Covered Dreams
As I write this blog post, one that is long overdue, I realize just how blessed my life is. Although today is overcast, raining, and cold—I’m comforted by a warm wood stove, while listing to the early evening news broadcast from across the kitchen. I’m blessed. Yesterday our family gathered for our youngest grandchild’s first birthday, enjoying each other’s company while feasting on appetizers, homemade comfort food, and an assortment of birthday treats. Our family has mastered gatherings, although my wife and I agree it is hard giving up our roles as hosts. Watching the girls take over, one by one, is a blessing in itself. The news, however, this day, has been gut-wrenching for anyone who pays attention to news. From Israel, to Gaza, to Lewiston, Maine, and now from L.A., one’s heart aches. At least mine does. Although I dream of a better world, my dreams, I must admit, somehow either tie into our beautiful family, our historic homestead on Main Street (one that even dreams cannot get the “to-do” list any shorter), or my late-career artistic works that give me great pleasure and satisfaction. I begin each day with dreams. Most recently, however, they have become muddled—drawn to events that seem out of my control and just beyond my reach. Happenings around the world that cannot be explained in one sitting because hostilities are centuries in the making, or in the case of gun laws— there are no answers. Personal struggles, especially mental illness, alcoholism, or substance abuse, all seem too common today, filling the airways and social media. Perhaps all is due to the cloud over our heads, one that seems to be getting darker with each day. But it makes me wonder…what can one do to help turn the tide—what can we do to help brighten our sky? Recently I came upon an individual who’s name kept popping up all across Facebook and Instagram…Chris Luginbuhl. An unbelievable photographer, Chris has co-founded Become Part of the Solution, a non-profit organization that reaches out to alcoholics and addicts with “unconditional love.” Based in Vernon-Rockville, the organization was formed to provide help to those in need: https://www.bpsrockville.com.
But the question still persists—what can I do? I believe I can at least do my part, as little and insignificant as it may seem. I would like to offer 50% of all the sale(s) of my artwork that is currently displayed at Monet’s Table (Tolland, CT) through November to be donated to Chris’ organization: Become Part of the Solution. You can view all twelve of the paintings on Instagram, but one I am most proud of, and fond of, is Covered Dreams. It’s a 24” by 48”, custom framed, oil and cold wax painting of Ellington’s very first covered bridge, which for those who don’t know, is located on West Road, in the ever-expanding home of The Barn Yard. I know I cannot change many of the things that go on throughout the world, but today, I hope…I can help make the world a little better place—by doing my part. For those struggling with addiction, it is reassuring to know there are people in the world like Chris Luginbuhl who deeply care about you and for one another. I sincerely appreciate and thank you for your support. Keep dreaming.
