Thank you so very much for all of the comments, emails, and phone calls. Your support and understanding means more than you will ever know...
I'm slowly returning to my routine, although I feel quite numb while doing it. Everywhere I look, there is a reminder of Montgomery. Just this morning I walked past my black sweat pants lying crumpled on the bed and for the briefest of moments, I believed it to be my beloved baby boy. Too soon the reality swept back in.
We never would have guessed that last Friday night would be the last we would spend with Montgomery. But for some reason, Steve and I took 79 pictures with him that night. 79. This is one of them. Just look at that precious face. I cherish those photos now more than life itself.
My business week last week was a busy one, and for that, I am thankful. Freeing my mind from my grief, if only for a few seconds at a time, helped me get through each day.
Monday was the jurying for "Red!" and I discovered that both of my pieces were accepted. (You might remember "The Dance" from this post.) I feel really excited about this because they flew in the juror, Kristin Hoerth from Southwest Art magazine, from Colorado. There were over 250 entries and only some 60 pieces were accepted!
Tuesday I participated in a luncheon boutique for The Circle of Care Foundation. Here's a shot of my table...
The guests at the luncheon really connected with my work and my sales exceeded my expectations tenfold. Moreover, we vendors were included in the lunch and sat right alongside all of the other guests. The food was delicious and the program was touching and informative. I felt so cared for and embraced that day. I really needed that.
Wednesday I received a check from my gallery in Arizona, Wilde Meyer, and the news that they had sold FOUR of my paintings.
Thursday I received an email from someone interested in purchasing another original painting she had seen on my website.
Saturday was the reception for the "Dia de los Muertos" show in Long Beach. We met my friend Karen and her husband Dave for a really nice dinner before heading over to the show. As always, the gallery was bustling with people, music, and excitement. 2nd City Council truly has the best energy of any show I've been to. Then it came time for the awards... Can you believe my piece won the "Eye Opener Award"?!?! Ellen, the presenter, said they liked the fact that although my painting was extremely personal, it simultaneously spoke to a much wider audience and allowed us to view the subject matter in a different and unique way. I am honored and humbled.
Here I am accepting the award...
You can see my painting on the wall to the right. What you can't see in this photo is the red dot next to it. On top of everything else, IT SOLD! One of the organizers told me people had been asking about it all night, offering to buy it if it weren't truly sold. Wow.
What a week... on so many levels. When I reflect back on all that transpired, I can't help but believe that Montgomery had a HUGE paw in orchestrating everything that unfolded for me business-wise. There is no doubt in my mind. He helped The Universe do whatever they could to make me feel supported. Validated. Loved. I thank them both with my whole heart.
WOW!!!! What an awesome, amazing wonderful week... business side! I am soooo happy for you sweets! All that good news goes a long way to validating you as a wonderful artist and helping you to deal from the loss of Gum.
May you have another fabulous week!!
Hugs!
Posted by: Debbie L | November 09, 2009 at 09:14 AM
Still thinking of you....
I'm so happy that you had such an amazing week with ART. Huge huge congrats for all of the wonderful things-getting into the show, winning a prize and more...
Here's to many many more fabulous weeks in hopes that art and life get better....Take the time to heal. It will take time...
xo
Posted by: kelly | November 09, 2009 at 10:46 AM