Prospect and Refuge...

...is what I call my corner of the world on Catherine Street. This idea, this architectural concept, was shared with me by one of my favorite Key West Artists, Leo Gullick, as he was strolling by on Catherine and stopped for a chat one night. It was late in the evening, and the only illumination was the soft amber street light where William crosses Catherine. [This is the light I work and play by.] Leo offered that my space brought the idea of Prospect and Refuge to mind. I have been mindful of it ever since. [Thanks Leo! (and thanks to folks that collaborate the good things in life!)]

My P and R It is where I work and play, editing photographs, "following the monochord" as I discover music with my guitar and sketching ideas as I square away the end of day in my fplrg.*

This space is my Refuge. And because the line of view faces the intersection of the cross streets, and the world of Key West rolls by, it is also my Prospect. I am aware of my surroundings and its inhabitants. I am both connected and protected, my little world symbiotic with the macrocosm.

I have a vision of a great little shotgun shack downtown with a place in the front where I can show and sell my images and hang out with other anarchists who have chosen their art, their talents, as the focus of their journey and folks who want to acquire the artifacts of those who create. Like mine for instance. A place on the porch for a refreshing beverage and conversation and music...sigh...these are things I desire.

In the meantime, I happily do the work, prepare it from my Prospect and Refuge, nod hello as folks stroll by, give directions to El Siboney ["you're almost there, two more blocks."]  and watch my garden grow.

*fplrg = front porch living room garden

** Monstera Deliciosa gifted to garden by Molly Brown

***sculpture in my garden by Susan Johnson