2015

2014 was one of the worst years of my life... I experienced an asthma meltdown that hospitalized me for a week, a heart attack that hospitalized me for another week, and two serious falls... one of which gave me a minor concussion, the mother of all black eyes, and an enormous hematoma that still hasn't gone away completely; the other fall wrecked my right knee less than a week after I was told I needed a left knee replacement... that knee is now functioning only thanks to cortisone injections.

Most heartbreaking, we lost two of our beloved cats, Alessandro to congestive heart failure, and Cecilia to cancer. Both babies were sick for several months before they passed, and required extensive nursing care, which we happily gave them and were thankful for our past experiences that enabled us to make them comfortable in their last days.

Thankfully, the year wasn't all bad. We added a new cat, Janis, to our family, and she quickly became what I can only describe as a soulmate to me... we've bonded like I have with none other of the 50 cats who have shared my life, and it's a totally awesome and beautiful thing, which lightens and enlightens my days.

The town in which I live is experiencing a renaissance in the arts... artists are moving here by the dozens, seeking affordable housing and a lively and growing art community. A new art center and gallery opened this year and has become a booming center of artistic activity in the once moribund downtown area. Another gallery also opened this year and is presenting a fine array of both visual and performing artists. New shops, eateries, and a coffee house have recently opened, and the once crumbling hulk of the old Masonic Temple, has been transformed into studio apartments and lofts for artists, and features it's own gallery and studio work spaces for the residents.

In spite of my health issues, I've found myself swept up in the excitement of New-ness and Change, and have done some major work this year in between my down times. I sold a large work at Open Studios in November, and have started working on a new series of smaller pieces. As 2015 begins, I'm looking forward to eradicating the bad stuff and memories of the past year, and am anticipating a year of renewed creativity and productivity, and the joy and excitement that accompanies them.