30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 9

"The Wind's Wild Tune" (title courtesy of poet Mary W. Cox) - mixed media on canvas paper, 16" x 20".  Inquiries.

MINSTREL (singing): Brave Sir Robin ran away
ROBIN: No!
MINSTREL (singing): Bravely ran away away
ROBIN: I didn't!
MINSTREL (singing): When danger reared its ugly head, He bravely turned his tail and fled
ROBIN: No!
MINSTREL (singing): Yes Brave Sir Robin turned about
ROBIN: I didn't!
MINSTREL (singing): And gallantly he chickened out Bravely taking to his feet
ROBIN: I never did!
​MINSTREL (singing): He beat a very brave retreat
ROBIN: Oh, lie
MINSTREL (singing): Bravest of the brave Sir Robin
ROBIN: I never!
        - from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Scene 10

Feeling quite cowardly today as Irma reaches out toward us.  The winds are beginning to sing off key, the water on the lake is rolling and the skies are tempest-y.  It seems 50% of our house is encased in plastic bags.  Every towel is stuffed under doors and tabletops are covered with bags of things who have passed all sentimental and practical analysis and have the coveted spots away from any flooding.  The appliances are stuffed with books and papers, and I am wishing there was room for two humans inside the dishwasher.

And yet....when we come out on the other side of this thing, I wonder what incredible transformations we may undergo?  How can a human stand a test of bravery (or utter stupidity in this case, some might say) and not emerge somehow bigger, better and more bad-assy than ever before?  I think of the hurricane in Houston, the fires raging across the Pacific Northwest, the earthquake in Mexico and wonder at the tenacity, perseverance and courage of the humans in each of these situations.   

Like this little aboriginal character I painted today, I am as bundled up and covered in good mojo as a human can be.  There are prayers, good wishes, thoughts and love streaming down to Florida and blanketing us in positivity and safety.  And my incredible brave husband is here, unfazed by the beast, preparing like a boy scout.  His philosophy begins with the thought that a blanket and a towel can solve anything.  Perhaps we will build a blanket fort and wear towels like superhero capes.

Another quote from Mark Nepo jumped out at me this morning:  "​And regardless of our good fortune or trouble, we are always holding off the storm of the world to hear the music that runs through everything."  Today, we will be listening to the wind's wild tune.