#13: A Good Day in The Studio + Missing My Mama

Reflections

Today was a wonderfully productive day in the studio. The past few weeks have been happily fruitful, but today was especially remarkable. The 48” x 60” piece I’ve been diligently working on is finally taking shape, with shapes and colors blending beautifully and textures coming to life. Each brushstroke feels purposeful, and the vision I had in my mind is becoming a vivid reality on the canvas. Just thinking about tomorrow and the days to come and all the magic about to unfold feels exhilarating.

Gratitude

Later, my mom called, and even after our conversation ended, I couldn’t shake the deep pang of longing I felt for her. I miss her more than words can express. She used to live in Ventura, where our family built a life and many memories together. Then, a few years after I got married, she moved to Sacramento with her new husband, a city that feels like a world away—roughly a six-hour drive from me.

When she was here, I often took for granted the simple joy of being able to see her at any moment I desired. Now, I count myself fortunate if I can spend even a fleeting day with her once or twice a year. Although technology offers us phones, FaceTime, and Zoom calls, none of those virtual connections can replicate the warmth of sharing a space. I miss having her close enough to lend a hand with tasks around the house or enjoying quiet moments over steaming cups of coffee and overflowing with laughter. Because whenever we are together, there is always laughter.  

Indeed, those in-person encounters are irreplaceable; each moment spent together becomes a cherished memory I deeply treasure. The laughter we shared, the warmth of our conversations, and the simple joy of being present with one another are all etched in my heart. Right now, I long for those connections more than ever, feeling the weight of their absence in my daily life.

One undeniable positive aspect, and there is always at least one to be found, is our ability to still communicate via all the ways I mentioned above. In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, this connection is not just good; it’s the best thing, even if I miss having her here in person.

See you tomorrow!