Pictures from Homecoming

All of these pictures were taken on the Drew University campus and in the Zuck Arboretum. I haven't been on that campus sin May 2006 on graduation day and I was beginning to forget how beautiful that campus was.

Part 3 of Lillian and Geoffrey

Part 1 can be found here.
Part 2 can be found here.

They walk back to the manor where the others are waiting for them.  The brothers have the shooting equipment.  Emily has an excited look on her face when she sees Lillian and Geoffrey walk in.



Lucas: What took you?
Geoffrey: We were just chatting.
Emily: Oh really?  What about?
Lillian: Nothing.
Edmond: Well then, let's get on with it.


They go out back into a field.  They set up and begin shooting with the ladies watching.


Emily: Lily, why don't you take a turn?
Lillian: No, I'd rather watch.
Emily: (to the men) My sister would like a turn.
Geoffrey: Here, take my rifle. (Lillian pushes it away) You don't like shooting?
Lillian: I don't know how.
Geoffrey: No worries, I will show you.  This is how you hold it. (He demonstrates and then he guides her)


Edmond: (to the others) What are those two up to?
Emily: He's just showing her how to shoot.
Edmond: It looks like more than that.
Lucas: Maybe on her end.

Emily: Why, what do you mean, Lucas?

Lucas: He's only just been married.
Emily: What?
Lucas: Yes, to his cousin.  That's why he's here in town.
Emily: Why isn't he on his honeymoon.  Surely he can afford one.
Lucas: I'm not certain.
Edmond: That is enough.  He doesn't want people to know, plus, it isn't any of our concern.
Emily: (to herself) I wonder why he's being so secretive.


Emily looks to her sister, sees how much she is enjoying herself and begins to feel sad for her.


Geoffrey: Miss Evans, you are doing a wonderful job.  At this rate, you could be a competitor by Christmas.
Lillian: It is all due to your great teaching.  Thank you.
Geoffrey: Anything for you. (He puts down the rifle and takes Lillian's hand) Will you grant me permission to call upon you?
Lillian: Yes, I will.  Will you be coming by often?  I know you don't live here, so -
Geoffrey: Well, business requires me to stay here indefinitely.
Lillian: I am glad to hear it.


Everyone is gathered around the table for supper.  They've already eaten and are now enjoying dessert.


Geoffrey: Supper was delicious, Mrs. Evans.
Cynthia: That is very kind of you to say.  I'll be sure to let cook know you said so.
Edmond: Why do you have to tell her?  She's just a servant.
Cynthia: My dear, you know very well that she is more that just a servant.  She's like family.  She works hard and it will do her some good to receive a compliment every once in a while.
Lucas: Any news from father?
Cynthia: Nothing yet, I'm afraid.
Geoffrey: Where exactly is Mr. Evans?
Lillian: He's gone to the West Indies.
Geoffrey: Missionary work or trade?
Lillian: Trade
Geoffrey: Of?
Edmond: Sl-
Lillian: -sugar

Geoffrey: I see (seemingly disappointed)

Cynthia: He said that he would write as soon as he arrived.

Emily: I hope that's soon; I already miss him.
Lillian: I'm sure he'll write.


Everyone is in the sitting room.  Cynthia is knitting, Edmond and Lucas are playing a card game, Geoffrey is reading, Lillian is writing in her journal and Emily is sitting with her.



Emily: Lily, I learned something this afternoon that I think you should know.

Lillian: Oh?

Emily: It's about Mr. Bishop.  Edmond says that Mr. Bishop doesn't want people to know but-

Lillian: Well if he doesn't want people to know then I think you should keep it to yourself.

Emily: But it's important.

Lillian: I'm sure it is and that is why he wants it to stay private.  I think it would be wise for you to respect his wishes.



Geoffrey walks over to the ladies.



Emily: This is something you really need to know.

Lillian: tell me later, then. When we are alone.

Emily: But-

Geoffrey: Good evening ladies. May I sit with you?

Lillian: I don't see why not.

Emily: We are having a private conversation.

Lillian: Em, don't be silly.  Please sit, Mr. Bishop.

