Simple Reflections & Fallingwater
High Meadows at Fallingwater 8x10 Acrylic 2021
Until recently, my last piece of artwork was completed in December 2020. I think perhaps I was going through a mild depression related to the horrendous year we experienced with COVID and the death of George Floyd. Although I did paint last year, my motivation and production slowed down tremendously. When 2021 arrived, I just gave up on writing and painting for a few months.
I was able to spend some of my creative juices gardening early this year. My first order of business was getting my water garden/koi pond in order. It had become overtaken by algae to the point it was difficult to see the fish. I’d tried various approaches that didn’t give me the results I yearned. Ultimately, it was the combined efforts of barley, new plants, eco-friendly additives and adding an ultraviolet light to the filtration process that gave me the results I was looking for. I was very proud of the project; particularly, the skillful plumbing efforts required to install the UV light. It was great to see my vigorous fish clearly again upon Spring’s arrival. The dark cloud was beginning to peel away.
During this time, Sam, my dog, was losing weight with changing eating habits. The vet and I initially concluded that it was just part of his aging process. Sam turned fifteen in January. Our daily walks became shorter but he still enjoyed getting out. I somehow knew that Sam’s time on earth was coming to a close. I always felt that the Creator sent Sam to me just when I needed him most. I moved into my current home in 2004 and expressed to a friend that I was considering a dog. Next thing I knew, he had found a dog for me in Atlanta. Sam was a 6 month old Sheltie who was no longer wanted by a couple upon the birth of their first child. I initially ignored my friend’s request for me to get Sam; but about a month later, he informed me that the family was still holding Sam for me. What had my friend told them? I reluctantly drove to Atlanta to get Sam the summer of 2006. After my retirement in 2018, we spent many hours together and I think that helped sustain him in living a long healthy life. Sam was one of the greatest blessings of my life and was with me until May of this year. After our COVID vaccinations, Gary and I planned a much needed vacation to Cancun. The trip was in celebration of his completion of the Master of Social Work program from USC. I reluctantly boarded Sam. One day into our vacation, I got a call from the vet saying that Sam was not doing well. I asked them to do whatever possible to make him comfortable until I got back; but unfortunately, Sam passed away just hours before our return. It was discovered that Sam had cancer of the spleen. I thought Sam had been quite well for his age but I also knew that he had been preparing me for his death. He had begun to go outside for long periods of time in solitude. I had also began listening to life’s messages and preparing myself for his death. Although we had a nice Spring, Sam had always been my shadow, and it’s weird not to have your shadow.
In June, I was blessed to join my friend, artist Stephen Towns, for his stint as artist-in-resident at Fallingwater, in Pennsylvania. I have always been a big fan of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture so I jumped at the rare opportunity to support Stephen and visit Fallingwater. When he first asked me about joining him, my first concern was leaving Sam for two weeks; but of course by June, Sam was gone. At home, everything reminded me of Sam. The trip was just what I needed to clear my mind. Our living quarters and studio space was located on a beautiful secluded property near Fallingwater called High Meadows. It reminded me of the beautiful rural atmosphere of my youth but with more rolling hills. It was a great site to reflect on the loss of Sam, Black Lives Matter, COVID and life in general. Stephen and I are both very introspective so it was great to have time to reflect, converse and/or work in silence. During the residency, Stephen worked on multiple quilts and I basically helped trace and cut patterns. Early in the mornings and when he was away, I would work on my own projects. It was nice to paint again. During my stay, we had two additional High Meadow visitors. Upon my arrival, we were joined by Pittsburgh-based art historian and curator, Kilolo Luckett. Kilolo stayed at High Meadows for a few days and interviewed Stephen about his residency at Fallingwater and his upcoming show at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art. I truly enjoyed her wonderful spirit and cooking skills. I still have dreams about her carrot cake. Dr. Barry Kerzin, a buddhist monk and physician to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, was also a guest of Fallingwater and stayed at High Meadows for a few days. This was another blessing I did not see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed his stories and the comfort he brought to me in regards to life and death. The staff of Fallingwater was most accommodating to Stephen, Kilolo and Dr. Kerzin and fully extended their hospitality to me as well. Thanks so much Ashley, Marie and Justin for making our visit to an extraordinary place even more special by your kindness. Thanks also to Chris and Dawn Fleischner for the brunch invite honoring Stephen at Treetop Vista. Most of all, thank you Stephen for allowing me to be your shadow for a few days as bright lights shine upon you. Hope to see you all in January.
The trip to Fallingwater was very healing and I have since buried Sam’s ashes in my garden. My dark clouds have settled for a moment but I know life will always bring about new challenges. This trip reminded me of the joy of giving to others, the importance of meaningful relationships, the beauty of nature and our need for quiet moments and meditation. I’m ready to face any challenges the remainder of the year might bring. I hope you are too. Be safe and much love!
