Previously (from chapter 10)

Preparations required for the sculptures of three local artists required meticulous attention to logistics and space planning.

Most were larger pieces but one artist had an especially intriguing collection of smaller sculptures requiring intricate display cases maximizing effect. 

Also, the assortment of material used – marble, acrylic, clay, and bronze highlighting different casting, modeling and carving techniques was proving to be challenging in terms of allocating room and physical execution of delivery and set-up.  A few welded pieces were to be located outside and I’d yet to finalize the related schemes.

—

My shoulders were tender and sore yet tense.  Hard to imagine these occurring simultaneously but my body substantiated the permutation.

Crossing my chest, reaching first with my left then right hand, I tried to alleviate the overwrought muscles.  The pressured compressions had minimal success.  Rotating my shoulders and stretching my arms above my head, back arched also accomplished little to improve the condition.

Retrieving the remote that sat on the top of the desk, I pointed it at the stereo which was enclosed in a small cabinet except for its unassuming miniature but capable speakers.  I can never really tell if I’m directing the signal accurately until audible proof piped through. 

Pressing the play button, Vivaldi’s Concerto No. 6 in C Major filled the silence.  A favorite of mine.  However, the desired effect of calm was missing tonight.  Instead the music just reminded me of visits to the dentist, as his office had similar selections – classical music in general – to relax patients.

Except for a trip to the bookstore, courtesy of the directions James had provided for a special purchase, my day was fully occupied.  The selected book lay securely in one of the drawers awaiting delivery.  Accompanying it were two others previously purchased.  Reflexively I reached for the handle, tapping it with my finger.

With a tired breath, I got up to try and rid my body of the bunched up sensation isolated to my shoulders.  Surely this was a consequence of unbroken hours hammering away at my keyboard, writing notes on a yellow pad and updating records in the bound ledger. 

The physical exertion accompanied with the required mental attention was taxing.  Sure to result in a dreamless sleep later.  A benefit I looked forward to.