January 27, 2010
Dear Maggie

I'm taking a deep breath here. Ellen died on January fourth.  Her death was peaceful and somehow very beautiful, a freedom and release from a body which no longer was needed. Her sweet and loving soul was lifted, carried away, her long journey ended and yet beginning in a new and sacred way.  Her passing has left me aching inside. I find some comfort knowing she was able to be home, in the city she loved, surrounded by friends and family. I find comfort in knowing there were no words left unsaid between us, no regrets, just a profound trust and love grown from this shared experience.  I find comfort in her presence, still here within me, for I know love doesn't die.

My work, my art, was set aside during Ellen's long illness. It was clear to me our journey together was most important. I am realizing now, walking through this grief, my work will be my salvation. It always has been my way of cleansing the heart and I'm sure this will be no different. With time, with time and patience, I'll find myself through my hands. I've decided to stay here in New Orleans. It's a city with a heart and soul like no other and maybe, just maybe, I can learn how to breathe again, how to find my new path here.  Ellen and I always talked about having a gallery and as I was wandering around the city last week looking for studio space I realized the time was now.  Right now.  Right crazy now. Ellen would have absolutely loved it.  I have no doubt in her guidance, I have no doubt in her gifts to me.

So, Lucky Girls Gallery is happening.  It will be a working studio with an area to show my work and at some point, the work of other artists. It's exciting and scary and oh so very insane in some ways, but I can't imagine doing it any other way.   Life is too short, time is too precious.  

Lucky girls we are.

much love,
cathy