Maria has an effusive and unpredictable inner spirit that is continuously emerging, she has a vibrant personality that continuously surprises and delights me. Walking in the deep woods this afternoon, I gave her my walking stick so I could take some photos, and when I looked up, she started twirling the stick like a high school twirler or drum major in a parade.

She got off to a rough start, the stick flew out of her hands and hit Fate on the head, but she just wagged her tail and ran off after a chipmunk. It would take a direct hit with a brick to get Fate’s attention. I have never seen Maria twirl anything, and I have no idea where this sudden impulse came from, but ideas bubble up from the inside all the time with Maria, lots of surprises.

Maria twirled for a few minutes – the cheerleader buried deep inside of her, I imagine – and I thought to take a photo of this, she seemed to be so pleased with herself and was having so much fun. It is a wonder to be so continuously surprised by someone you leave with, Maria is ever opening up, in her life, in her art.  I never take her for granted.

I was smiling all afternoon, I had to yell to get my stick back.