Dark Clouds, Silver Linings, and Lemonade

When we last saw our possessions......

I've always said when life gave me lemons I not only made lemonade, I made nicely packaged, well- branded lemonade.  As I sit here typing, the lemons have, quite simply, been run over by Bekins Moving Solutions.  The last update we received on all of our worldly possessions placed them somewhere in Arizona.  They will be, at best, one week late and at worst....well, we're not going there right now.

So....where does that leave us, Lucky Hill, and Dan's gallery?  Lucky Hill is not looking so lucky and Dan's gallery will be a little lacking in the number of paintings hanging.  The plan as of 9:00 p.m. last night is to open for the July 4th holiday with the ten paintings we have, smile a lot, and tell everyone never to use Bekins for their moving needs.  We're off tomorrow to Bangor to get a temporary sign, copies of Dan's CV and recent write-up in Southwest Art Magazine, and an exterior gallery announcement.  All of which were already printed in L.A. and are happily nestled in protected boxes on the Bekins truck.

Anchored Off the Coast is anchored in the truck

While dark clouds have hovered over us....literally and figuratively....here in Castine for the last few days, there are silver linings.  New friends and neighbors have offered assistance left and right.  Gordon and Lynda delivered folding chairs (padded!) and two folding tables a couple days ago and trumped that with a loveseat yesterday.  Constance, our landlady, e-mailed asking if she could bring any kitchen or household necessities we might need when she arrives in town this weekend.  Sara, Brenda, and Lyn offered to help set up the gallery/shop if there was any hope of a moving van arriving prior to July 4th.  I know I'm forgetting many, many people who have jumped at the opportunity to help us and it is only because the offers have been so numerous and generous.  Dan and I thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts.

I try to be mature and look at the big picture by saying Dan and I arrived safely and are healthy....the truck will get here when it gets here....and life will go on, but it's still frustrating.  As our dear friend, Jim, said in his e-mail, this is only a bump and not an over-the-cliff moment.  It's nice to have friends and family who can keep us centered and grounded during trying times.  We are very lucky.....truck or no truck.

Early Morning Storefront....ready to hang tomorrow