The Sad Café II

On By ResaIn Art Gown Muses, Art Gowns Art

Featuring poetry by Holly Rene Hunter

& Allegorical Drawings by Resa

There is music. The cafe is filled with revellers. Their drunken laughter is loud, but the seasons slip away, and they need something to remember.

A year has passed, and I still light my candles for the window and hope fades like summer into fall.
The mirror has no mercy, a reminder of all that has passed through these hands. There is no holding back the past or what lies ahead.

The night deepens as we raise our glasses to the seasons of honey and fire and the aching memory of lovers slipped away.

Snakes and Metaphors

suspended

At the top of the stairs the hours pass hurriedly, lovers flee the break of dawn.  Subdued seduction , silhouettes in flickering candlelight.

In black tie and silk gowns, the bourgeoisie sip cognac , exhale circlets of smoke from cigarillos into the softly whirring blades of a bamboo fan.

The walls are thin and the wood floor is bare. Music drifts upward, slips under my door, “La Vie En Rose”, the sighs of desperate lovers , their bodies pressed against one another. 

At my mirror I braid silver thread through my hair. Should the Frenchman return I am wearing the dress he likes. Last night he signaled with a stone at my window . 

He has taught me how to say I love you and other endearing terms in his tongue. 
At the hollow of my throat I dab a bit of the perfume he bought for me in Berlin. I’m not sure that is true but I like the scent.

He wants me to follow him but he is not my kind. The weak can not survive love that is bound to die nor can they forgive.

All Poetry © Holly Rene Hunter – Visit House of Heart to read more of her fabulous poetry!

All drawings © Resa McConaghy

Thank You!

Holly for contributing your luscious poems to this collaboration & to Gigi for being the hallway model (where the music notation is actually the first 5 bars to La Vie en Rose).

338 thoughts on “The Sad Café II”

    1. Thank you, Eunice!
      I’m great. As you know, focusing on any creative endeavour is healthy, especially something like your gardening.

      No frost here yet. Maybe up north, but in Toronto area, I’d say in 2 or 3 more weeks. Is there frost where you are?
      How is Brady doing?
      🌹🍂x

      Reply

      1. Frost tomorrow night they say is possible then 70’s and 80’s so I will try to save the flowers for the hummers.

        Brady is hanging in there I took him for a long walk at a local church today where I prayed the lump would go away ❤

        A good piece of news though I decided I will leave my job for 3 or 4 months and not work this winter I need some me time to paint. Art show tomorrow night I can't wait.

        Reply

        1. Yikes! The Hummers, yes do your best!

          I pray it goes away too!

          Yay!You are a fabulous artist, Eunice. I am excited to hear this news.

          I love art shows. I’ll be going to one later this month.
          Art, art will make us smart!
          xo

          Reply

          1. For sure xo
            I 2 sales both $200 a piece Ron says “why are you working just paint!” lol he doesn’t get it I can’t just draw and paint it comes out from within I guess for him it looks easy for me lol Last night I was petting Brady in bed our alone time and I swear it was smaller ❤

            Reply

    1. Thank you, Merril!

      Yes, that’s what it is 40’s Noir feel. I’m thrilled that comes through.
      Holly’s poetry is inspiring, and it does make me want to draw more than just the model (which I love doing).

      This is the second time I’ve incorporated real music notation in my drawings. Thank you for noticing that! 💙🎶

      Reply

  6. Dear Resa, this is so wonderful! You’ve brought the Sad Cafe to life with your beautiful artwork … I love the sense of noir in your illustrations. I could not ask for a more extraordinary platform for the sad cafe poems. Thank you so much , this makes me truly happy and once again I’m in awe of your talents. How wonderful it is to see Gigi visiting the cafe , the music drifting up the stairway . This is lovely , I’m so grateful to have the cafe on display art Artgowns. Sending lots of love and gratitude! xoxoxoxoxo

    Reply

    1. Dear Holly,

      I so love your poetry.
      It’s an honour to do my illustrations to your metaphor wrapped words.
      Of course I would like to be a better artist. Well, if you keep writing, I’ll keep drawing and so will get better.

