New skin

[Inspecting my mostly-subsided poison ivy rash.] I haven't properly articulated how great my trip to Miami was, but it's because I haven't processed it all yet. What I can say is that working with Rosie and the whole team at Diaspora Vibe was amazing (if you look at the website right now, Patricia did the banner and even asked me what color I liked best to finish it up: green! I LOVE it). Rosie wanted me to get the full sense of Caribbean hospitality and I definitely did. They upgraded my existing hotel reservation, drove me everywhere I needed to go during my entire visit, took me out to eat and drink, made sure that their community came out to meet me, shared their life stories and dreams, and gave me more hugs and kisses in my short week than I probably get in a given year.

I've gone from drinking every day, heat and humidity that drenches you immediately once you walk out of the intense A/C, tons of great food options, a whole group of people devoted to showcasing my work in a truly supportive way rather than a grossly commercial way, and the option of beautiful beaches and ocean to a cold, grey, nearly solitary existence on a military base with one friend who lives an hour away. No wonder I've decided to return to Miami in December for Art Basel! My show will still be up then, and we're working to promote it more while the art world converges in Miami for three days. A huge opportunity, and I will be even more excited to go since it will be serious winter here by then.

But I'm being unfair. What I do have here, which is the sole reason I moved, is a loving, supportive partner who surprises me every day with how thoughtful he is. I am at the point in my life where my birthday (which is not today) is nearly meaningless to me. I forget about it save the fact that I put a sticker that says "happy birthday to you congratulations" in my planner. But Ben has already gotten a gift and is planning dinner, plus all the other things that I used to want people to do for me. My big fear is that I won't be able to return the favor very well next month for his birthday: it coincides w/the opening for my 3rd solo show this season. Eeks! I've had a very comfortable single life for a long time, with my work at front and center, so everything lately is about adjusting. Despite the cold dreariness, I am thankful that all the adjusting is towards positive things.

Oh, and the best part about today: I finished reading Jami's new book! I loved it for all the Nebraska that it was. And in that spirit, I finally designed and sent to print the book of basketball hoop pics and stories that I wanted to make for months based on Chela's project in Nebraska.