The following conversation took place at the kindling box, our artistic work area. Hrimmi marched right up there late this afternoon. We then had the following conversation/painting lesson.

Alys: Hrimmi, I really don’t have a clue as to how I am going to teach you to paint. Are you sure this is something you want to learn to do?
Hrimmi: Yes it is. It’s in my DNA.
A: Here we go again, the DNA thing. Are you sure you weren’t reincarnated?
H: Oh yes, I was reincarnated. My desire to paint was also the desire of my predecessors.
A: How do you know what a predecessor is?

Hrimmi drawing in the snow

H: Tyra told me.
A: Yesterday, when I was walking with her, we saw a coven, is that what it was, of Ravens.
H: And you were walking Tyra, right?
A: Yes.
H: The ravens were most likely communicating something to her.
A: It was like a thesis committee or something.
H: I don’t know what a thesis committee is.
A: Ask Tyra.
H: Okay. Let’s get down to business.
A: Can you pick up this yellow highlighter?
H: No.
A: Can you pick up this nail brush?
H: Absolutely not.
A: Well, what do I do now?
H: Go into the woodshed and grab a stick.
A: Will do.
H: Good. This is like a paintbrush. Let me see it. Hmm, hold it up and I will take it out of your hands.
A: There you go. Hold on.
H: This is difficult. Maybe I should take up croquet.
A: How about crochet?
H: You have to have thumbs to do that. I don’t have thumbs.
A: But you don’t need thumbs to paint.
H: True. Very true. Hand me that stick.
A: Okay. Now scrap the snow on top of this here kindling box.
H: Like this?
A: Yes!!!! Like that. Hrimmi, beautiful job.
H: Let me try it again.
A: Wow! Look at that line. You obviously are very talented.
H: It only took you eight years to figure this out.
A: Fortunately, you are in your prime.
H: Tyra is worried that you are going to exploit me.
A: No. I did think that maybe we could sell your paintings and earn enough to purchase a building for the Bright Lights books. But then I got to thinking about it – I simply want for you to have a hobby.
H: I also want to pull the cart. That’s my favorite thing of all.
A: And ski jour?
H: Yes, that too.
A: But painting. Are you up for learning more?
H: I am.
A: For now, I think we are just going to be using the stick and drawing lines in the snow. Come spring, we will get you an easel, canvas, paints, and a smock.
H: You’ve never painted before, right?
A: That’s right.
H: So, you are going to find out more about this beforehand.
A: Yes.
H: Good. I’ve had enough for today. Let’s go for a walk.
A: Yes, let’s.

Next: 338. 12/9/20: The Dog and Pony Show: Sunset over Squalor Holler