Snow Painting & Things Coming out of the Woodwork

This past week has been very strange, basically Daya's aunts overseas (not her father thank goodness) have come out of the woodwork to contact her. One of them is in NY for a few days on business.

It was extremely triggering and I needed time to process and settle.

I'm ok now.

But their intentions are good and interestingly-- and this says a LOT- they haven't been in contact with him for years, for "numerous reasons"...... He was very close with his family so he really must have been up to Some Shit over the years. Well, I don't know and I don't care as long as I have no connection in any way with him.

Daya is an adult and can make her own decisions.

But because it's a very strange experience for Daya, she doesn't feel a connection to them at all, and she has been up to her eyeballs in rehearsals and performances, the honest truth is that the initial connections wouldn't have happened without my assistance. Daya can be unresponsive if she doesn't know what to say and she's so busy. She did ask me for help.

And no I don't have to do it.

But I do think it is the right thing.

I don't know how interested Daya is in establishing and maintaining a relationship with them, but that's her choice. I'll help if she wants me to, but aside from that it's not my place (and they haven't asked) to tell them anything about her.

We are meeting one aunt later today and Daya does want me to come with her, so I will do that.

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Yesterday I went up to Thendara Mountain Club, it is near Tuxedo NY/Bear Mountain area for a boathouse volunteer trip. There is snow so of course I painted it.

8x10 oil on Canson paper

Painting time about an hour and a half

Temps were cold but still above freezing.

I only brought lavender spike oil and the CCS Lean medium, probably didn't need both.

As much as I love my linen panels my winter equipment is a lot heavier, so I used the paper instead, it is significantly lighter. I also left my solvent jar at home. Any extra weight to shed is good.

I do prefer my solvent jar to clean brushes but honestly it's optional; I can do without it.

My feet did not get cold! At all! Boot-coats, electric socks, toilet rug, and extra warmers for the win! Gear held up well.... I hope to paint subzero again soon and see how long I can last standing out there!