Hi Ben:

Charles and I would like to chat with you sometime next week to delve into the painting further.  I thought I would just drop you a note to let you know that we are exhausted after the party. 

The first thing I did this morning was look at the piece.  I can't get enough of it.  Even the baby ran her hand slowly over all the different textures while looking at it with me.  Honestly, yesterday I told myself that I had better be prepared for the possibility of it looking somehow different than I expected and tried to refrain from building it up so much so as not to be disappointed but I am not exaggerating that when we lifted the lid last night and I first caught a glimpse of it, my breath was literally taken away.  Within a split second I heard my husband say, "Wow, Baby (that's me)!" and then immediately he exclaimed, "It's the route.....There's the arena!"  It was as though the painting was tailored just for him.  Then someone shouted, "Hey, there's a bull!" and that's when I knew I HAD to call you up and have you participate in some way in that incredible moment.  Thanks for sharing what you did on the phone, it was very special for everyone to actually hear from the artist himself. 

Charles' reaction and feeling toward the painting was of course my main concern so I guess I hadn't expected the flood of awe and interest expressed by our guests.  We must have looked at and talked about the painting for a whole hour before anyone went back to partying!  I even had a friend call this morning.  She left a message thanking us for the evening and commenting that she and her husband love art but they have never found anything that moved them both as the painting they saw last night.  Can you believe it?  

We will take great care of the painting and appreciate it as much as you do.  I understand now why it must have been difficult to part with.  Thank you for sharing your great great talent and passion for history and topophilia with us.  Our lives and home are enhance immeasurable by your artistry. 

Please send a heartfelt "thank you" to Erin too.  I am fully aware that it takes a united team to be able to fulfill dreams and cultivate your gifts.  You are both very special people and I love the story of how we all "met" as much as I love the "Running of the Bulls"!

Salud!

Annie Merz Canosa

Sherman Oaks, CA