29 Comments
User's avatar
Alisa Kennedy Jones's avatar

I just adore these birds. They're such a marvelous dopamine hit. 😂

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Oh, Alisa,

Hope all is well with you. Much thanks, love.

LILLY Summer's avatar

Your paintings are beautiful! ❤️❤️❤️🎨

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Means so much, Lily. Thank you.

Del's avatar

For "just learning" these watercolors are beautiful. Love the whimsy of the birdies. I look forward to reading whatever you post, however you post it.

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

That's so kind. Thank you for your encouragement!

Terrance Lane Millet's avatar

These are terrific, Mary, and the first one is great fun. It made me happy.

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Off to read you, Terrance!

Erin Carlson's avatar

These are great, Mary!

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

So kind, Erin!

Julie Gabrielli's avatar

Three in a row could work, especially if you include audio narration . . . Love your watercolors! Whimsical and lovely.

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Ah, now there's an idea: Audio! Julie, I still worry about overwhelming inboxes. May I try it once after letters to my granddaughter, second set. Thanks for the fine suggestion!

Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

That fruit looks ready to eat.

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

xx I keep trying; tough medium.

Joanie Madsen's avatar

Such splendid watercolors. This medium is unforgiving, as oils you can move around. I know this as it was the medium my daughter used with her first art lessons. She found oils so 'easy' after watercolors. I'm always for 'shorter' rather than 'longer.' I join the others in wishing your husband well, and you too dear Mary. Often these kinds of circumstances take a lot out of our already 'Swiss cheese' countenance after child loss. No matter how many years have passed. We expend a lot of energy treading water. Hoping you have some moments to turn on over and float. Gentle care X0💜🪶

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Ah how kind, Joanie.💐

Maureen Doallas's avatar

I love your watercolors, Mary, and I'm delighted you are painting when you can find the time.

A second set of letters would be a privilege to read, and cheering, as would a short story.

Always thinking of you and Del, dear friend.

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Oh, you are such a love, dear one.

Charles  van Heck's avatar

Your illustrated letters to your granddaughter are delightful and a wonderful idea. I should be doing something like this for my grandchildren. I also like your proposal for short stories to be broken up. There are natural transitions in stories that allow writers to do this. I sincerely hope your husband is making a good recovery. With kindest regards to both of you.

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

So helpful Charles. Thinking about the option. My worry is that folks would not like there posts in a row the same week.

Charles  van Heck's avatar

I think if you choose a specific day, say a Friday, for the release date would be fine. That gives people the weekend to enjoy your material. If it is a short story, they can do a quick review from the previous week on your page. I am often overwhelmed by how much some post daily and the length of the material. This isn't directed at you. I know some writers will be offended by this, but they need to consider that their readership has only so many hours in the day, besides working on their material. But I say that with all due respect to them.

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

For this reason, Charles, I may not even try this. I too am overwhelmed by being oversubscribed.—and now really only read folks who are reading me with the two exceptions that I 'll defer to a private exchange with you. I know that, while my husband has been recovering from open-heart surgery, I missed one of your lovely missives. Will try to catch up as things calm down here at home. TY!

Charles  van Heck's avatar

Your husband is your priority. So is taking care of yourself. My wife and I have some idea of the recovery process. You both will come through this; it's not easy, but it's doable. One breath and step at a time, wrapped in hope and love. Everything else is "God willing."

Lor's avatar

Mary, I love your stories and artwork! Summer, especially, is a busy time of year that finds me mostly outside during the longer daylight hours. A shorter read, works well for this gardener-cyclist-hiker-on and in the water-nature watcher-relax with my love, dog, and Herman the hummingbird in the early evening, reader.

Oh yeah, designing meals to take full advantage of my garden’s grace. I am raising and waving my hand in the air up here in VT, I would enjoy a long story divided up in shorts, with your wonderful artwork. I’m off for a hike while the air is sweet and cool…

I hope your husband is progressing nicely! Sending continued healing thoughts your way.

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Oh, Lor, that helps so much. Still thinking about this idea but fear that folks wouldn't want three posts in one week.

Lor's avatar

Then drop them in once a week and we will all be excitedly waiting for the next one!

Liz Gauffreau's avatar

Three day posts of one story as long as there’s not a longer time between parts.

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Liz, that helps. but I worry about overwhelming inboxes!

Liz Gauffreau's avatar

A legitimate worry!