As you may know, I am a patron of the arts. Especially Annex Hall Art. While I have no idea what I like and I don’t know art when I see it, more informed people tell me what to think about it. And they have been all abuzz about 6-year-old Jordan Cook whose watercolor is right outside my office. If I took a sawzall to the wall behind this computer, I could touch it without leaving my seat.

Today, I was visited by the artist.

I immediately sensed that I was in the presence of someone special. As I felt my tongue thickening and my hands becoming as large as Neanderthal mittens, a red flush crept up my neck and across my face, betraying my embarrassment. Why had I worn this stupid tie?! Why was I stammering so!? What must she think!!

As I awkwardly extended my right hand and mumbled something about admiring her art for years, (Dangit, she hasn’t been around for years…I meant months!) she extended her left hand. What did that mean? What should I do? With which hand is such beauty created? Was she protecting her instrument? Was I jeopardizing our collective future with my mugging handshake?

Jordan is above all gracious. She said nice things about my trophies and my clocks. She bantered and inquired and made me feel that I was worthy and interesting while I suppressed the horrible truth in my heart. She stayed just the right amount of time, avoiding the awkward good-byes, the pregnant silences.

And she was gone.

Today, I was visited by greatness. It was a good day.

Chuck Kleeberg
12/15/05