      Yes, it’s great to see Gi sipping cognac to “La Vie en Rose”. I like the feel you wrote, where the place feels bare, but the people and their minds are lush.

      Sending gratitude to you too, dear Meece!
      LOVE!!!
      xoxoxoxoxoxo
      (Shey’s drawings are almost done! Kieth is on deck!)

      Reply

      1. I’m beyond thrilled at what you’ve accomplished here. You are extremely talented and your skills inspire us and entertain us and make us sigh in disbelief that anything could be so delightful. Thank you my sweet friend and Awesome one and only Meece accomplice.
        xoxoxoxoxo

        Reply

        1. Adore you, Meece!

          Meece accomplices, eh? Hmm, should we get masks and frock coats?
          I’d say capes, but they are sooo done. Frock coats will give us a unique identity.

          Of course frock coats will be hot in summer, so maybe puffy shirts? Seasonal Meece wear?

          No swords! You’ll carry pens and paper. I’ll carry needles and thread.
          Utility belts?
          Working on it!
          xoxoxoxoxoxo

          Reply

  9. Sorceress,

    You have beautifully paired your lovely drawings with Holly’s evocative poetry.

    Adding Edith Piaf is the perfect cherry on the sundae.

    Always, you are so generous.

    Reply

    1. Thunder,

      Thank you so much!
      Evocative poetry, yes, right to my fingertips and onto paper.

      Holly picked Edith’s stunning version. I only just found out Piaf was a lyricist and wrote the words to La Vie en Rose for Louis Guglielmi’s melody. She did popularize the song, as well.

      I’m blown away by all the covers of this song. Many, many are exquisite!

      Thank you for your “generous” words about mine!
      xoxox⚡️💥oxoxo

      Reply

      1. Alway a pleasure, my Sorceress!

        Yes, she is so very evocative.

        I always felt it was Edith’s song and everyone else just trying their best.

        Always, my friend!

        xoxoxo 🧚🪄 oxoxox

        Reply

  10. Wow! What amazing drawings, Resa, and captivating words from Holly! A wonderful combination of artistic talents! My favourite are Seasons of Honey and Fire and Cafe Rose – such vivid colors and words capture the mood perfectly. The line “The mirror has no mercy” really stuck with me; such a sad, yet uplifting poem that made me feel a lot. You two are such a good combo! This has made my day; thanks for sharing! 💜🍂🌹

    Reply

    2. Aww, Thank you Ada!
      I love “Seasons of Honey and Fire”, and it is interesting how the drawing got paired with it.

      I did the drawing to another poem, but could not recall the title although I had the words copied. So I began scrolling through Holly’s posts, and saw this poem. It is so perfect that I thought perhaps I had had this poem in my mind all along.

      Yay, I’m happy to make your day, and you have helped make mine with your visit and wonderful comment!
      🍯🔥xoxo

      Reply

    1. Thank you Robbie!
      It’s always more than fun collabing with Holly. Of all her poetry, the Sad Cafe stands out most visually to me. I see images almost movie like.
      🌟❦

      Reply

    1. Ahh, thanks Robbie!
      I opened with it because it’s my fave, too.

      Lol! Norm said- you know the moon is in the wrong place?!
      I asked if he would say that to Dali?

      Reply

  14. Rene’s Epic Sad Café has reached a new height with your illustrations, Resa. The two go together seamlessly to give us a vivid experience of the poignancy of love in the shadows of passion and desire. Casa Blanca with all its noir intrigue has no chance to pull us away from our seat at the Sad Café.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Dan, and epic is the right word. I just adore the series. I’ve already flagged more poems for the next endeavour, down the road.

      Your comment is not just lovely, it is super fab.
      I can’t thank you enough for your visit to this rendition of The Sad Café!
      Your table awaits!

