Floral No 250
Acrylic on canvas
Available for purchase here

If you’ve wondered why I’ve been so quiet, it’s because I was called away to jury duty. I’ve had it hanging over my head for 8 months now, like a black cloud, so it was a relief to finally get it over with serve. I got tired of stressing out about it. What a long drawn out process this turned into. I was first notified back in October of last year, and I sent in my paperwork. I received paperwork back saying I was to serve between the beginning of January to the middle-ish of June. At that time, I thought the case must be HUGE, and was going to take months. I waited, but heard nothing back from the court.

When June rolled around, I was beginning to think they forgot about me, misplaced my paperwork or something? I thought I was home free. Four days away from being dismissed, I received more paperwork in the mail. I was to report for duty in 2 business days at 8:45 am. I think they mailed everyone in town that day because 150 people showed up. Don’t ask me how I got chosen out of that many people when I’m such a wallflower, but I did, twice. 

The first time they called my name, I was put in a smaller pool of 39 people in the center of the courtroom. We were in the running. I was in the first row, sitting in front of the judge with the defendant sitting a couple feet in front of me. We had to sit there directly facing each other for about an hour, maybe two? To say it was uncomfortable would be an understatement, especially after I heard the charges. It was a serious criminal case. 

Both lawyers gave a speech to break the ice. They spoke to some of us individually, and asked a few personal questions relative to the case. Some people asked to be taken into the judge’s chambers to answer privately. If someone from the 39 was dismissed, they called another name from the audience. The lawyers continued asking questions, and weeding through our answers until they were satisfied. We were told to remain seated while they went back into chambers with the judge and defendant, and chose 13 of us out of the 39. 

Skipping ahead with a funny story..days later, after the verdict had been read, we were told by the prosecution that we hadn’t really been “chosen”. The lawyers each got to strike out 13 people they didn’t want, and we were actually the “leftovers”. haha! Gee, thanks! 😉 

I was the last name called into the pool of 39, and the last one called out of 13 (I didn’t end up being juror No 13, tho). I was counting on my fingers as the names were read off. I was just about to breathe a huge sigh of relief when they said my name. I stood up, instead of sighing. 

Everyone else was told to leave, and the place quickly emptied out. We were swiftly whisked away, exiting through the back door. From there on out we became the property of the court, pretty much. If there was a court recess, we were taken into the back, and locked in the tiny jury room. We did get to leave for lunch, and we got to go home at night, so I have no complaints. Also, we were waited on hand and foot by the clerk. She brought us water, fruit, soda, snacks, and even made us coffee. It was hot in that little jury room, little or no a/c, and the temperature outside was raging well over 100F. We ran her ragged with requests for water. More water!! She was a real sweetheart. If we needed anything, all we had to do is buzz.   

That’s pretty much where the story ends, at least here on my blog. I’ve decided that because of the sensitive subject matter, and out of respect for the family and the minor child involved, I’m not going to disclose any detailed information about the case. I’ll only say that I’m confident that I made the right decision for the verdict – not guilty on all 5 counts. I have no regrets. 

Now it’s back to the studio for me. I re-opened my Etsy shops, and started painting again yesterday. On the outside, it appears like it’s business as usual, but I’m not going to lie. It’s hard to carry on as if I haven’t been changed by this experience. 

My wish going forward is this.. I hope everyone involved can heal. I hope they somehow can find peace, love, forgiveness in their hearts, and that the verdict brings closure. My thoughts are with you all. If any of my fellow jurors want to keep in touch, please email me. xo