John Brazell

BASKING IN THE SHADOWS: Comic relief for an underachieving spouse



Posted: Tuesday, February 02, 2010

by John Brazell

What exactly does a hapless spouse do when "sweetie pie" is out plying an uncommon talent or skill and basking in the glow of admiration? Wallowing in the afterglow of empty pizza and donut boxes and watching reruns of "I love Lucy" has its rewards. But, alas, even a Krispy Kreme donut can grow stale.

Not wanting to waste precious naptime reading Brad Pitt's, "Ruminations on why I prefer to change diapers," I Googled other matrimonially-diminished men. Best I can tell from the gossip, Bill Clinton gave up cigars, speaks softly, and carries Hillary's bags and whip. Mr. Dolly Parton -- yes, Marsha, there really is one -- buys the household groceries and maintains inventory of Dolly's wigs and bustiers.

My artsy wife, SB, equally gifted with patience and palette, is a member in good standing of a community art group. Like many such groups there are occasions and outings designed to bring spouses together for socializing, education and occasional intervention , "See, others spend a lot of money on watercolor paints too. Not all artists look like Willie Nelson or wear their pants backward. Not just anyone can paint but everyone can carry an easel."

It's no secret--an involved spouse is a supportive spouse. I'm learning that with a helpful attitude I can join in and fill my inner-neglected-child with something good containing fewer calories than a bowl of Blue Bell ice cream. As a capper on my self-analysis I harkened back to the sage advice of Yankee Philosopher Yogi, " You can observe a lot just by watching."

In the end I wrote a note of appreciation to the art group's highest Muckety-Mucks.

To Artist Group

Ah, the joys and perks of being a Lakeway Artist spouse. Let the record reflect there are many.

The lovely dinner with the "greeting card design group" a few weeks ago was only the beginning.

Later, I experienced the adventures of riding on a midnight train, a mode of mass transportation enthusiastically endorsed by your esteemed senior member, in status only, the honorable CR. And he was right, it was indeed a memorable occasion, or in romantic terms "An affair to remember."

Just today I accepted the challenge of joining SB in a hunt for an imaginary art store near Oz (I thought) recommended by the Artist's top Rooster. I received directions from an unknown source which said, "When you get close to the mess of highways and overpasses that come together at busy I-35 and 290E, do something " I did.

After zipping past the intersection and civilization as we know it, I was dead certain we were on another snipe hunt. But my trusty copilot and your fellow artist SB righted the ship and we finally pulled into the art store, battered and bruised but not broken.

Like the good chauffeur, cart pusher and payor I am, I followed SB around in the overheated capacious store fondling art "tools of the trade" and generally enjoying the search for bargains. But the greater entertainment was watching the somewhat odd assortment of humanity loitering, buying and working there.

I rounded a corner to find a young woman, restocking shelves, who had obviously dressed in her much younger sister's jeans, bless her heart. She was a perfect size-eight who alternately stood and bent-over almost wearing size-four jeans. I watched a blue moon rise into the heavens a few weeks ago, but it held not the splendor or candle to this young woman's moon, right there on aisle number seven. Nothing was blue except her jeans. Truly the trip to the Art Shop is "The affair to remember."

Thank you for making me feel welcome, and helpful. The store is great once you get your bearings.

John Brazell

PS. Since I kind of know my way there now, I plan to check out the sales next week. You need anything?

John L. Brazell is a native Texan and resides in the beautiful Hill Country near Austin, Texas. He's a retired corporate executive. John’s love for writing can be traced to high school typing class when he first typed, "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party." As the only boy in class he took the instruction literally and fell in love with a forty-pound Royal Typewriter and every girl in the class. 

He is a member of several writing groups and has been published in ezines, newsletters/newspapers, community and corporate publications. His unfinished version of the next "Great American Novel" is entitled, The Unfinished Great American Novel.

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Brianna Popsickle
 2 years 107 days ago.
If you really plan on going back John, please avoid aisle number 7, you're only asking for trouble. Your wife is lucky to have your support!
» left by John Brazell 2 years 107 days ago.
28 fans.
Brianna, thanks for responding and for your concern. My delicate sensibilities couldn't stand the strain again. I'm still in recovery. (SMILE HERE though I'm betting you smile a lot).
 
And HOPE big time your job situation has settled. Best to you.
 
JB
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