Studio Disaster

Yesterday,Bill came into the kitchen and told me he just let three chickens out of the studio. They must have gotten themselves stuck in there the day before. (I think they got through a whole in the screen door) And he added they had made a huge mess. Well, that didn't begin to describe it. I started walking towards the RV when the tears began to fall. Yesterday was supposed to be my art day. I was looking forward to a whole day of creativity. As I walked into the space, the first thing that hit me was the smell, then the devastation. Every surface was covered in poop, and everything I had been working on was now on the floor. Nails and screws covered my work table. Brushes that were soaking in cleaner were tipped over and my projects were scattered. There was chicken poop on my computer keyboard, and even on my Bible. I couldn't even sit down on the couch. It was the worst. They must have been pacing back and forth in front of the window on the back of the couch.

I couldn't touch a thing. I could only cover my face and sob. I walked back outside and sobbed some more. Bill hugged me and let me cry on his shoulder, but there was nothing either of us could change about it. Finally I got control of my weeping and blew my nose. I grabbed the broom and a roll of paper towels from the house and headed back to the RV. All day long I cleaned, and sorted, and pitched things. Thank God, none of my special work was scratched. A few paintings went into the trash, but nothing noteworthy. As I worked, I felt liberated in a way. It was easier to throw away things and organize what I should have gotten in order before. I finished it today and put the worktable back in business. I actually got to drill a few new holes in a piece I've been working on. I don't have a vendetta against the chickens anymore. We've made peace. I've got a new start on a cleaner space.