Sitting In a Tree

K-I-S-S-Keep it that way, always

I got it going on. I know it already. Now, I’m telling you. Full-tilt, full-swing, full belly (tomorrow).

Usually I would write you a sappy thanksgiving diatribe on the night before Thanksgiving. Not today.

Look at this mother%$#er.

Sittin’ in a Tree…84x57…2025…Chicago (Lincoln Park), IL

My little sis got married. I’ve always told her that she could not have a painting until she had her own home. Now she does…

Painting it for her was agony. Good agony. I truly and honestly put my whole self into this painting for Matt and Sav. I didn’t work on anything else. I couldn’t write to you because it was on my mind.

I wanted to surprise her so I didn’t tell her “Sitting in a tree” was en route or close to finished. Hell, I didn't even tell them I was working on it. But, I really wanted it to be hanging in her dining room while she hosted her first family Thanksgiving party. New home, new marriage, new painting.

I just got off the phone with M&S and, either they are great actors, they like it as much as I do. It left our home yesterday and teetered precariously over Gram’s head for the four hour trip. I’ve been biting my nails waiting for it to arrive in Chicago.

Thing is. And maybe this is just me…but how do you tell your family how much they mean to you? Especially as a weirdo like me? I mean, I tell them I love them. They have all made good spouse choices too. I love the hell out of them as well.

But how do you really tell them: I am pleased with you as you are. But I also see what you’re doing and it is amazing! I have no idea how you pull it off.

How do you tell your sister that is a full 24 years younger than you what she means to your life? Or the one who is 27 years younger? Like how would they really know? What about the trad sis and bro? How do they know? Words are not enough. Hugs not enough. Christmas presents…not enough.

And since I am the oldest and first to go, remember me in this painting. I know you won’t forget me, but remember me saying: This is what you mean to me. All the energy put into its creation will remain, like guardian angels delivering us to heaven.

How’s that for Thanksgiving?