Something happened on Christmas Eve. I'll tell you when I see you because I promised not to post it on social media. OK, fine, I made pies for someone famous. Yes, you'll know who it is. Remind me.
The cat had surgery then had surgery again. Urethral obstructions. He's recovering now. I leave my studio to get a drink of water, and I see him on the green upholstered bench we have in the living room. He's set square as a loaf of bread on a kitchen counter. His eyes are open and closed at once. He's in the drugged-out space beyond both pain and comfort. I look forward to meeting his usual self in two to three weeks. I'm just glad he's alive. The vet said the obstructions are often caused by stress. I can't imagine a more stress-free home. "What could you be stressed about?" I ask the cat. He looks back at me like he's never been bothered a day in his life. To drown this potential stress once and for all, I bought him a little fountain that's also a water dish. He doesn't understand it's his, that he can drink from it. He's polite to the point of stupidity.
I've been drawing and then drawing some more, and then when those drawings sell, I do more drawings. You've seen them. I've also applied for grants and fellowships and residencies and awards. I was a finalist for a local art award a few years ago. I reapply every year. No luck again this time. Not even close. Onto the next thing. Waiting and waiting. Drawing and drawing. I feel like I could do these forever. Only lately do I understand a little of why I do them. First, because I think they're neat. Second, because someone's always watching. It's important to give them something to look at.
Ten years ago, I got rid of my car. Now, I'm back to wanting one. I need to increase my range. I'm afraid if I don't get a car, I'll start running again, and I hate running. Plus, if I get back to driving, I can deliver pies. I'll truly become the Pie King I tell people I already am. My crown is being fitted as we speak. You'd never know how heavy it is from the way I wear it, like I'm wearing nothing at all.