Enchantment, Metamorphosis, and Gratitude

Ever have one of those weeks where things seem a bit surreal, as if you were outside your body, watching events unfold from a distance? It's been a bit like that around here this week...

I've painted two pieces I'm super pleased with, the first depicting the trio of witches from Shakespeare's "Macbeth", dancing around a bubbling cauldron. I wanted to give it an enchanted sort of feeling, and hope I succeeded...

There's a reserve on this one ($250), owing to the many hours (days, actually) of work involved. I'm hoping it finds a good home. :)

The second piece is a box, which began with a black cat design, but morphed into something a little lighter, with a tuxedo cat and magical butterfly...

"Metamorphosis" - the profound change an organism goes through as it passes from one state of being into the next - has been on my mind a lot this week, as we, along with family and friends, come to terms with the prospect of losing someone very dear, far too young and far too soon.

Sometimes life's events make their way into the work, completing it in a way I couldn't have planned.

Life has also thrown us a few curve balls as John begins the second half of his first round of radiation treatments. He's tolerating the treatment well, but is now experiencing some rather painful burns. They're working to deal with it, but in the meantime, he's having a bit of discomfort.

Still, we remain grateful for the availability of treatment, for the optimistic prognosis (about 80% chance at remission) and for the support and encouragement of family and friends. It never ceases to amaze me, in any kind of crisis or challenge, when my assumptions about who genuinely cares, or who offers some sort of kindness, are completely turned upside down.

With that in mind, I'd like to express our heartfelt thanks to all those who've been there for us during this latest health challenge. We love you all, and could not get through this without you. ♥

On that note, I'll say goodnight. It's been a very long day, and I'll wake again in about 4 1/2 hours...

I'll be back again with more new work and ramblings very soon. In the meantime, hold those you love a little closer this week. As the events in Japan (and sometimes in our own backyard) remind us, life is incredibly fragile, and can change in an instant...

Much love,
~ Carolee