Ring Quest, Quest to Colombia, Questions, and Quiescent Company
I received my ring from Jewelry by Johan last week and… well… let’s just say the aquamarine was not aquamarine-ing. I had very clearly said I did not want anything green-leaning. I said it in person. I said it in the order notes. I said it again in the follow-up email. They even replied confirming it would match what I saw in the showroom.
The picture I took in the showroom. (Crushed Aquamarine, Crushed Lapis Lazuli, and meteorite were my choices.)
The mock-up they sent me for approval. (Which is honestly perfect!)
So imagine my surprise when I opened the box and found a stone the exact shade of “mermaid swamp water.” Not quite the Artavi blue I was going for.
What I received.
Thankfully, when I pointed it out, they immediately acknowledged the mistake and had me ship it back. They’re redoing the entire inlay and promised to send photos before shipping this time. So while the initial miss was disappointing, I’m genuinely happy with how quickly they owned it. Fingers crossed the next version is the one I’ve been dreaming of. That’s four rings so far in search of something in remembrance of my ma. Hopefully the fifth time is the charm.
Travel News: Passport Unlocked
In happier news — my passport arrived! Bogotá, here I come. I’m planning a trip for Q1 of 2027. I’ve made so many friends in Colombia over the years, and I’m excited to finally meet them in person, soak in the culture, and see the sights (the company I work for has a site there).
One of my early paintings, Which Way Is Up, actually lives there now. I gifted it to a friend, and it made the 3,000‑mile journey for the low, low price of “shockingly cheap” thanks to PirateShip. It did spend two months in customs, probably contemplating its life choices, but it made it there safely.
Health Stuff (Because Apparently I’m Collecting Plot Twists)
On a more serious note, some health concerns popped up recently. While looking at unrelated things, doctors found a growth on my adrenal gland. These are pretty common in older men and usually harmless unless they start producing extra hormones.
Well… mine decided to go for the high score. A recent test showed my cortisol levels are 4–5 times higher than they should be. So now we’re doing more testing. Not exactly the adventure I wanted, but here we are.
And you might laugh, but my biggest worry — should I ever get the worst news — is Tavi. He’s so deeply attached to me, and I to him. My sister knows she’s his person if anything happens, and she knows he’d need to see my body for closure. Morbid, yes, but grief and loss have a way of making you think about things you never expected to plan for.
More info to come as I get it.
Art Updates: A Whole Backlog and One Big Reveal
I have about fifteen finished pieces sitting quietly in the wings, waiting for their moment. Some are simple pours and swipes, some are experiments with old and new supplies, and two of them have me especially excited.
One is a star-being-visited piece that turned out pretty cool — but I’m going to redo it because I know I can push it further.
But the pièce de résistance is a painting I’ve titled “Quiescent Company.”
It’s inspired by:
Tavi (obviously)
My parents (both of whom passed last year)
And the Starry Night–esque painting class I mentioned in my last blog
It has a swirling sky, a man and his dog, a reflective spot, and a tribute to lost loved ones — all woven into one scene. I’ve been working on it for a month, and it’s ultraviolet reactive, which adds a whole extra layer of magic. (Teaser below.)
(3×2-inch teaser of my 16×20-inch “Quiescent Company”)
I’m starting daily painting shares again this week, so stay tuned. I haven’t decided whether to begin or end with Quiescent Company. If you have an opinion, drop a comment — I genuinely love hearing what people think.
Thank you for reading, for caring, and for being part of this little corner of my world. Life has been a mix of beauty, grief, creativity, and unexpected detours, and sharing it with you makes it all feel a little lighter. Wishing you peace, joy, and good company — quiet or otherwise.