SHORT STORIES AND NO PAINTING

Since the garage remodel took a left turn, the painting studio has temporarily disappeared. But not to worry - my back patio is a fabulous place to paint. The weather is gorgeous, the plants, umbrellas and pets are all beautiful and there is a refrigerator full of Coke Zero nearby.

I am committed to doing a work for the Ice Cream Show at Bunny Gunner Galleries - and I already know what it will look like, it's just a matter of hunkering down in the sunshine by the pool and making it so.

But the Big Project for me right now - now that I am back from Chicago and a memorable trip to the Chicago Art Institute (and the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art) - is The Book.

I am putting together a collection of twenty of my favorite short stories - a couple of them brand new - for publication. Titled THE INHUMAN CONDITION: TALES OF MYSTERY AND IMAGINATION it is a big job and I'm running out of time if I want to have it ready for Mystery on the High Seas this November.

I am currently searching for a couple of the stories in my messy archives, editing them all, writing the bridge copy between the stories and carefully considering cover art. All while trying to complete my paintings outdoors and unpack from the trip. Oh, and work at the SCA Project Gallery Store, too.

Where did I get the idea that retirement would bring leisure?

It's a quick update I know, but I'm pretty busy. Be careful out there.

THREE BEAUTIFUL THINGS

Chicago. It's a gorgeous city and I think I ate some of the best food in the world at The Gage, The Frontera Grill and Joe's.

Jeeves. He's just a wee bag o' bones now, but the little critter is eating and drinking and purring and doesn't seem too much worse for his week at the vet's. He is so glad to be home, though. Here he is when he was younger and stronger.

The Back Patio. I love it. I am so lucky. That's Coco in the foreground.