Cape Cod Paint Kit

I took a small painting kit with me on a bus trip to Cape Cod in the autumn of 2023. A 12 set of Faber-Castell watercolor pencils, a water brush, and a standard issue ballpoint pen, from our credit union. The stock was a couple dozen 4 1/4 x 5 1/2“ sheets of 65# white linen card stock. It is by no means watercolor paper. But I’m making small images using very little water. When done I fold them in half so they fit in my pocket. 

The inscription is fairly simple. “Thank you and keep up the good work!” I try to add a name when I can. I ask about the spelling as I feel the need. 

They’re available to share on a whim.

Someone saw some images of these and asked me to make some for her. She wished to write notes to others. Well. Yes. She bought same size flats with A2 envelopes and did not want hers folded. Good. Her stock was stockier and more work.

Now that those are finished I thought to make more and give away a few at a time, with envelopes, to friends that might appreciate the gift.

I have little interest in creating and collecting more inventory. I no longer wish to book shows, travel, carry my GoodWorkCards, my books - poetry and otherwise, my art, framed or not.

My time, energy, and attention feels more limited. It feels more mine.

I now go more lightly into the unknown and meet the mystery less burdened with my own baggage.