Quite apart from the dread of dying of some horrible disease, I am chiefly glad I recently quit smoking tobacco (again and finally) because of you, my friend, my love, my Franziska; over the years in which I have watched you bloom I have witnessed the miracle which you are, and it makes me want to live to see it all in all its quiet and ineluctable majesty.

You, as much as anyone I have ever known or known of, are an artist; this is what and who you are, and I am joyful to see you living it, being it, living and being you: Franziska the Artist.

Yes, I have studied Art History many long years, and my Grandma spent a lot of money for that--for which I am everlastingly grateful--and I have even painted paintings which no one will ever see (because I have destroyed them), so I suppose I could comment on the ribbon of life motif running through this glorious fantasia of goshawks, totemic owls, and even--and this is my personally singular delight--your own fair form within the frame, but the heart wants and will have what it wants, and what mine wants is to simply say thank you for doing what you are manifestly called to do, for taking up your vocation and serving it well, unfolding like the lotus on the way.

Thank you, Franziska. Keep at it, please; the world has been made ugly and is in need of you to make it beautiful again.

God bless and keep you; receive and embrace my love always, as I enjoy the beauty which he sends to us through you.

Respect, solidarity, and love always,

+Stevie

very nice, Franziska

That's pretty cool.