Tonight (Friday) my friend Pat and I went to the Detroit Institute of Arts to see Happendance perform a tribute to Isadora Duncan, the pioneer of modern dance in America. It was one of many special events in conjunction with the exhibit, "Life's Pleasures: The Ashcan Artists' Brush with Leisure." The performance was in a part of the museum where I could photograph the dancers Matt, Amanda and Emma from the second floor. I love this perspective, but, as a short woman in a mobility scooter, it's rare that I get the opportunity to look down on much of anything! Well, maybe flowers and earthworms. After watching the performance we went to see the exhibit. For me it had great meaning.

Back when I was a painter, my creative bible was Robert Henri's book, "The Art Spirit." Even though it had been written in 1923, this book of Henri's notes, reflections and encouragement to artists spoke to me in a way that no other book about creativity ever did. So, seeing the paintings of these Ash Can artists whose "leader" was Robert Henri brought back so many memories. But, more than memories, their work resonated deeply with the photographer in me. After all, Henri always exhorted them to "paint what you know." "Keep it real!" And isn't that exactly what I'm trying to do with my photography? I don't know where my copy of "The Art Sprit" went to, but I do know I'm going to buy a new one. He still has much to teach me.