Puccini’s passing has taught me to acknowledge loss and to feel all of the emotions that arise from it. In the past, I felt as though I had to get over those feelings quickly or, at the very least, put on a facade and keep my sadness hidden. Now, however, I understand that grief stays with you. It ebbs and flows and m…

I stayed in bed a little longer than usual until Cheddar, O.G., and Big Grey nudged me to get up. As I turned onto my left side and slowly pushed myself up, I glanced out the front window and noticed a hazy scene. I then rushed to the back window and saw a heavy mist enveloping everything. I could not even make out th…

I have been doing well the past few days, starting to feel normal but also feeling Puccini’s absence sans despair. Puccini’s viewing and cremation were scheduled for this morning, and I did not expect much. On the drive over at a red light, I saw a gray car with seafoam green rims and scant decals in the same hue dr…

I set a goal for myself to paint a portrait of Puccini. However, it has been furever since I really painted anything in a style that feels natural to me. I intend to paint a grand, magnificent portrait at some point, but for now I will paint a bunch of mediocre pieces to jumpstart my practice. I meant to do one painti…

So… I may have purchased some unnecessary-but-useful items because their colors reminded me of Puccini’s eyes. They were a feature that everyone noticed. Turquoise surrounded the pupils and spidered out into a light chartreuse. She was my world for eleven years. I like to think that I gave her a wonderful life. I hope…

I was physically tired by the time evening rolled around. I joined Kinrgy yesterday and did two classes this morning. It had been a long time since I have moved my body like that, so I felt that “good” muscle soreness soon afterwards. Tonight’s walk was short. My mind wandered, drifting into that space of daydreams, b…