How We Connect these days

"How We Connect" WIP

I have just come back from Germany again. This time I took my daughter Mona (12) with me, now vaccinated. She's been missing her family over there, especially my sister, her aunt, and my mom, her grandmother. They are close, the pandemic didn't change that. 

Right after we had arrived we went to see my mom. She has been living in a nursing home, her Parkinson's is progressing fast. She cried when she saw Mona and hugged her as tightly as she could. Mona had crocheted a life-size duck for her, sunny yellow, so soft, and with a nice little smile. Something to hold while she's not there, she said.

We all went on a long afternoon walk and then had dinner together in her room until we had to leave because of the restricted visiting hours. It was such a good day.

The next day my mom was brought to the emergency room, some infection and a neurological unknown. She stayed in the hospital until we had to fly back after two weeks. I was able to see her one hour per day. Mona wasn't allowed in at all but at least the duck was. And we treasure that one day that we spent together.

We'll go back over the holidays, all of us.  It's less then eight weeks away while there are lots of things left to accomplish before then. Two shows coming up, for example. One of them is the exhibit of the projects of a 2020 virtual residency which I was gladly part of.

One more left to do: the largest sphere, 5"

 

I'm doing pretty well with my "How to Connect" piece, I'd say. One more sphere to cover with names, then sealing everything. With 353 spheres that may take a while though. And also, I want to make a video about it so viewers will be able to experience the interactive piece without touching it. 

There are days when I think I cannot make it, it's all too much, but today is not one of those days. Today is a I-can-do-it day even though I'm feeling completely overwhelmed at the same time. Does that even make sense?

Anyways. I've kept the largest sphere for last. The big finale, yes. I'm looking forward to seeing these balls, these groups of people together. One thing is for sure, this 5" sphere will cause a lot of commotion in the bowl.