Buddy and his butterflies

A few weeks ago, my friend asked if she could give Buddy several monarch caterpillars. Of course I said she could. For safe keeping, we put the caterpillars, along with their milkweed plants, in our guest bathroom. The plan was to make some sort of wire covering and then transport them to Buddy's house. Before we could get our act together, they formed chrysalis, and we were afraid to transport. In fact, one chrysalis was attached to the bathroom vanity.

Eventually I got smart and covered them with nylon mesh laundry baskets - the pop up kind.

In the last several days, all three have emerged. Buddy has released one, and the others will be set free this weekend.

We have all enjoyed watching them, but Papa and I have mostly enjoyed watching Buddy. What a wonderful experience for him! I learned a lot, too; Buddy was the teacher - he explained every step and predicted just when the butterflies would emerge. Today, as he was enjoying dying Easter eggs, he remarked that he has had many wonderful days recently. Of course that thrills me.

Happy kids, happy Gaga.

SOLD!

Yes, it is true. I sold a painting yesterday! I love to sell paintings - not for the money, but for the validation. Everytime I sell a piece, I feel a little less silly for buying wax. paint, and boards. My show at the art center will be up one more week, so I will cross my fingers that I will sell a bit more.

Also on the art front, I have a piece in our local Oil, Pastel, and Acrylic Group show, Inside Out. Thankfully that group includes mixed media and encaustics. The show is fabulous, so I am honored to be there. The winning painting is a wonder in technique and concept.

On Monday I will teach two students who want to learn encaustics. I love to share, so I am looking forward to my time with them.

Meanwhile, I am so bogged down in art center related projects, I am having to delay starting a new painting.