84. 
9/20/2005 - This wall is part of the grounds of the Convent of St. John Baptist in Mendham, N. J. There is a mixed message in this composition. The solid stonewall, crafted so skillfully, seems to say, "Stay out." On the other hand, the graceful Gothic shaped arches attached to the wall, seems say, 
"Welcome, come on in." A mixed message can leave us confused. As I painted this picture, I wondered what was behind the wall and whether I should accept the invitation of the open arches, go in, and explore the unseen on the other side of the wall. Respecting the privacy of the Convent, I restrained my curiosity. Sometimes we just have to live with the mixed messages we encounter and just let them be. Some situations are best left without an answer.