Two days to go, and it is a big strange and even fraught here on the farm. Usually, at this time, we have done the farm chores, walked in the woods, brewed some tea and headed to work – me in my study, Maria in her studio.
This morning, it feels strange. The studio is closed up, it won’t be occupied again for a couple of weeks, unless I get lonely and go sit in there for a few minutes. There is so much Maria energy there, whenever I miss it I will go sit in there.
She is upstairs, in her office, shipping out some potholders, going over the final details of her trip – currency, health, scheduling, packing.. There is a lot of excitement here, also some tension. It’s going to be a remarkable couple of weeks. Maria is driving to Boston Sunday, she will park at a special lot near the city and take a van to the airport. The first leg of her flight to Dubai doesn’t leave until later Sunday night.
I was planning on driving her, but that idea was forcefully vetoed.
Monday, Cassandra Conety shows up in the morning to take over the farm chores so I can get to work on my book early in the morning and without distraction. I’m getting excited about that, my editor Rosemary Ahern, has just bounced back a chapter for re-writing so I’ll be busy at the outset.
The next chapter will be written in real time, I’m calling it “Left Behind.” I will write about the fascinating experience of being alone on a farm again.
There is a big difference between voluntary and involuntary loneliness. Maria will be back in two weeks.
Initially, I was wary of this arrangement, my fragile male ego was wondering if there was concern that I couldn’t handle the farm by myself. But it isn’t that, I know, it’s simply to give me a creative opportunity as well as Maria. Maria loves the idea, in part, I suspect, because there will be someone to keep an eye on me, I have been known to get into trouble on my own.
Very thoughtful people around me, I am grateful for them.
It’s time for Maria to be going, if you know what I mean. She agrees, this waiting is grinding.
She has been preparing for months, and she can’t wait to get there. I am quite terribly excited for her, and my time along her will be rich in work and thought and solitude. Good things all. I will share the experience on the blog.
This morning, we are heading out to put up more of her suddenly quite popular “Show Your Soul” posters. They will go on sale – for cost – when she returns from India. A timely statement from an artist.
One of my creative challenges will be too keep Fate, our nuclear border collie, occupied. She spends most days with Maria in her studio, rushing in and out, digging in the yard, chasing shadows and digging up old bones. I will wear her out so I can get my own work done. It is not easy to wear Fate out.
I am filled with admiration for my lover and partner and wife, she has so much strength and radiance and love, the young women she is helping in Kolkata will soon be feeling this light.