No Left Turns

Flexibility.   Most days I can’t even spell the word.

Back story: During my recent trip to Norway, I discovered gnomes—those bearded, large-nosed, gnarly, whimsical little guys with magical powers. Norwegian lore suggests they represent good fortune and respect along with protecting homes and pets from evil.

Gnomes fascinate me—so much so I even hand-carried one 7,000 miles home for Lucie. We placed him in our garden and named him Mr. Nice. (Nisse is Norwegian for “gnome”.)

Back to flexibility: I decided to paint a series of gnomes. Well, the problem is my gnomes keep showing up as thought-provoking women. Frustrating. Annoying.  Vexing. I mean when I decide to do something I do it—no left turns allowed.

I looked at Lucie and sighed. She licked my cheek.  A clear message emanated from her chocolate eyes, “Mama, your muse is speaking to you. Give up control. Take on flexibility.”

And, you know, Lucie was correct. My series of thought-provoking women is, well, thought-provoking.

Maybe there’s something to flexibility, after all?

At least, I’ll give it a whirl.

Shy Nudes

Judith Kolva, Artist