Dear Rita,

There is a wood bug in my studio
It is traveling….
No, I cannot say where
Perhaps behind my sketchbook
Definitely over towards the wall
Where the paintings hang
The Bird paintings
Silly birds
With human eyes and bodies

The heater is blowing
And I have the music on low
So that I won’t wake Jon

Even though I already did on my way in

Anyways, I wanted to say
How very much I appreciate you

For example, tonight you reminded me of something I had forgot
And you often do that for me
For others too I’m sure

I have known you for a few years now
And never expected to become friends

I show up
I leave
Go home be alone

But it sure has been a pleasure being around you
And I do feel better when you are around.

In my studio
Is the sweet sage you gave me for Christmas
I burn it and let the heater blow the smoke
around this small room
Sometimes I will ask for guidance
Or strength
Who am I asking?
Not sure really

And really,
I’m not sure if I sit still long enough
Or quietly enough
To hear the answers
But it sure smells good.
That I do get,
And maybe that’s all I need

Rita this is a letter to you
To say thanks.
Thank you for being so good
I love you