      Reply

      1. You, Resa, and the other AGMs are a fantastic group that work very well together. If we want an uplifting message, all we have to do is drop by and the magic is happening. Hugs are great smile generators, 🫶🤗🕊️

        Reply

              6. I did break free today. My daughter and I did a bike-a-thon for charity where the proceeds went to the Boys and Girls Club. They serve underprivileged children in the community teaching them reading and math as well as civil and moral responsibilities outside of school as an after school program. We had a large group with Cops on bikes for traffic control and we biked in the downtown area stopping at different places that run these programs. We were briefed on kids, programs, and various parks dedicated to people who devoted their lives to building a better more equitable world. I saw so many people who are the unsung heroes of community service and mentors to the children left behind. It showed me a part of my community that doesn’t see everything through a political filter, racial and gender or religious hatred and intolerance. Just people working together to help hundreds of kids feel loved, wanted, safe, and taught well. The proof of success was in the kids themselves. It gave me hope. 🤗

              10. Yes, it truly is a fresh breath to enjoy a worthy cause and some Father/Daughter time on a perfect day. I used to drag her along with me and surprises her with her favorite treat and she would be so happy. Now it’s the other way round with her taking me places and keeping an eye on me so I don’t wander off. We have such fun 🙂🙂🚴‍♂️🚴

              12. Thank you, Rene. I’m very much trying to free myself from the oppressive news and search for some heart warming experiences instead. I’m headed to Asheville for a week to soak up some bohemian arts and outdoors. I’m meeting with an old Army buddy and his wife.

              14. I’m actually not sure about their recovery. Naturally, I want to see for myself. It is beautiful country in NC. I won’t be keeping up with bad news. Too much deer gazing and bear dodging to do.

              16. The Parkway goes through Asheville and heads down to Tennessee. It might be a nice drive. The only thing that would ruin it is if it’s jammed with traffic.

              18. It’s quite a long parkway that meanders through NC and Virginia but continues unofficially on secondary roads down to Tennessee and probably further. The hikers take the Appalachian Trail and all manner of wheeled things take the Parkway. If one could throw away their schedule and just meander along stopping for pictures and good food along the way, it’s a vacation all its own. You can pull into a trailhead and venture into nature for a day hike. All of it along the ridges and slopes of America’s Eastern mountain ranges and parks. I haven’t traveled on it in a long time. I remember you rode part of it on your bike. Tail of the Dragon? I think I remember a restaurant there where you can see all the collected auto and motor cycle parts left behind on the curves. That was too long ago.

              19. You need a lot if free time to ride through the Blue Ridge… I actually did not get enough time to spend in Asheville.breakfast and dinner. That’s all , but it is such a beauty nestled in the valley.

              20. Well I made it back in one piece. The traffic on I-40 was very slow, averaging 8 mph in the spots where they are repairing the roadway after Hurricane Helene. Parts of the east bound lanes are just gone. Then there is stalls around Atlanta and Chattanooga, which is a great time to creep along and look at the autumn colors and get in all the ooohs and ahhhs you want. Asheville was still a lot of fun but the River District is just boarded up buildings and around the Biltmore Estate there are a lot of boarded up buildings. You will be happy to know the Bohemian Hotel is alive and well and expanding. I did get to drive on the Appalachian Parkway but it is closed for reconstruction going south from Asheville and open all the way to Virginia. The leaves were approaching peak in many places so the next two weeks should be glorious. And you will also be happy to know I met a bear and he loved the honey bun I threw him. I have pictures to prove it.

              21. I’m glad you had a safe trip. I’ve been seeing where the Blue Ridge is having lots of construction issues. It makes me sad that the beautiful city of Asheville is not back to it’s lovely self. Eventually, they’ll get it back together and hopefully they won’t have to deal with this again. I’m just really glad you had a safe trip and enjoyed the scenery. I hope to get back to k there again myself. Maybe the Biltmore will get back to the perfect too. It once was. Atlanta is always a slow crawl getting through there. I hope all the Autumn leaves 🍂 were at there finest for you. 🫶

              22. Seeing the devastation first hand was second to the amazing effort and pride shown in recovering the lost beauty and quaint lifestyle of Asheville. The folk art is alive and well and very high quality hand made items and unique art. It was a good feeling to see so much life happily going on in spite of the scars and open wounds left by Helene’s rampage. The indomitable spirit of a good humanity is alive and well. It’s a lovely Bohemian lifestyle and seemingly peaceable. Seeing the bear was the highlight of the trip. I thought of you instantly, and how you might have felt a wee bit of comfort with this gentle beast. Of course, we felt no need to be a stupid tourist and get ourselves eaten for lunch. So, we didn’t approach too close and didn’t stay.

