It was a good day in the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel. Outside it was sunny and the wind was blowing hard. I watched it unfurl from the top of snowdrifts and buildings, and blow in gusts across the parking lot. It would abate for a while, me thinking that the windstorm was over, and then pick up again. All day. Of course, getting into and out of the former banquet room via the side door when the wind blows is a challenge because it’s like a wind tunnel.

This morning I first met with Lynsey, who is married to Logan, the videographer. We talked at length about the poster she’s designing for the upcoming Palmer Orchestra benefit for the BLBP. She encouraged me to articulate my vision for this event and also for the Summer in the Park(s) program – I drew a sketch for her when she asked – it was very cartoon like so I had to explain what was in it.

I envision a caboose with animals playing instruments. She looked at my favorite illustration, one of the horse lying on a couch – taking note of the fact that the area around the horse is in pen and ink and horse itself is a watercolor. Funny, I didn’t notice this when Cathy Stone (our artist in residence) first matted it.

Which reminds me – I left the matt board that the Big Foot Frame shop left me, in the car. Tomorrow I will need to bring it inside.

Lynsey and I were joined by Pam (volunteer) and Lawrence (volunteer coordinator), and we all talked for close to two hours. This was at the heavily used back table. As we were all talking, it occurred to me that though I never articulated it, this is what I wanted the BLBP to come, a place where community people come and share ideas.

We talked a lot about Lynsey’s doing the artwork for the Palmer Public Library. She’s using the train metaphor for them and for us – she liked my idea of the BLBP being the caboose – and having animals riding this portion of the train. Enjoy the ride, indeed.

And today we were in the area in which Cathy does her artwork. I feel most comfortable in the company of artists, although I am not one myself. I have the vision but not the training. A part of my problem is that I also have no depth perception, so I can’t create much-needed depth in my work.

I didn’t have much for volunteers to do today because we are short on books, so when Calle came in, I said we had two options – we could either sort and organize the books on the shelves, or we could price the items on eBay. She chose the latter – we were then both happy – we had a great time doing price comparisons on the various books.

And Calle found two books, one of which originally belonged to Sally Hitchcook, who died and left us numerous books. And Calle and Alex now live in her place.

Sometimes, I think that the fact that there are so many coincidences is coincidental.

Next: 52. 2/21/26: Gonna Sleep Well Tonight