My Dear Bette,



I was glad to get your letter. I know that this “snail mail? is an inconvenience, but I am rather enjoying this year that I am spending in a quiet fishing village, living in a house with no telephone or internet. I do say, though, that it has given me new inspiration for my art.



It was saddening to read your account of your separation from Tina. I feel badly for you both.



From your rendition of events (and I realize that it is one-sided), I think that you are being too harsh. While your actions were, without a doubt, unacceptable it would be unfair of me to allow you, as a friend, to shoulder such an emotional burden without presenting an additional perspective.



While I adore Tina, I cannot imagine that she is entirely blameless in the decline of the partnership. You and I have in common our difficulty in expressing emotions. I express mine through my art and I believe that you express yours through your interpretation of art. In essence, we do communicate our emotions, but do so in an alternate manner which requires that the individual who wishes to know us put forth a greater effort to do so. It sounds to me as if Tina may have stopped putting forth that effort. After all, Provocations was, if nothing else, about rebellion. Was your relentless pursuit of the exhibit your way of expressing that you wished to rebel against some facets of your life?



Tell me more, old friend, about what is happening. Describe to me the events that are occurring as you and Tina struggle with the paths in front of you. What is she doing? How is she responding? Likewise for yourself?



It was good to hear that Shane will be your new neighbor. Underneath that ***** exterior lies a truly decent human being. What became of your other neighbor, the oddball writer who was living in a toolshed?



Do write back soon. I wish that I could be there is person to offer you more support. Since I cannot, I hope to at least be a shoulder onto which your words can cry.



With affection,

Jules