              24. Thank you Rene. It was great to get away for a short while. I was really impressed with how much progress they made repairing damage and getting back to normal. They deal with hurricanes frequently but never like Helene. That one will go down in history. Still, I’d say the people that live there are indomitable and they will succeed eventually. North Carolina is special to me. When my ancestors moved off the Maryland Colony, they went for what is now Anson County named after our Norwegian original name before the British garfed it up. It was from Anson NC they moved to Florida just above Tallahassee with a presidential land grant. There are still a huge number of relatives there that never moved from the state so in a way, it’s like going home.

              25. It’s a such a beautiful place it had to be restored. I just recently discovered I Have ancestors from Norway. I woukd have never guessed though I always wondered why my Grandmother’s family was so incredibly tall and pale. lol. Glad you’re back.

              26. Oh Oh Oh! There might be that instinctual connection I wondered about. If your grandmother’s family hailed from the region at the tip of the peninsula instead of the tribal north, we might find a common relative famous for walking the oars on their Viking longship. I’m glad to be back and now planning an outdoor adventure return trip. I’ll be carrying extra honey buns because the bears were plentiful now.

              28. I was quite nervous to learn the bears have discovered how to unlock cars and then get inside to look for snacks. That’s all we need is an overpopulation of genius bears.

  15. Absolutely stunning, dahlings! Your drawings bring such life and depth to Holly’s soulful and dreamy words. Together, your work feels like a perfect dance of emotion and imagery. I’m so proud of you both for creating something this beautiful! Two huge hugs and love and

    …well, slobberies!

    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    Reply

    1. Dahlin’,

      Welcome to the Sad Café!
      Your praise is a wonderful thing! Yes, beauty is wanted and needed. It’s so fleeting.

      I wish I could draw better, but I can’t let that stop me from creating images to go with Holly’s wonderful words. And the more I draw, the better it gets.

      Love and hugs to you! Big kisses back to Hera! I’ll have to go now, the floor needs mopping up!
      x🧽🧽o🧽x🧽🧽o🧽x🧽🧽o🧽x🧽🧽o🧽x🧽🧽o🧽x🧽🧽o🧽x🧽🧽o🧽x🧽🧽o🧽x🧽🧽o🧽

      PS – You changed your blog, again. Is it all still one blog? I need to go back and navigate a bit more. xoxoxo

      Reply

      2. Hi dahlin! You draw beautifully and -amazingly- you are getting even better by each line!

        I redesigned the blog completely back in March, but the home page changes each month. The structure is the same and I hope it’s easier to navigate than the old one.

        Sending love and more hugs!

        Hera is uncontrollable!

        xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

        Reply

        1. Ah! Well it (your blog) looks slick, more like a website, so yay.
          One odd thing for me was when I went straight to the website, I couldn’t find a link to blog posts.
          If I went to a post right from the email notification, I was at the blog post.
          So, I cannot just go to your site and find the blog posts.

          HERA!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽

          Reply

          1. Aw, thank you, dahlin! I decided instead of a dedicated Blog page, to send each post to its page. “Life in frames” is basically my blog posts and it’s also on the home page under the art of the week [or month as it’s been lately! 🤣] Oannes has his page [under Arts & Echoes] as well as Great Painters in Nods to Creators, Friends posts in Appreciation etc]. Our music has a dedicated page: Fine Tuning and design work: Visuals. My art is under My art journey. I hope it’s not too confusing!

            xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

            Reply

            1. Okay! I just checked it all out. It’s clearer, now that I know.
              It is the most individualistic style I’ve seen. I get email notifications, so I just go to that post – perfect.
              However, If I just went to your blog and wanted to see your “latest post”, that is more elusive.

              xxxxxoxoxoxooooooxoxoxoxoxo

              Reply

              2. Yes, I understand about elusive.
                This is why I skulk through alleys. Well, that and any art I can find on a garage door!

