Typically, around mid-week, I start to focus on writing my post for Widow’s Voice. Most often, I have an idea of what I’ll write about, but sometimes, I really don’t know until I open the proverbial blank page and just write in the moment.

I was actually going to write about my art and literary “progress” (or lack of), and as I sat down to write, sadly and perhaps “coincidentally”, I was alerted to the news that iconic fine artist, David Hockney had passed at age 88..

I spent some time really reviewing the collection of his paintings and was struck by his use of color and also his subject matter. Some of his rural paintings of winding roads and fields remind me of my current location and I found his use of color and ability to capture movement and the feel of the moment inspiring. It makes me want to take some time and sit down and finally pick up the brush again. 

If you are reading this, and know me, I give you permission to keep at me to start painting again!  I will say, however, I’ve been writing nearly every day. I aim for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening before my eyes start to shut and it’s time to give the brain a rest. I’m currently mid-way through another edit of a memoir I began writing two years ago. 

FETCHING HOPE, LOVE AND A DOG is the account of the first three years of life after the passing of my husband, Rich. It includes my experience of attending and presenting at Camp Widow only 19 months into my widowhood. Of course, it’s also canine-infused and introduces the Old Florida vibes in which I now find myself entrenched. 

With the feedback of my beta readers, and developmental edits, I’m completing another hard copy edit, then I will go back and read out loud as if I was narrating for an audio version. With each pass, clarity is strengthened and a better story emerges. The process in and of itself has been therapeutic and with some distance from the initiating event, it is somewhat easier to process. More on that later.

And speaking of writing. An audio version of my book Dog’s Best Friend, is currently being considered by its publisher and the timing of this is perfect. It’s truly exciting. I hope to share more as things progress.

This past week, I was also happy to see my essay, “A Winn-Win Situation”, published in Ruff Drafts, the quarterly newsletter of The Dog Writers Association of America. It’s the story of how our dog Winn-ie came into our lives in the most unexpected way. I remain a DWAA Board Member, another association that has helped me to move forward in my widowhood, and as a writer, working with such a knowledgable group of comrades in canines.

My dogs, homes, my partner with whom I now share a good life, genuine friends and colleagues, creative projects and of course writing these posts for Widow’s Voice. These are the things that get me up each morning and help to ground me and provide goals that have meaning. I hope it makes my “Spirit Team Six” (my closest family members who’ve dearly departed) proud. I feel their encouraging presence daily. We have our moments.

I’ll report on the painting front soon (I do have a plan) and hope that the passing of David Hockney will inspire me to create and carry on in his creative spirit. Thanks for reading and let me know about your own creative accomplishments and progress, or questions you may have about publishing and art.