Geoffrey: What are you writing?

Lillian: Events of the day, well, the exciting ones at least.

Emily: Please, Mr. Bishop, tell us more about the merger from earlier today.



Lillian gives Emily a look, but is intrigued to hear what he has to say.



Geoffrey: Well, my new partner was in some financial trouble and the business is on the verge of...shutting down.  I merely decided to step in and handle their debt and help  them...shut down gracefully.

Lillian: That sounds noble, but what exactly do you hope to gain from this merging?

Emily: Yes, do tell us.

Geoffrey: My partner and I have a...persona relationship.  It does me well just to know that my partner is taken care of.

Emily: (under her breath) Personal relationship, indeed.

Part 2 of Lillian and Geoffrey

Part 1 can be found here

G: Perhaps you're right
L: I know I am right.
(They smile at each other)

The day after the ball, in a cottage outside of London, Lillian and Emily are in their bedchamber discussing the goings on of the previous evening.


E: I noticed Mr. Bishop never left your side last night.
L: He was only being a gentleman.
E: I think he was being more than a gentleman. I believe his intentions were otherwise focused.
L: What exactly do you mean by that? (knowing full well)
E: (Teasingly) I think he fancies you.
L: He does not! (not believable)
E: Either way, he has grown to be very handsome.
L: I suppose.
E: You suppose? Hm, well, I suppose you haven't heard that he came into a big inheritance after his uncle passed away a few years ago.
L: Oh? (without a care)
E: Yes! (over-excitedly)
L: And?
E: Well, if you won't have him, then maybe I will.
L: Emy, that is so silly. What about Alec?
E: What about him?
L: Emy?
E: What? It isn't as if we are engaged.
L: But he loves you.
E: And what will that do for me? Of course love is amazing and wonderful, but one cannot live on love alone. A woman needs stability.
L: I cannot believe what I'm hearing.
E: What?
L: Are you telling me that you are willing to flirt with a perfectly worthy gentleman only to squash his raised hopes? You couldn't possible believe that money can bring you happiness.
E: No, money can't bring me happiness, but love can't bring me wealth. Lily, we are women. Do you know what that means? If we don't have rich prospects, we have nothing.
L: (upon exiting the room) I believe there is more to it than that.

It is noon and the young ladies are in the sun room having tea with their mother, Cynthia. Lillian is silent and Emily continues to give her interesting looks.

C: Lillian my dear, what has you so vexed?
L: It is mothing, mother.
E: It certainly isn't nothing.
L: Emily!?
C: What is it?
E: My dear sister refuses to admit to herself that she has feelings for a certain gentleman.
L: She doesn't know what she is saying.
C: Is this the young man with whom I saw you dancing?
E: Yes!
L: No, please. It is no one.
C: Well why not? He seems to be amiable. He is a handsome young man and I understand that his pockets are nowhere near empty.
L: Mother? Is that really all you think about? Must it really be based on how much money a man has?
C: S you admit that you have feelings for him?
L: (stands) I'm going for a walk.
E: I'll come with you.
L: I'd rather go alone.
C: Take your sister with you. It's such a lovely day and neither of you have been out yet.

The two young ladies are walking outside. Lillian is ahead of Emily.

E: (trying to catch up) What is the matter?
L: I don't want to talk to you.
E: Why not?
L: (after a moment) You think you know everything. I am not certain of my feelings for Mr. Bishop and yet you feel the need to tell everyone that I am in love.
E: I didn't tell everyone. I only told mother.
L: Exactly! If mother knows, then everyone knows.
E: You're right. Please forgive me.
L: Do you really believe that marrying a man for his money is right?
E: I never said it was right. That is just how it is. Everything that our father owns will go to our brothers.
L: may they have pity on us when that comes to pass.
E: Pity won't be necessary after you marry Mr. Bishop. (teasingly)
L: Enily!?

They continue walking for a while when they see three men walking towards them. Recognizing two of them as Edmond and Lucas, they continue to walk in their direction.