                Loooooove back!
                H💦he🚿eee🚿elll💦llll💦pp🌧pp🚿pp🚿

                ☔️Thank you!☔️
                xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  16. Pingback: The Sad Café II [reblog] – Marina Kanavaki

  19. You and Holly, make a great team together. Both of you, have created works of art and poetry that heals the soul of many and inspires many more to immersive themselves into the creative process. This is brilliantly wonderful creation from the both of you. I am so proud of both of you. 🙂

    Reply

      1. You are welcome, Resa.

        I have not heard of Jesse Welles until now. OH! MY GOSH! hahahahaha!!! That video of Tylenol is pure genius! hahahaha!!! damn! He said it, said everything that needed to be said. Thank you for introducing me to this guy. I will share this video with my wife. 🙂

        Reply

  21. A huge project done perfectly. The artwork is gorgeous, the gowns are amazing. The poetry full of emotions that pull the reader in. This is a truly exceptional collaboration. It’s magical and enticing. What a great gift this is to all of us. ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply

    1. Aww, thank you Gi!
      Holly writes beautifully, and creates images in my mind. I draw them best I can, and we have a bit of fun while making the posts!
      ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

      Reply

        1. Aww, thank you Brad!
          I’ve looked into having a show, but without a backer, it’s expensive. I have considered doing something Boho, which would suit my rock star portrait drawings. So maybe there.

          Anyway, not giving up yet!

          Reply

          1. I realize it’s a big undertaking and hope you do it only if it’s a joy and easy. Although I would love to see you and the costumes, I was mostly expressing my appreciation and a bit of humor to see the illustrations come to life. 😀

            Reply

    1. Welcome and thank you Cheyenne!
      What a lovely comment coming from a fellow artist.
      Lol, when I started drawing for posts, my lines were scratchy. I am pleased how practice has made better.

      Reply

  26. It’s as if the Universe had a plan and it went something like this . . .

    Let there be prose to light up the senses and drawings that steal your soul away with their silken beauty. And the twain shall meet. Here.

    Delicious.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Marc!
      Holly writes beautifully, and I get these images, especially with the Sad Cafe and ilk poems.
      It’s true, the twain have met!
      We will be doing another Sad Cafe post in the future, but it looks like another Portrait and bio post first!
      Your comment is poem….
      MUAH!

      Reply

        2. MUAH!
          So, the Jays..
          I thought of you on my walk 2 days ago. I found a garage door with 3 blue jays on it…birds, not baseball players.
          Still, sports & Marc.

          Reply

  27. Resa and Holly, your collaborations never fail to astonish me. These poems — sea-dreams cast to storms, memories folded in letters and seasons, silver threads braided with longing — all speak of life’s impermanence and its beauty. They remind me that while love, moments, and people may pass, the art created in their wake continues to live on. Together, your words and images show that to embrace what we have in the present is itself an act of resilience and grace. Your collaboration feels like a living archive of beauty — one that continues to grow, breathe, and inspire. Sending many hugs to both of you.

    Reply

    1. Gee,
      Rebecca, this is a magnificent compliment.
      I want to be part of art, because it’s part of me.
      It is in all of us, we all have an ability to express. Had I been given a singing voice and ear, I would have sang for my supper.

      I love drawing and am singing Holly’s songs, in a sense.

      You are a most eloquent thinker & writer, Rebecca. You also read/recite beautifully. You have a great voice for recitation.
      I love where you are going on Rebecca’s reading Room.
      I’m over to Chasing Art to catch up. Lol… It was your vaycay, and I forgot to come and play!

      HUGS!

      Reply

      1. Resa, your art truly is your song — every pencil, pen and brushstroke, every design carries the rhythm of your creativity. I think you’re right: we each have an ability to express, whether through paint, voice, or words. Sending many hugs back!

