he did it....AGAIN!

Being a non-artist living with an artist has proven to be quite the maddening challenge at times.  Yesterday we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary (WOW!) and quoting a divorced artist friend of mine, "staying married for 20 years is way more difficult than divorcing".  It took me a bit to absorb what she meant.  

I am a clinical manager in a hospital setting; multitasking is my game.  I only have about a 1 mile ride home from work, thus not long to decompress from my stressful day.  Upon walking through our front door this evening, I felt as though I walked into a wall of pure heat. He did it....AGAIN! The thermostat in the living room read 84 degrees.  

I know the entire story before the clash of wills began. It is early April in Montana and it is overcast and humid.  His paintings are not drying rapidly enough for him.  Our gas and electric bill are not low enough for me. The paintings are lined up above, beside and around the gas fireplace. The struggle ensues in a typical married couple fashion as it does after a long, exhausting day of work.  We are both hungry, tired and cranky.

As the frustration and tears welled, my friends voice set in, "staying married for 20 years is way more difficult than divorcing". Ah-ha! I got it! This is what she meant.  He is my best friend, life partner, soul mate and most importantly, my favorite artist and I haven't even bothered to take a deep breath and look.  And not just look, but to see.  It was all around me and I haven't even noticed.  Maybe, just maybe....I did it....AGAIN?!

 above the fireplace

 and on the table

 and on the counter

How can you argue with a house full of beautiful art being created in various stages throughout your home?  I guess you can't.  Gotta love 'em..... 

-Gia