Edmond: Lillian, Emily, what has you out today?
Lillian: We are out for a stroll. Would you like to jo- (noticing Mr. Bishop among her brothers) Mr. Bishop? What brings you here?
Geoffrey: I had some business to conduct in town when I stumbled upon your brothers. They were gracious enough to invite me over for a bit of sport and supper afterward. I hope that's alright.
Emily: That is perfectly fine. I know my sister has no objections.
(Lillian blushes and Geoffrey smiles)

Lucas: We can't join you ladies, I'm afraid, we were on our way to the cottage to fetch the shooting equipment.
Lillian: That's alright, We will see you this evening for supper.
Emily: Actually, no, let us come along with you. I would love to learn how to shoot.
Lillian: We don't want to be in your way.
Geoffrey: I think it's a novel idea.

The brothers look at each other, obviously not liking the idea and they walk toward the house. Emily follows them while purposefully leaving Lillian and Geoffrey alone.

L: Exactly what sort of business were you handling or am I too bold to ask?
G: I was organizing a...merging of businesses. I was acquiring a business partner. Nothing all too interesting for a woman such as yourself.
L: What do you mean, a woman such as myself?
G: Please forgive me. I did not mean to offend you. I only meant that I did not think you would be interested in business maters.
L: I what sort of thing would you think I'd be interested?
G: I don't know, but I would like to.


To be continued.

Love Triangle

Something I did a couple of years ago. 2 closeups and the final product. I can't draw hands very well, so I had to hide them. The legs are pretty iffy too, but not bad for my first try.

The Phone Call

Every night, before she fell asleep, _ would imagine herself lying in bed hoping for her cell phone to ring. Not only did she hope for her cell phone to ring, but she also hoped that it would be a certain _ on the other end. The phone would ring and she would answer with a nonchalant "hello". The male voice on the other end would ask, "Is this _?" "Yes", she would answer and knowing damn well who it was would ask, "Who's speaking?"

"It's _", he would answer, wondering if she had truly forgotten his voice. "How are you doing? It's been a long time, hasn't it?" he asked hoping he didn't sound like the heart-breaker he knew he was. "Yeah, it sure has been. I'm doing well, very well", she would brag, "and you?"

"I'm miserable."
"Oh?"
"I miss you terribly."
"I don't know what to say."
"Tell me you miss me too."
"I'm sorry, I don't."
"I know you do. You're the woman that I love."
"I'm sorry, I'm not the woman for you."
"Yes, you are!"
"I have to go."
Then she would hang up, roll over and kiss her sleeping husband and fall asleep.

Whenever her fantasies ended, _ would close her eyes and hope that it would come true. Too bad it never did, until tonight. The phone rang and she answered with a nonchalant "hello". The male voice on the other end asked, "Is this _?" "Yes", she answered and knowing damn well who it was asked, "Who's speaking?"

"It's _", he answered, wondering if she had truly forgotten his voice. "How are you doing? It's been a long time, hasn't it?" he asked hoping he didn't sound like the heart-breaker he knew he was. "Yeah, it sure has been. I'm doing well, very well", she lied, "and you?"

"I'm ecstatic!"
"Oh?"
"I'm getting married."
"I don't know what to say."
"Tell me you're happy for me."
"I'm so happy for you."
"I knew you would be. She's the woman that I love."
"She must really be the woman for you."
"Yes. She is."
"I have to go."
Then she hung up, rolled over, hugged her pillow and cried herself to sleep.

Thank God It's Friday

Today could have been the worst day ever. Work was crazy as hell. Those babies would not stop crying. I'm nearing the end of the dreaded curse which means I get my scheduled headaches.
So...
screaming babies+ curse+ headache= hell on earth!

It was raining this morning which I didn't mind all that much and I'm normally the first one to work and after me comes two coworkers and their kids. Other kids start coming in and already there is mayhem.

One kid poops all over the place while mom drops off and then poops again after mom leaves. I have to call mom to come back because it's diarrhea and they can't be here with that. My favorite kid falls and bites his lip resulting in a huge gash and there is drama.

Then my boss decides to be all angry around me, and I just don't want to hear it. I don't like her, I never liked her and I never will like her.