        Reply

  28. Wow! What a beautiful smorgasbord of moving poetry by Holly and the great art creations of Resa here. This was a beautiful presentation. And if you ask me, this collab work belongs in a book. Have you thought about it? Big hugs 🧡❌⭕💜

    Reply

    2. Shucks!
      Lololol… love the image of a poetry smorgasbord. I can see it!
      A book! That is a tremendous compliment. Wow!
      Big hugs back!
      🧡❌⭕💜

      Reply

  31. Wow! This is truly a magnificent and stunning collaboration between two brilliant artists. Holly is right; Resa definitely brightened that gloomy coffee.

    That is what I have nothing to remember because I will never forget!

    It’s simply outstanding, thank you both!

    🥰🙏💖💖🦋🦋💞👏🤙

    Reply

    1. You are welcome, dear Aladin!
      It’s most satisfying creating with Holly. And I do love collaborating. There are so many terrific creatives on WP.

      Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to leave this lovely comment!
      💖🌹❦🌹💖

      Reply

              4. Ohhh! Thank you dear Meece. I had my Covid Vaccine and hurt all over. Feeling better now. Perfect to dress up in your outfit and hit Gigi’s ❤️ Halloween bash ! Running over to get a look now !
                xoxoxo

              5. Ahh, yes, I had my Covid shot, too!

                It does hurt at the injection site, then spreads when I can’t lie on that side/arm for a few nights, which in turn throws the rest of my body off causing aches.

                Anyway done! xoxoxoxoxo
                Got your mail, and am thrilled you like your Halloween costume!
                ❤️

  34. What a spectacular collaboration of two amazing artists! The artwork and incredible writing create such a fabulous blend. Thank you, Resa and Holly, for sharing your awe-inspiring talents with us. Hugs to you both. 💖🤗

    Reply

    1. Hugs to you Lauren!
      And THANK YOU!
      We’ve been working on this post for a long time. I get distracted a lot, and Holly is great about – just do it whenever you can!

      I’m behind on everything. The weather is so nice, finally, that I just want to be outside and walk.
      I’ll be by soon!
      HUGS
      💖🌹❦🌹💖

      Reply

  36. Ahhh!! There are SO MANY things I love about this post… I want to wear ALL the gowns you sketched here, Resa, but WOW, that first one (2scp7.jpg) with the sky-high slit is magnificent! I can see Sofia Falcone wearing THAT, saucy!

    LOVE Holly’s poem and La Vie En Rose… makes me daydream of sitting by a French cafe and people-watching 😍🌹💖

    Reply

    1. I would dress Sophia in a heartbeat.
      ❦❦🌹🌟
      I need to make an … e-brochure with my Art Gowns, letting agents and/or managers know they are free to wear when in Toronto… fittings included!

      Then to get them to the agents?

      Holly’s poems are magnificent, and this whole Sad Cafe thing is brilliantly moody. Of course I adore the Noir Film movement back when.

      I just found out Piaf was a lyricist, and wrote the words to “La Vie en Rose”.
      It really is a wonderful and flavourful song.
      Thank you for your lovely comment Ruth!
      I love when you come around!
      xoxoxxoxo

      Reply

        1. Thank you!!!

          It’s not WP, it’s Akismet anti spam filter. I know, it’s annoying. I don’t know why or how the filter decides what might be spam, but I have found some of my best blog pals in spam.

          I always check the spam filter when I log in, before I start blogging.

          Like I said, I don’t know, but I DO know I adore you!

          xoxoxoxoxo

          Reply

          1. I adore you too!! I think one of my comments might’ve been caught by Akismet on your Art Gown blog as well, but I just left you another one, ahaha.

