So close

I went out to the levee after school. It’s the first time I actually felt like fall might be coming. Some of the leaves are changing and the river is low and ripply. I guess I must still be a little traumatized from sliding in the paint last week, because I was super scared to take my first step down the wall.

I learned from my mistakes though and didn’t take down four gallons of paint this time. Even though, the day was cooler than it has been lately, the cement was still hot under my feet. I have walked around barefoot my whole life, but this project has made my feet so tough. I’d like to get a pedicure, but I think the nail guy is going to scold me for abusing my feet. I can hear him “tsk, tsking” me. He’d say, “What you been doing? Walking in fire?” Uh kinda. Anyway, the bottom panels are cooler than the top, so as long as I wasn’t stepping on the darker colors, I could handle the heat.

The purple mess didn’t seem so overwhelming today. There is already purple in the water, it just needed to be blended in. I wanted to put in a reflection of the fisherman in the water, but I almost forgot I was going to do that, so I messed up the angle a bit. I will probably go back and fix it. If I don’t, every time I look at it, I will be bothered by the angle. And I will hate it forever. This is too big of a project for me to be unhappy with it.

The pole, line, and fly need to be put in next. I am nervous about that part. I have to make a dark pole show up on a dark background. I know how to do it, but it’s not easy and it’s the one part of not being able to stand back and look at it that will be challenging for me. Also the fly will be hard. I sketched it in, but it’s too small. And I’ve gone back and forth on the color choice. I’ve collected a bunch of stray spray paint cans. Sometimes I remind myself of a bag lady. Like if there was a bag lady scrounging for spray paint and thin cardboard good for easy cutting, that’d be me. I have neon orange, yellow and green and those colors in non neon too. I also have red. I am leaning toward a shade of green.

I feel like when I am finished there should be a party. When I used to set paint, I was always invited to the cast party. I have thought about a picnic at the kayak park, or maybe dinner at Bingo Burger or at Angelo’s. Everyone who has supported me and anyone who wants to see the mural could come. But that seems sort of dumb, because it’s not like the mural is going anywhere. Anyone at all can go see it whenever. I could do a private celebration. Hop on my bike at the reservoir and stop for a snack by the mural and then buy myself some shoes or new jeans or something. This feels like a huge accomplishment for me. I’ve learned so much and grown so much in the process and I want to celebrate with all my friends and family and community that has supported me. So party at the river?

Again, I shouldn’t get ahead of myself. Stay tuned.