Hanging the exhibit... the storm... the blessings... and the gift.

 Saturday, husband Woody and I arrived at the Oliver Wolcott Library just ahead of the rain. We managed to get the paintings into the gallery before it poured buckets. With all the pre-planning (visualize little cardboard rectangles all over the floor with me crawling around arranging and rearranging my imaginary mini-paintings onto 3 imaginary walls)....I couldn't see how it would take the alloted 4 hours to hang the exhibit. Especially with the assistance of my trusty sidekick-- armed with assorted tools, pencils, and paper.

Wrong! We finished in 3 hrs. 45 mins. with just enough time to pack up the car before the library closed for the day. Kudos to the Master Mathematician/Keeper of the Level. (Using a level, I can do--subtracting fractions in my head--not so much!) We were able to hang 39 works (with the 40th on a shelf in the lobby) and remain speaking to each other. It was a challenge, to say the least....the hanging not the speaking.

It was exciting to see so much of my work displayed "all at once". (Propping multiple canvasses against the walls at home is just not the same!) Library goers peeked in and one lady asked if she could have a sneak preview. "Are you the artist?" she asked. "Yes", I answered. And YES echoed in my heart. "I love your colors!" she added. I thanked her, we introduced ourselves, and she said she would be back for the opening.

Once back home, the rain intensified...and then the wind. We watched non-stop coverage of nature's fury, praying for those in harm's way--including our new neighbors' lost puppy, Callie. We counted our blessings as our power (and both daughters' houses in MA) stayed on. The worst news was hearing my brother and his family (also MA) had to be rescued as the nearby meandering stream rose and raged faster than anyone imagined it would. They are safe with friends, thank God.  I have just now heard from my bff in Old Saybrook who is also safe. Without electricity, but no major damage and safe! And a muddy Callie was found yesterday! Blessings on blessings!

As I look forward to Thursday evening, I am acutely aware of those who are less fortunate. Electricity may be off for days in some areas, properties and lives have been damaged. My heart goes out to those who are suffering. I'm remembering what the prophet Jeremiah spoke: "...O Lord our God... We set our hope in Thee." ( 14:22)  Also I'm reflecting on a painting I did with the 10th anniversary of  9/11 in my thoughts. It is dark and bright at the same time... titled The Power of Hope. There's power and there is Power!

This morning the local weather reported the week ahead will be one of the sunniest and most beautiful we've had all year. A gift. Like hope.