“Often, we try to repair broken things in such a way as to conceal the repair and make it “good as new.” But the tea masters understood that by repairing the broken bowl with the distinct beauty of radiant gold, they could create an alternative to “good as new” and instead employ a “better than new” aesthetic. They understood that a conspicuous, artful repair actually adds value. Because after mending, the bowl’s unique fault lines were transformed into little rivers of gold that post repair were even more special because the bowl could then resemble nothing but itself.” – Teresita Fernandez
Panama City-PANAMA – Like a stepchild that it is not, an impromptu project at Barb’s condo in Panama has been waiting in the queue of stories to share. After receiving another two-year nonresident visa to work in the arts, I was free to leave Ecuador without a lot of red tape to return. I first visited Costa Rica for a week, took care of personal business, visited with friends, and then on the return trip to Ecuador, bailed out in Panama to spend a week with Barbara.
Barbara is my amazing and tireless friend who is selfless when it comes to helping others. Here are images from some of her past visits, starting with when she helped create the Magic Carpet at Casa Loca.

Barb preps border with fresh layer of Agua Stop.

Barbara brushes white over white!

Inventory from PlayaMart

This is surely the most lovingly-painted bodega door in the country!
Postscript: Last year’s earthquake altered that Casa Loca chapter. But let’s move on….

Recycled cans! Why is Barb chuckling as she sits on the bench?

When the ocean advanced, Barb witnessed the changes.

Barb and I enjoyed a 30-minute detour* through the “Women’s Art Exhibit” in Museo Bahia de Caraquez. – *before the earthquake…

Thanks to Efrain’s visit to the property, Barb was officially infected with the birding bug!
Barbara has helped me with SO MANY projects, and even if it were just a week, it was time to spend time with her. “I’ll be bringing my paint brushes,” I stated, “so be thinking of a project.” Continue reading