In the midst of marking

Night view from our hotel room in Ottawa.
That's the Chateau Laurier on the right,
and beyond that the parliament buildings.

Hi friends,

I am working on a small painting that isn't ready to show you,
and I've been marking papers all night. Marking is one of
the most difficult and most rewarding parts of teaching,
so I feel both happy and the slightest bit tired.
We went up to Ottawa, a long, long drive on Saturday morning,
stayed in a hotel, and visited family. It was a good plan.
We had a fabulous view, and didn't impose on our family
members too much -- not a good plan for the Valentine's
Day weekend. I love the journey, and Steven and I always
listen to good books. On the way up we listened to Malcolm
Gladwell What The Dog Saw, and on the way back last
night, Elizabeth Gilbert's Committed about marital love.

Both books were terrific to listen to, and fascinating in their
own right, although Elizabeth Gilbert is a better reader.
I love that feeling of learning, of devouring a book as the
miles speed by. Even though each time you get out of the car
you feel as stiff and strange as you do without the book, you
are also in the middle of something besides the journey. Your
curiosity is peaked. You want to know what happens next.

View of the Ottawa River from my mother's house.
The hills in the background are the Gatineau in Quebec.
Quebec is just across the river.

We didn't finish either book, so I will probably listen to
them while I paint, or we will get in the car, and listen
to them as we whip around town buying groceries and
running errands. It's a cheering prospect.

Forgive me for not getting back to your blogs today,
and for not writing about the sweet people who have
given me wonderful awards in the past week. I am
decidedly behind and need your understanding. It is
a busy time in my artistic life, my school life and my
family life, and I must sleep to be able to juggle the
elements of my existence with ease. Let it be known
that you cheer me up beyond measure, and I feel
so blessed to be part of this wonderful circle of
gifted and kind artist bloggers.

Have a counting-your-blessings day.