24 June 17

Let me see. Where was I? Better still, where AM I ? This morning early I am obviously up and the recent award winner of some ‘free time’. Of course I can and WILL explain.

The work schedule today is closing so I have all day off & until report time 'free’.

So last night I made some plans. OK so far.

We are still in the height of Texas blueberry season and I need at least two (2) more picking trips before the winter supply is satisfactory so I called up Debbie & Andy and not surprisingly had to leave a voice mail message.

I had just entered the garage when I heard the phone ring inside and it was Debbie. She said tomorrow was fine however warned me about the weather and the rain storms predicted. She said she would call in the morning with conditions and recommendations.

Last night here I awoke once to thunder, lightning and rain but by first light it had passed. So I made coffee and was carrying forward departure plans when Debbie called. It was pouring there and wasn't supposed to clear out until noonish.

I told her that wouldn’t fit my schedule so we checked and made an arrangement for Thursday when I am off all day. I still need to freeze some individually and must, MUST make some jam & conserve. Walt & I are planning another run first week in July for Jenkin’s freestone peaches so that will make three gallons of bluets which in the past has gotten me thru the long winter months including holiday gifts in fine shape.

So now at 7:38 am it is raining here and I need to retool and replot a course for the day. I have some admin work and two shorebirds to paint. One is a commission and completing that bird is a payday. Downside is it is a new species to me and uncommon to boot. An American golden plover in non-breeding plumage. Subtle colors, bands, bars & speckles of gray and very few pictures. In this case, more PAINTINGS than actual accurate color photographs.

My perplextion and stress was so elevated I called Anthony Hillman who has written books of pattern & painting on shorebirds, tropical birds and tropical fish and is very famous. Like last time, I was slightly shocked when he answered the phone but we talked for about 45 minutes. He gave me some good info & tips but most important lifted & gave a boost to my confidence.

This morning I can paint.

Last evening later I wrote a letter to Matthew Pearl. The best-selling writer I am fond of. HIS WORK not in a stalking sense.

Moron.

Anyway, I explained my dilemma briefly and just seeing if he might be interested. I gathered from amazon studios tool information & instructions it MIGHT be easier if ANYTHING one did OR could associate with had a reputation or following. IOW, success for an unsolicited work from an unknown writer (relatively speaking EXCEPT HERE) was like odds of a snowball surviving July.

So we shall see what happens. He answers or he doesn't. He may offer advice, he might be looking for a next/new project. Time will tell however nothing ventured, nothing gained.