I'm Feeling Chatty

I know, I know. It's been quiet around here. I'm playing travel agent to myself, KDM, and a few friends who will come to visit from afar, abroad, really. Then in less than two weeks we'll all band up and make a heroic tour from top to bottom, literally, of the U.S. of A. The trip has been several months in the works, and up until this week, little was firm about it. As an amateur travel agent, it means hours upon hours on the internet, phone calls, emails, changes of mind and...more change of mind...etc. That also means I could hear my back cracking and neck giving up elasticity brought on by that prolonged, you-all-know-it-too-well, most unimaginative, posture, followed by a general weariness of the keyboard and cyber acrobatics.

As the trip takes on more realistic shape, I'll share with y'all some details. A hint: I'm going to the Big Apple.

Also an update to you who is concerned over my recent spiritual exercise (fraught with hidden pragmatic agenda), yes, I'm still fasting. But I'd be darned if a relative didn't show up late last evening with more cookies and other gooey substances!

On the art front, all is quiet too. My few dozens of paintings are still on exhibit. Sold several, and the hosting gallery has just informed me of its intention to acquire a piece. I also managed to reproduce a black-and-white engagement photo in pencil for a lady of her daughter. I don't do this kind of work often but the mother's earnestness for surprising the young couple at their July wedding proved to be more contagious than either of us foresaw. And I became her tacit ally. Pending her permission I may share the image here.

And, y'all, it's COLD here. Grrrrrr, cold. We southern folks are not accustomed to it (you'd never think I grew up in the northern-most province in China. Ever heard of that city famed for its ice sculptures, Harbin? Google it. It has by far the largest beer consumption in the whole country. They also make chocolates filled with vodka).

Do I sound chatty? I am. A badly needed relief from hotel.com and such. I hear a hot shower and hearty vegetable soup calling. If I feel up to it when I'm through with the water/soup therapy combo, my dears, I'll keep on trucking, eh, blogging.

Later Gator.