I dream of green and sultry summers, and the light that dapples the damp, still places of home.

I started this painting because I missed Florida. My husband and I talked about it one night, how some people only see Florida as a tourist trap, or a waiting room (waiting to get on a ride, waiting to get to another state, waiting to die). But some of us... some of us love it there, it's in our blood, it's home. That's the way it is with my husband and I. He's been gone from there much longer than I have. But after only a few months living in Missouri, where the winters are gray and brown and cold, I *really* miss Florida. Luckily, what started as a painting about longing is now a painting about happiness: we're moving back in a few months. He found a great job there. Which is good because as you can see, I miss my swamplands.

Oh, and if you're not sure why I've put this in fantasy, look closer. Some people miss the obvious on first glance. Also, it's a good thing my swamp spirit isn't human, either. Cottonmouths aren't known for being the most snuggly of snakes.

Because the size I have to show it at here to avoid art theives is so small here's a couple of detail closeups (still at about 25% of the original size): [link] and [link]

Please, nobody get offended over some body hair. I swear, I've seen models at Abercrombie and Fitch Stores wear their pants lower than *this*.