Catching Up With a Dear Friend

“Grandma’s Farm” – c.1997 – Colored Pencil on Paper

A lot of things get put on the back burner when I’m up to my eyeballs in chores here at Marshmallow Ranch. I got a little reprieve because it rained a lot on Wednesday and through the morning yesterday. And you know what that means! No mowing!!!

I had a thing for drawing quilts when I worked full time and didn’t have time to create one myself.

I holed up in the office all day catching up with phone calls and shopping for new eyeglasses on Zenni. My dear friend Steve came over so I could help him change his Facebook page to include his soon-to-be bride. Steve became a widower the year before Mr. Virgo died and he really took a long time to do things like clean out his wife’s personal items. Finally, sometime over the winter, he decided he was ready to find a partner to spend his Golden Years with.

Another one I found.

As his close friend, I was glad he wasn’t one of those men who go out shortly after their wife dies to find a “replacement.” But he’ll be the first to tell you, he wasn’t interested in replacing his gal. And, like so many, when he really WAS ready, Sharon crossed his path and lightning struck again! He totally changed his house in preparation for her…redecorating, painting, and putting down new floors. It was finally time for him to move forward. So, along with his internal and external housecleaning came a change in the Facebook page and his status…ENGAGED! I was honored that he asked me to help him make it the perfect landing place for sharing his expanding family with the world. It turned out perfect, and he was able to keep all the friends he had from before…including those of his late wife. I’m so happy for him. And proud of all the hard work he did to get to this place. I know what he went through to get here.

“Daughter #1” – c.1997 – Pencil on Paper

Now I’m creating some personalized Christmas gifts he ordered while he was here. Hey…captive audience! I told him a little shopping spree in exchange for all that computer time seemed like a fair trade!

Interesting…I drew the picture on the left in ~1997. My marriage was on the skids and I often dreamed of a peaceful place where I could just be myself and be happy. I totally forgot about this drawing till I found it stuck between two pages in my old portfolio. The picture on the right is my Big Comfy Chair in our family room here on Marshmallow Ranch. A message to God…a plea for relief…delivered in HIS time.

Other than my back hurting from sitting in this chair too much yesterday, I feel refreshed. Much better than the day before. Thank you all so much for you continued support and encouragement. You’re always there when I need you! Mr. FixIt goes to town today, so I’ll be working on those gifts and doing more with the family room.

It was a good and productive day.