Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, November 25, 1943

It is difficult to explain this lapse in my journal of over nine weeks – Perhaps when boiled down, it all comes to this – when one is busy and really doing a lot of work, there is no necessity for writing about one’s activities – In other words, keep a journal is partly creating something to fill an empty space. For the sake of record, when the inclination to write is lacking, a brief notation of events should be kept— However, I did not, and so must briefly mention a few of the more important items.

I finished up all the pictures in good order and sent them on. My exhibition opened on Oct. 25 and ran four weeks. In most aspects, it was a success – critics and friends alike seemed to think it was my best show to date – Three, possibly four pictures sold. And yet, somehow, I am curiously left unsatisfied.

When I returned from New York, I went to bed almost immediately with the grippe, which was later complicated by a bad head cold. Bertha shared this interlude with me, and with both of us in bed, Catherine felt it her duty to stay home from school and take care of us, which she did very competently. We have been slow recovering –

During this time Mary Alice has been transferred from Bristol to Winston-Salem, N.C. So far, her letters have been glowing with happiness over her new place, which makes us happy. When she is contented, her absence does not bother so much.

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, November 25, 1943

[Frank K. M. Rehn Galleries, 683 Fifth Avenue between 53rd and 54th Streets, New York City, New York. Paintings by Charles Burchfield. October 25-November 13, 1943.]