So anyway, I had to deal with a crazy boss and crazy kids and I was just tired of it.


Now I am hanging out with my friend and we're having drinks and talking relationship talk. I need a lot of advice in that area.

Pictures from today's nature walk

Some new (and old) stuff

This is my version of the Maroon 5 Songs about Jane album cover.
















These are two Regency Era inspired pieces. I have no titles for them, but I love looking at them.

Lillian and Geoffrey (incomplete)

Geoffrey Bishop- Mid-late 20's, single
Lillian Evans- Early 20's, single

At a social gathering in London (1800's). Lillian is standing against a wall observing the other guests dancing, conversing, etc. She notices Geoffrey on the other side of the room and catches his gaze. He smiles and nods as if to suggest a bow. She returns the smile and nod as if to suggest a curtsy. Geoffrey cuts through the crowd in Lillian's direction.

G: Good evening, Miss Evans (He bows)
L: Good evening, Mr. Bishop ( she curtsy's)
G:You look well.
L: I am, as do you.
G: Thank you; I trust your family is well.
L: Yes, they are, thank you, and yours?
G: Very well, indeed. Have you had the pleasure of dancing with any of these fine gentlemen this evening?
L: I'm afraid I'm not one for dancing. Besides, it seems my sister is the Belle of the Ball. She hasn't left the dance floor yet and I believe she is engaged in at least three more dances.
G: Is that so? Well I can't imagine why you wouldn't want to dance, every musical selection so far has been agreeable.
L: I'm sure they have.
G: Mm (nods)
L: Does that mean you've had the opportunity with one of these ladies?
G: As a matter of fact, I have, with a few, actually. Now, what exactly is keeping you from dancing?
L: (Chuckles to herself) Earlier today, my brothers and I engaged ourselves in a little sport.
G: I'm intrigued. Pray, tell me more.
L: My brothers, Edmond and Lucas, have decided to teach me everything they know about cricket. My sister, Emily will have nothing to do with it, so I'm afraid my brothers have intensified their teachings.
G: You must be quite exhausted, then.
L: I am a little, (she hold up her left hand and moves her hand about as if to stretch her wrist) though I'm afraid my wrist is in need of mending.
G: (Takes her hand and begins to massage her wrist) How is that? Does that feel better?
L: (Stunned) That feels just fine, thank you. (She begins to pull her arm away but succumbs to the touch of his hands on her wrist)
G: Good. (He kisses her wrist and returns her hand)
L: Thank you. (taking her hand back and rubbing her wrist) You are too bold Mr. Bishop.
G: I believe your beauty has inspired such boldness in me.
L: (blushing and hardly able to speak) You are kind as well as bold. I do not deserve such a compliment.
G: I believe you do.

(They smile at each other)
Emily appears with her dance partner, Alec

E: Mr. Bishop (excitedly) how long has it been since you had the pleasure of being in my company?
G: Too long, my dear Miss Evans (kisses her hand) Have you been enjoying yourself this evening?
E: Yes, I have, very much. And yourself?
G: I find the festivities very enjoyable, but there is only one problem. I can't seem to get your sister to dance with me.

(Everyone looks at Lillian)
L: (begins to speak but is interrupted)
E: Oh please, dear sister. Do come and dance. I shall pester you all evening if you do not.
L: Alright then.
G: Lovely, shall we? (holds out his arm for Lillian to grasp)
They walk further into the dance hall filled with other couples and spectators. They join the line and dance.
(while dancing)
E: My sister seems to be enjoying herself. Don't you think so?
A: Yes, she seems to be having a lovely time.
E: I'm glad.
(while dancing)
G: I suppose your brothers haven't worked you too hard, then.
L: Why do you say that?
G: Your dancing-
L:What about it?
G:It's absolutely perfect. You dance beautifully.
L: Why thank you. (blushing) I must say, you dance quite nicely yourself.
G: (smiles) A compliment. I believe that is the first one in the many years we've known each other.
L: Perhaps you should do more things worth complimenting.

To Be Continued