            Luv ya!! XOXOXO

            Reply

            1. I checked and there is nothing in my Spam…so maybe I missed it or there’s just so many comments it’s hard to find.
              I do check Spam every day because being in a Spam folder can cause you to go into more and more spam folders. It’s a snowball. XOXOXOXXO

              Reply

      1. I thought I’d written this comment, but it must’ve ended up in SPAM.

        In any case, I’m always inspired by people who can write beautiful poems like you Holly, and those who can do amazing fashion sketches like Resa. So THANK YOU both for the delightful inspirations. Have a fabulous Friday + weekend, ladies!!

        Reply

  38. Gasp! What a masterwork, you two! Holly, there are so many exquisite lines in these poems. I really can’t pick a favorite, but “a moonstruck epiphany” is a brilliant combination of wistful whimsy and beauty.

    Resa, I love your fashion sketches, but these are some of your very best. There’s something about the way you did the setting of the one in the railway station that weaves in and around my imagination. The bedroom, brushing her hair, that could be my Venus character in the old novel I’m trying to finish writing if she were blonde rather than a redhead — partly because of how you did the room. Your attention to detail was extraordinary in this collection. Big hugs to you both.

    Reply

    1. OMG!
      Thank you Teagan!
      Holly’s writing is very visual, and the Sad Cafe is evocative.
      However, beyond fashion illustration, I am limited. Nonetheless, the metaphors in her poetry allow me to be surreal in a sense.

      So perspective, which I’m just learning, does not have to be 100% realistic. In that sense, for the railway one, I was inspired to be surreal and have the door from home open right into the station…like slipping from one world to another.

      You are the first to note that drawing, which I am very fond of.
      Thank you, and big hugs Teagan!

      Reply

  39. Oh, my, what an immersive post, a feast for the eyes, ears, and heart. Beautiful poetry and drawings, Holly and Resa, and they complement each other wonderfully. Holly’s imagery is sensuous, and the drawings seemed to capture that quality as well as the aloneness of the speaker. A beautiful collaboration.

    Reply

    1. Thank you LOTS, Diana! It’s rewarding collabing with Holly. Her words create these images in my head, and it’s a wonderful thing to draw them. The best is, I get to escape when I draw, and there’s no hang over in the morning. xx

      Reply

  41. Oh this is such a rich post with your drawings and Holly’s AMMMMAZING poems. It’w as a year at a glance with full bodied feelings, love, tinged with sadness. You two rock but you know that. Love you! 😘

    Reply

  43. Wow, it is hard to know what to even write here Resa and Holly. I am totally in awe of the work first of all that went into this post. It is a stunning collaboration first of all, but a lot of love for your expressions of art pour into these gorgeous pages of sketches (Resa the amount of detail in each one is such a treat – and the gowns go so perfectly with the prose and poetic lines. I can’t even imagine how much work this took you but boy what a treat. It takes a long time to truly take in the work, style, love, art, talent and ability to work with another person so admirably that it is hard to know what to say.)

    Holly, each of your poems are filled with tantalizing phrases, the senses are heightened and I can’t even pick a favorite, I love them all.

    If I had to pick a favorite it would have to be the first and the last. The creativity, beauty and detail in the drawings are just spectacular and uncanny. Words mix with these two pieces of arts like chocolate melts in one’s mouth, just smoothly. The last piece of art – the way the back of the hair and dress is shown in the splendid mirror was just so beautifully done. I could relate to the words that followed especially during my first love and how things made me feel after years with the same young man.

    I don’t know how you two can top this but I know you will pull another masterpiece and the ending – well who has ever been able to sing that song with that kind of vibrato. BRAVO and thank you both so much.

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    1. Thank you so very much, Joni!

      Yes, it took a long time to do the drawings, but Holly and I aren’t in a rush. We just enjoying blogging, no deadlines.

      Yes, the mirror was a fun challenge. Actually, for me, part of doing these drawings was to try drawing beyond just fashion sketches… to draw an entire scene.

      Holly’s poetry is perfect for me, as she creates beautiful visions with her metaphors.

      So, you’ve been with your first love all these years? That’s amazing. Once I met my love, that was it for me. I’m a romantic that way. He’s a kind person, and that is really what matters, in good times and bad.

      Thank you so much for checking out the post, and for your wonderful comment!

      Hugs!

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