the phone call from our dear friends at 4:30 in the morning on Saturday.  They were at our house evacuating the cats because of the threatening Sayre Fire.

To make a LONG story short, Steve got in the car and raced back home.  That meant I was alone at the fair feeling quite helpless, scared and stressed - trying not to let any of that show.  I didn't know if he'd be able to get back in time to help me tear down the tent.  I knew I could probably do it myself, but I was worried about the length of time it would take and being alone in the pitch black.  Then what to do once it was packed up?  Without a car I would need to lug tent, art and a million other things back to the hotel.  Even as I made the multiple trips, who would watch the stuff left on the side of the road?  And oh yeah, was my house burning down?!?!?

Thank goodness Steve made it back just as the fair was closing.  We packed everything up and then drove straight home that night.  I think we finally rolled into our driveway around 2:30 AZ time.  The flames were still visible from our house - on the hill which flanks our neighborhood.  Ugh.  I just can't describe that feeling...

Last night the fire was 85% contained and I can't see any more active flames from here.  I thank the firefighters, as I always do, and send many blessings out to them.  As I allow myself a bit of down time and some room to paint, I am reminded how very healing the act of creation can be.  Where there was nothing comes something new and wonderful.  What a perfect antidote for destruction, don't you think?

Comments

[Jan]

Shari, I share your thinking about art in time of stress! I too escaped into art over the weekend even though my area was not in danger. Glad to hear your home survived!

[kelly snelling]

i am so glad that you all are safe. i hope you are able to rest easier. that sounds like a very anxious time to have had to go through.

[Suzanne]

OMG! I had wondered if you guys were affected by the fires down there. So relieved to hear you and your house are okay. It must have been harrowing at the show. Yes, the creative process is healing. Sending you happy thoughts, and a hug!

[Lisa]

Sounds quite stressful. Glad to hear the fire is contained and that you and family are safe. Hugs sweet friend!

[deb]

How very frightening. I had no idea the fires were so close to you. When I was a little girl, I watched our neighbour's and close family friend's house burn down a few days before Christmas. There it sat in the middle of the their field (we were in a rural area with farms). It was one of the most frightening things I ever witnessed. I can only imagine how you were feeling as you drove up to your house in the glow of a wall of fire.

Glad you are safe and I hope that the fires are even closer to being put out.

Do take care, dear friend.

Hugs,
Deb