40 Days Before...

40 is a turning point. A shift in thinking from the foggy path of finding purpose. I want to make something monumental. Traces of existence like our cave Creator made, her hand print dipped in ochre on a rough clay wall.

I was 5 and recovering from another bout of asthma. I knew I was getting better as I bolted out the door and ran for the grass to hug Missy.

I developed my pet voices early, creating a distinct tone for each creature in my life. Perhaps creating backdrops out of sheets for my pretend pet photo shoot.

The teens found me skating, debating in mock trials, and boy-chasing. Pierre and Kinder-Roo were there to watch my proms and passages. 24 to 32 was a haze...shifting to occasional vivid points of clarity, amongst pet hair of varying vivid golden shades. Heavy backpacks to Europe with my everlasting Love...skateboarding with my first "adult" orange tabby cat Azriel on my shoulder...naming my first Golden "Bustah" after Bustah Rhymes. I settled for a bit, going through staged molds, moves and motions with the corporate current flow. Still at unrest.

32 began my journey of un-earthing my true gifts to this world.  It all started with plaster. Sitting behind a desk still and static led me to be even hungrier about art-making. I felt free like Missy. Able to roam in grassy fields and chase down creative pursuits. I learned how to work with my hands and heart. Glass found me next. 40 will celebrate this etching. Chloe's been watching at the top of the stairs the whole time.

No matter if I am sick or well, have little or lots of self-confidence, traveling or still, animals have been a part of every stage of my life. We all live one life each day. Mid-afternoon's intense growl. Night follows a sigh and grunt. Then, a final touch from the soft ears of a Golden. Horray! the morning call blasts from Tucker's bone horn. And we are blessed to live another life again.

Introducing the 40 Bones Project! Dec 9 marked 40 days before my 40th birthday. I am taking this time to dig deep and create 40 bones to signify each year I've been lucky enough to live. Cooper, Tucker, and Chloe are my fellow bone carvers. "Three Beasts" they are. Well, it's about time to get started on the molds. These "Three Beasts" have made their marks and now it's time to make mine.