Hellooo!
I'm happy to be writing you finally. I'm afraid I might be the worst pen pal. But you know, I'm writing now, so there's that. First of all, you're baby is adorable. I want to hang out with you guys and make funny faces at him. Seems like wherever I go nowadays there are babies being cute and trying to refine their fine motor skills. Just this weekend I went back home to visit my Mom and spent time with sister and her growing family. We took a trip to an apple orchard to eat apple cider donuts and caramel apples and then dinked around Baraboo.
There are a bunch of kids that live on our block too. There are four right below us in our Milwaukee duplex. It's fascinating to see how they change and how their personalities develop. One of the little ones has been very emotional lately and seems to be upset or crying all the time, yet just a few months ago she was the happiest. Did I mention that she is two?
I'm happy to know so many kids. It's easier to understand them and talk to them. Remember when I made paintings about kids learning new things? They are a gold mine of inspiration and naturally I've been painting and drawing their little faces again. I've had a couple of friends ask me about doing illustrations for children's books. If anything comes of it I'll be asking you about my drawings. --
In response to your letter with the pictures of the wilted and dying flowers: I think the most interesting part of them is the texture of their dead matter. It takes on a new, earth bound form. The daisies in particular have beautiful tendrils that curl toward the ground. Their death is less about color and more about the last gesture. Good find.
Here is a picture of my moms zinnias. She planted a bunch with the intention of using them for our wedding reception in July. I think she should plant this many every year!
They are just past their peak and yet they hold onto their color quite well. As i was picking a bouquet a little hummingbird started feeding on the flowers next to me. I could hear his little chirps. He was going from one flower to the next and at one point he was about a foot and half away from my face and, I swear to god, he turned and looked at me. He was clearly interested in the flowers in front of me. But he just hummed around to another flower. Sweet little thing wasn't afraid of me and kept me company while I picked flowers.
I hope you and yours are well! I look forward to our continued correspondence!
love,
Lindsay
