Last week in the Swiss Family Robinson Bedroom

A year old Rhodesian Ridgeback reminded me how much I enjoy the mural you painted in my bedroom—I was dog-sitting her for a friend and she had to sleep up in the room. She began by watching the real animals through the window that evening and in the early morning, then when she noticed the north wall, her ears perked up and she started barking at the birds, owl, raccoon, squirrels or the snake--I’ll never know. She was totally confused, came to the wall to sniff them out and…got more confused. Then she’d walk around to look out the windows, then around to the mural, cock her head and sniff. I’m sure she was relieved when her owner returned and she get back to her regular bedroom.


Your painting is beautiful, accurate and powerful on that north wall, and I go to sleep and wake up under the magic of it all. As you know, I’ve re-done every room in my home over the years, some more than once. However, the idea to paint that indigenous tree and our animals has created an awe that will stay in the house forever (I hope). It is not wallpaper or new paint, it is alive and growing.



Already it has become lore in our family and sacred to me. My older daughter is always finding an excuse to sleep in my house when I will be gone and you know where she sets up camp. Her 4 year old son plays there and makes up all kinds of fantasy games with the permanent animals. He brings his two younger cousins up and they’ll play there for hours. I’ve noticed lately too that Austin makes camp there too when I am gone. I am thinking about selling sleeping nights under the magic tree…like they do at the Whitehouse.


So my dear Kitty, thanks again for the work you have graced upon me. I knew immediately when you started with your thorough and patient style that my house would be changed forever. I just didn’t know how much


With most appreciation,



Lee Frederick