Hiatus
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Have I mentioned that I’m having spinal surgery? I know, only endlessly. Well, it’s today and already there are things I can’t wait to get back to. Herewith, a very short list:
1. An unfinished painting. A good friend of Paul and myself commissioned one, and although I promised I’d complete it by today it didn’t happen. (See the blue open rectangle on the orange canvas? It fits right in there.) Also, take note of our new orange metal chairs; I love their hot color punch next to my gray worktable. Each has a spindle missing, which makes them perfect in my book.
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2. My blooming Stapelia gigantea. I’m always happy to see their leathery, rotted meat-stinking faces and this is their biggest bloom display ever. I hope they don’t fold up the show completely before I get back … It’s too much fun watching flies stop by to unwittingly assist in their pollination.
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3. Frito and Inky. Yes, they’re getting noisier with age, what with the howling and shrieking whenever the security alarm is activated (or just for the fun of it). And yes they have stepped up their campaign of lizard annihilation (along with presentation of their kills indoors). Still, I’ll be happy to see their furry little mugs and wagging tails once this is over.
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Thanks go out to friends and neighbors who’ve offered to help upon my arrival at home … although I’m tempted to abuse your goodwill with a list of outlandish favors, Paul’s on the case. (Maybe you could help by taking him out somewhere?)
Happy Halloween and I’ll see you in November!
Rancho Reubidoux 
I can’t stop thinking about you and Paul. I’m like a nervous mother, except you’re my friend and not my child. Everything is going to be just fine, if not better. Then you can come back and finish all your beautiful, inspiring designs. Love you. Can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Paul and I both are moved by your attentiveness, and can’t thank you enough! I’ll be seeing you soon and thanks for the love … we love you too!
Well wishes. I also have had back-spine surgry (3 times).
Gawd, Paulette, three times?! Thanks for the good wishes.
“In my book?” Yes, in YOUR BOOK. That you will be working on during recovery. Because a book by you would be amazing.
Hmmm, what a great idea, Ruth… Thanks!
No doubt Frito and Inky will be just as happy to see you. Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery from a flawless surgery, I look forward to following your adventures ahead…
Thanksamillion, Loree … see you here again soon!
Strong thoughts to you…be well my friend…
Many thanks, Guida … hello to Danny.
Best Wishes for a speedy recovery!! Hurry back…
Thanks so much, Catherine …
good luck with your operation ! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you !
I appreciate it, Gwen. Thanks!
Best of luck! Everything is crossed for a speedy recovery.
Hope you can uncross soon, Heather; thanks!
Good Luck Reuben with the surgery and get back to us ASAP.
Thanks, Marek, see you soon!
Best of luck, Reuben — hope it all goes smoothly! Looking forward to your next post!
dave
¡Muchas gracias, Dave!
Good luck, Reuben. I hope everything goes as it’s supposed to, and that you heal quickly so you can get back to life as usual. Tell Paul and Frito and Inky I said hello!
I have the same hope, thanks … all here respond with a resounding, “HI!”
I would definitely read a book by you!!! To a speedy recovery… I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for all the beauty you spread in the world! 🙂
Nisha, thanks for thinking of me, for the prayers and for a lovely comment.
Stay feisty, Reubs. I know all will be well. Sending healing thoughts your way. And hi to Paul and the pooches…
Thanks so much, Nancy, and thanks for visiting! It was great seeing you and Jim.
Hey, where’s my LIKE button for Ruth’s comment! A book, yes! Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a return to wellness. 🙂
Rueben best of luck with the surgery…..Jeanmarie 🙂
Merci, Jeanmarie … I keep thinking of pieces in your collections and sighing wistfully.
We’ll miss your voice on the blogosphere! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Hopefully the voice will be heard again soon, Peter!
Reuben, you will be in our daily prayers to the Great Physician for your fast recovery and for continued good health. All our best!
Then I know for sure all will be awesome! Thanks, Sam!
Much appreciated, Sam, with the combined good will of all, I’ll be home in no time!
Reuben, although we’ve never met, I love your spirit. I really appreciate you sharing your life & talents on this blog. Stay strong & try to remember my favorite mantra when I’m going thru something unpleasant: “it won’t be like this forever, it won’t be like this forever!” It’s not magic, but it has surprising powers! I send you healing vibes to help you with a swift recovery!
Rita … I was released from hospital yesterday and will definitely be using you’re mantra in the painful weeks ahead … Thanks for the goodwill and for commenting!
Late to comment and now find you’re out of surgery — which makes it easy on me not having to worry! So glad that’s over! Yes, let me know if there’s anything you need, anything at all.
I am at home now, Denise, and it feels so good. Well, except for the pain. Happily, there are legions of sweet peeps offering to help … Thanks for being one of them. Just knowing y’all are out there is a huge boost. 😉
RR~I hope you are recuperating as well as you possibly can. And I hope you’re storing up ideas to burst forth with when you are ready :). Take care, Laura
Thanks, Laura … a slow burst is coming soon, thanks for commenting!
Need company? 🙂
What a nice guy you are! Check your personal email, D.
Hi! Hope you’re recuperating well! Weather has been crisp and perfect for gardening–are you up and about yet? 🙂 Veratrine
Sadly, V, “up and about” is still a ways off … but my mind’s working away on plans, so hopefully some of those ideas will take form soon. In the meantime a post will see the light of day tomorrow! See you then … and thanks for commenting — Good to read you!