Amanda, books, and a party

I don't know where to begin.  So I'll go somewhat chronologically.

This morning I got up early, went to the studio, and made books with fishhooks.  It was an experience that turned out to be a lot like painting.  I'm sorry I don't have photos for you tonight (it's past midnight, and I'm in my party clothes. . .) but I will finish those two books tomorrow and tell you all about them then. 

I've been at the studio very, very late for the past few days.  Each night when I leave, the director's dog Amanda, a herding dog, herds me home.  I'm a sheep, no kidding.  She weaves left to right in front of me, then left to right in back, then front again.  I feel entirely safe with her there.  Then, when we get to my door, I let her in.  She stands in the middle of my apartment, not accepting salami or water, just some petting from me.  Then, she's off into the night.  Like Superman.  Comforting, but puzzling.

Last night (must have been after she dropped me off), she brought home a two-week-old kitten to the director's house.  Now we have a kitten sleeping in one of the spaces in the studio. 

Amanda is like a saint, but she's a dog.  She travels from town to town, doesn't take our treats, and even herds the director's car.  They think she's crazy; and I think she knows more than I do about certain things.

Back to my party clothes:  one of the artists who has been a resident here, John Palmer, someone who is great at promoting his art, created a trip for twenty of his collectors to travel Greece, visit the studio here for an opening of his new work, and then each receive a free print from him.  It had to be a great time for these folks.  I was at the party and opening tonight:  Greek food, Greek dancing, lots of art, loads of fun.  And, yes, I danced.  It was a LOT of fun.  The moves are a lot like line dancing -- the grapevine, to be exact -- but with a lot more zest.  (Don't tell anyone, but I did my fair share of the grapevine in the 90's!)  We danced in circles, kicking and swaying, and after a while I did this with little Zoey in my arms for probably thirty minutes.  A very memorable time.

Update:  the movie star thing fell through.  There was a momentary hush in the studio when we found out.  But we know where they shop, so I expect I may still run into one of the Big Three.  Either way, it's fine.  If I had to choose, I'd pick dancing with Zoey and having the art flow, over seeing the cast.  Grateful for whatever comes, because it's all pretty magical at this point.

A little champagne, a lot of dancing, and two pieces of baklava go a long way.  I'm cutting this short. . .let's see if Amanda escorts me home tonight.  Have a great day.