Solitary and Joyful

Today I was by myself. Which is not normal for a mom of two kids or for anyone living in Turkey, which is a very group-oriented culture. (Hubby and kids were in Ankara for a Chanukah party at the Israeli Embassy.) I went to the gym and sauna. Then I went to my office to work in quiet. I love to paint with no one around, and no one waiting for me.
But late in the afternoon a friend and colleague knocked on my door and said I should come into the city with her. She felt sorry that I was alone, but I'm so glad, as she is a wonderful person who I want to know better. She did her masters at Pratt, and has great English, although she also tries to speak Turkish with me. She deals with a difficult family situation, and we talked about living happy for each day, rather than living for the future. We had coffee at Schlotzke's Deli–yes, var! in the middle of Anatolia, too!
This is one of her paintings. I feel I am loved and enveloped in color.