Laser

Oh, we had the best weekend! Our niece and nephew visited us, and it was such a fun time from beginning to end. On Sunday morning, we met in the kitchen and while deciding what type of latte everyone wanted, I inquired of my niece and nephew, “Do you guys know that LASER is an acronym? Because it is, you know.” My niece shrugged and said, “Oh.” My nephew said, “It is?” They may or may not have been impressed that I knew that LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. They should not be impressed. I’ve just always been good at memorizing esoteric stuff. So, while explaining my work background with directed energy and how I worked with both high power microwaves (HPM) as well as high energy lasers (HEL), our focus was really on HPM because, well, lasers are really tricky. And, so on and so on. My nephew then asked if he should stir the blueberry compote which was simmering away as I prepared the French toast. My niece offered to set the table. I made sure the bacon wasn’t burning, and the subject somehow changed.

Now, you might wonder why LASERs were on my mind. Or, you might not, too. But, earlier that morning before coffee, I looked at my husband and exclaimed that he had a long white eyebrow that was sticking straight up and that he needed to make it go away. Without hesitation, my husband responded, “That’s not an eyebrow. That’s an antenna for detecting space LASERs.” He grinned, and I cracked up. After nearly forty years, this man still makes me laugh. And, for those of you who watch the news, you will understand the reference to space-based LASERs. Oh, such interesting times in which we live!

This little painting is about these times. There is a bit of seriousness, a bit of whimsy, a lot of color, some growth opportunities, and a little grounding. The shapes are more soft than harsh and more loving than angry, as are the people I choose to have in my orbit. There is optimism as we work through the challenges whether they be related to our earth, technology, infrastructure, or people. As always, there is hope for our world as there is light coming through this painting. There is a Peace sign and a yin-yang symbol reminding us to search for peace and balance in our everyday lives. And, there is a simple little formula embedded. Any guesses?

Hope this finds you all healthy and full of hope.