I wrote
of my mother’s passing last month and now I find that I am breathing in the
essence of my mother more and more. I thought it would be a letting go process,
but it seems that it honors her more to let her be part of me. When we are
young we separate from our parents, but as I become more secure in myself, I
feel that I now am able to absorb them.
Each
item that I kept of my mother's I made a concerted effort to let go something
of mine that was no longer needed. Often this was an upgrade, sometimes it was
just an edit. But there were also vast quantities of things that went out into
the universe. Some to friends and relatives...I now have many girl friends who
have a piece of her clothing that they felt was chic enough to give a second life.
Jewelry and scarves will go into my annual SDVAN accessory exchange this
holiday. A vintage flea market of the Encinitas Friends of the Arts has
been given four large boxes of items to sell in July, with the proceed going to a
public art project to which I am contributing. Masses of things went
to charity shops for animals or abused women.
For all
the items left in the house after this clearing process, we held an estate sale.
We made a few pennies but the house is now emptied which is a great lesson and
reminder that things are very fleeting. No matter how much we as artist think
we are creating for history, the truth is that most of our efforts should
be appreciated for the joy they bring in our own life times. My house and my
heart are now full. I intend to use what I now have to improve the art I have
already made and use up frames and supplies while I am still able. Burn the
good candles, lather up the good soap. Live in the moment as much as possible.
Now for a nice whiskey with a pickle back.
