Once again, there are three new charcoal pieces since my last post and because I can’t decide which one to leave out, I’m going to present all three. I have noticed how the ones I like most are not the ones that get the strongest reaction on social media. #16, the stork above, is hands down the most popular of the charcoal series and it has only been online for a few days. Not that I don’t like it, but I have to admit I’m surprised. These three in particular have shown me there is often a wonkiness - the oddly shaped head, eyes that don’t match, fantasy feathers - that keeps the birds from being anatomically correct. As I’ve said before, I’m not interested in imitating nature. A resemblance, of course, but my birds are about something more ethereal. In the meantime, I saw my cataract surgeon and I do in fact have calcium developing on the right replacement lens. He said it is not an uncommon reaction and I am now scheduled for laser surgery at the end of the month. It is supposed to be a much easier procedure with only a few days of drops instead of the month-long schedule I had to deal with before. It was a relief to find out I wasn’t over-reacting or being a difficult patient. And in other news, I’m happy to report that I was accepted as an associate member of The Newbridge Project, an artist organization in Newcastle Upon Tyne, where I plan to live once I get to the UK. My artist page isn’t up yet, but I have access to their events and programs, and hopefully will become part of the art community there. So, some okay news with potentially good results, and some good news for my UK future. Onward.