In Front of Her Mouth (A Book Review)

[krowface]

Originally published at One Misfired Synapse. You can comment here or there.

Let me take a moment to talk about a woman I know. She’s floats in a few of my social circles. She’s not just a loose friend of mine (every discussion draws us a little tighter), she’s also one of my idols. No pedestals for this broad though. The envy-tinged respect I have for her has been well earned. She’s approachable, she’s amicable, and she’s very friendly. Maybe too friendly for her own good. I count myself lucky enough that I’m probably one of her few fans that she doesn’t handle with kid gloves.

We also have a few things in common.

There’s a few parallels between Marrus and I. We’re both artists. There’s no way around it. It’s what we do, and we can’t get escape it. We also spent years on the road, doing the whole Renne Faire circuit thing. We’re both really well known in that circle, if for way different reasons. We’ve both had a few things published. We both try to eek out some sort of living being artists. We’re both pretty sharp witted and we never run out of things to say.

There’s some contrast between us. We’re very much in love with New Orleans. She’s a native. I’ve adopted the place. She’s great with kids, they kinda frighten me. She’s bright colours and sparkles. I’m dark and spikey. Seelie to Unseelie if you get the mythos. She’s the gentle queen of the court, I’m the evil jester.

The main difference between her and I (if it’s really considered a “difference”) is that while we may be on the same path, she’s definately way ahead of me. She’s way ahead of the game. More than likely, because she fought much harder for it than I have. She’s earned her successes. I’m just now starting to steal mine. She’s living my dream, and it’s been a pleasure watching her do it. If I’m going to pick anyone to live vicariously through, I couldn’t pick a nicer gal.

The first time I met Marrus, she was selling her artwork on a blanket at Pennsic War. There was a particular piece of hers I loved. I’m not going to say which piece, because that’s part of our moment. I’ll always remember the little shine in her eye and that wry smirk of hers when she pointed out that it was a self-portrait. Its over 10 years later and I still blush a little every time I think about it. I ran into her a few years later when I was working as a volunteer at DragonCon. I don’t think she remembered me at all, how could she? I certainly remembered her though. A man like me doesn’t forget a woman like her. A few years later, I ran into her again, both of us working at some random faire. Again and again, year after year. It got to the point we kept running into each other with more frequency, and it’s been great. I’m blessed by her, and I’ll explain why.

Every time we meet, it’s always unexpected, our time together lengthens, and I always walk away with a better understanding of art and being an artist. That’s the important thing.  We’re supposed to learn something from each other, right? That’s what interaction is supposed to be about. We surround ourselves with people that help us grow. I think that’s the point. This is what she does. She hasn’t just spent her life gaining knowledge and squirreling away. She shares it. She does wisdom the right way. She’s learned quite a bit, she’s earned every grey hair. She wears them proudly. Most importantly, if you listen closely, you’ll see she not only shares her gift, but she does so with great joy. That’s Marrus.

Speaking of point, I’ve prattled on enough I may have lost mine. My main goal in this story was really to kinda pay her back a little. She’s been known to help me once in a while. So I’d like to do the same for her.  I’m trying to convince all of you to buy her book, in a round about way. You see, it’s because of these interactions with her. She’s a complex woman, and I don’t think I do her much justice. I hold her in high regard. Tremendous regard. This was supposed to be a book review, but I think this works just as well. I’ll tell you why…

This is not just about an artist and her book. This is about sharing something special. Maybe this isn’t really about “paying her back”. Maybe it’s about paying everyone else forward. Cuz yeah, you’re not just getting a book. You’re not just getting some art and some stories. You’re getting some wisdom. Baby, you’re getting some of her. Your bookshelf could use such good company. (Which is nicer than my original thought of “you should have her on your coffee table”.)

So please, visit her site, buy some original art.

And if I did somehow did her bookjustice, bless yourself with her wisdom.