I am not a master of pastels but every time I see magnificent works by other pastel artists I am determined to try again and again. I think possibly I am over-thinking this medium because my earlier stuff appears to be much better than the more recent things- after I read more and started to try the various techniques.

I got a five page letter in the mail the other day from someone who used to be a friend of mine. She and her sons abused our friendship, but they attended Tod's funeral, and they now live about 30 minutes away from my oldest son and see him, his wife and my grandson fairly frequently. They always say the best defense is an offense, and that is what this letter was... a total offense. Did you know that I treat all of my friends and family very badly and that I don't care about my grandson in the least? That was her opinion anyway- based on what? I haven't talked to her since just after the funeral last June.

I can't help but wonder if they (K and her sons) are the reasons why my oldest son has been less than affectionate and supportive lately.

I have friends and I am proud to say that I am well thought of by most of the people that know me. K and her sons thought well of me too as long as they needed a place to live (all of them lived with me at one point or another), or money, and even a car. I don't take her words to heart; I just wonder how much of the recent discord between my son and I originated with K and her sons. I will have to remain on my guard and listen carefully.