It’s that time again–time for our beloved family friend Slim and his pack of devoted pups to jump back wholeheartedly into the life of our household. For the past eleven months they’ve been keeping a low profile up in their attic hideaway. In years past, my mother’s basement has served as their quiet refuge during the non-October months. This changed last year when Slim made his acquaintance with the recently finished upper room at our house. He loved it so much he found no reason to leave, as long as I promised not to be overly intrusive. He has a good four weeks of chatty, jovial cordiality in him per year, but no more. I understand. I need my alone time, too.
Slim and the gang enjoyed tucking themselves into the attic’s odd and cozy spaces. When they were huddled silently behind the screen, as in the top photo, I sometimes forgot they were in the house. Other times they nestled into the dormers, where they could lounge with a pile of books and keep occasional watch on the neighborhood below.
As planned, Slim caught up on his reading, delving deep into some of his favorite periods in art history.
Inspired by our intention that the attic serve as a studio for my painting and craft projects, Slim had rekindled his interest in a variety of artistic pursuits. His building of a miniature medieval manor house turned out to be no more than a passing fancy, rather as I had expected. He offered advice as I fiddled with the restoration of an old family mantel clock. When I encouraged him to take on the task of gold-leafing the column bases and capitals, he claimed to be overtired. What can I say, he was off duty.
As fall approached, Slim’s energy increased. He painted a couple of dried gourds, delighting in their arresting shapes and textures.
And in early October, he offered encouragement, if not actual assistance, when I began repainting our church’s battered old nativity figures, those that spend Advent and Christmas in the outdoor manger.
There was considerable room for improvement, as these “before” photos of the lamb and donkey show. Slim was by my side as I worked on the animals. The human figures–the holy family, shepherd, angel and three kings–will be more challenging. I wish I could entrust their makeovers to Slim. But Halloween is upon us, and I know he will certainly be “overtired” in the days ahead.
I can hear Slim now, starting to make ready for the big day. He’s dragging out the orange and green lights. Onward, to Halloween!
