I was out of town for a while. I went to Covington, KY to check out the town and the artist relocation program. Covington is not what I hoped for. The town is run down and overdue for an urban revitalization project. The city is over-seeing the artist relocation program, but those in charge are civil servants with no understanding of artists or artistic communities (or what will work or not work). We went during the Mai-fest celebration when the two central streets were lined with booths. Very few artists participated, and what was even more disappointing is that all of the store fronts owned by artists and craftsmen where closed during the festival! It doesn't seem like they understand any more than the city officials do!
I have my house up for sale and am moving when it sells, but the market is so soft right now that it may take months and months before that becomes a reality. In the meantime, I need to get back to painting. I have only completed five or six pieces this year. "Leroy's Barbershop" was inspired by my trip to Covington and is my most recent painting.
I also miss all of you and want to make the time to visit with you on a more regular basis. I used to spend an hour nearly every morning here (when all of us were still at the other site). I miss that part of my morning routine. I miss the touching each other's lives, if but a little....