Stormy Weather

The last 24 hours have been rather stressful...the worst hail storms we've experienced in the 18 years we've lived in this community, which damaged our home, garage and trailer.  It's been rather disappointing as we were prepared to leave this weekend for our vacation in the mountains - once the insurance has been sorted, which may take awhile as our windows weren't damaged as so many were, we still hope to spend a few days in the mountains, though we won't be camping again this year.  At the same time, I'm grateful it was just terrible hail storms (one after the other) and not a tornado, and that my family is all safe and sound.

In order to combat disappointment I always head to my studio.  Now that all of the calls have been made it's just a matter of waiting...and the best way I find to wait to paint.  It is so meditative, and there is really nothing else I can do since we've cleaned up the branches, taped up the window on the camper, removed the sodden mattress, placed fans around to help dry everything out, built up soil around the house to help keep the gallons of water we've been hit with away from the foundation, and helped the neighbors.  Shingles and siding are missing and battered but so far we have no leaks into the house.  My bones are aching but after a hot shower spending this afternoon in my studio has been a balm for my soul.  Thank goodness for the healing power of art.