I am working on a small trunk for my grandson, Rowan. I found a small trunk in a home goods store that had some truly hideous print all over it, but it was reasonably priced and the perfect size. It is about 19" long by 11" wide by 10" deep. I painted over it with olive green paint and am covering it with Bauernmalerei. Ok, some folks will think this is hideous too. I agree that it is gaudy, but that is the style. At least I am restricting myself to three colors: the dark green, barn red and a sandy white. The top is done and the front is a work in progress, then I will do the sides and back. The red is to symbolize his name, the green his Irish ancestry and the white is for contrast. The clover is so that he will always have good fortune come his way, and the hearts so he will always know that he is loved. When it is finished I will use it to store small things I am collecting or setting aside for him.

Now that Tod is gone I wonder what will happen to my artwork when I am gone? My oldest son really doesn't care about or want any of it. Maybe I can donate all of it to a not-for-profit agency to sell or to do with as they see fit? Maybe Rowan will want it when he grows up, and maybe I will live long enough to give it to him? I don't mean to be morbid, but I have been thinking about this lately. When Tod died my oldest son said, "At least this is the last of Tod's messes that I (he) will ever have to clean up." (Probably was the first one too. Tod would never ask his brother for help.) I want to prepare a Will and make all of my arrangements ahead of time. I don't want my son to feel like my life is another mess he has to clean up. Yes, I am depressed, and as you can see, I do have my reasons.