Held

Paintist’s Inspiration: Beloved Dog by Maira Kalman.

Thalia sang, “Paintist is a copycat!” and tossed a piece of popcorn at Henrietta who missed the puffed kernel, and smooched the air.

Cal lofted a piece that hit the fourleg’s forehead. “Copying is how we like to learn… Especially you!” And even though Cal knows that when she points at someone, her thumb reaches toward her chin and three fingers point back at her own heart, her index finger made a line for the Muse of Wit. “You are the first to walk away when somebody wants to tell us how to do something.”

“Who? Me?” Fake innocence, like everything else, looks good on Thalia.

Urania launched a salted and buttered missile at Henny who caught the third attempt and chewed with appreciation. “Lessons are lobbed, pitched, and thrust at us from all angles… Often it’s the lessons we choose for ourselves… in our case — writing, drawing, and painting — activities we do because they bring us joy — that are leading us to hidden treasures at our center.”

Nia went quiet.
Cal and Tal paused in thoughtful silence.
Henny woofed.
She wanted more popcorn.

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A word from Typist:

Did I tell you I only received one chemo drug yesterday, instead of three like the week before? This is fantastic because any side effects should be less in intensity. My energy is high… I haven’t even taken one nap! Next week will be the same — one drug. Then on week 4 I receive the trifecta again.

I have received so many thoughtful wishes, messages, cards, smiles, and meaningful gifts… like the book pictured above. I feel loved and held by many.

Thank you.