i.r. wears multiple hats. when i first met her, she was hanging pictures in an art space. we then met again when she invited me to perform at a fundraiser. over the years i have known i.r., our relationship has changed. but i believe it has always grown toward a deeper mutual respect. when i left my job at UT, she was one of the first people to whom i confided. she always had very valuable advice that was authentic and thoughtful. i have never seen or read any of the art that i.r. has created--i hope to do so in the future--but i know that whatever it is she creates must also have this authentic and thoughtful nature. i drew this picture on a particularly difficult day. it was actually the day that i submitted my letter of resignation to my supervisor at UT. my emotions were raw but determined. this is a kind of self-portrait, but as i drew it, i kept thinking of the advice i.r. had been giving to me. i'm very fond of this card, partly because i think it captures the mood i was in at the time. i really owe i.r. a heap of thanks for the time and caring she managed to give me during that time.