g. "All my love" Frida would call out to Trotsky whenever they departed as she additionally would blow him kisses (Garza p.89). The couple is rumored to have met at Christina's house in secret (Garza p.89). The abrupt end to their liaison seems to indicate the relationship was not so hidden. Trotsky left for San Miguel Rigla under the insistence of his agents and guards who eared scandal and his safety. During his absence Frida went to visit and the affair between them ended (Herrera p.212). A nine page letter from Trotsky to Frida and the opinion of her friend Ella Wolfe indicates Frida broke things off. "It was a plea...He (Leon) was truly infatuated with Frida, and she meant a great deal to him" (herrera p.212). Quite the contrary Trotsky also wrote numerous notes to Natalia at the same time declaring his love for her (Herrera p.212). The timeless situation of a defeated man not wanting to be alone has him playing both sides in attempt to cushion the blow to his ego.Trotsky returned to Coyoacan in July and the couples maintained an appearance as friends. Characteristically Frida and her excitement loving persona, she most likely enjoyed reminding Trotsky of their affair and the effect she had on him. A film discussed in Herrera's biography has Frida "cuddled up in Rivera's lap in such a kittenish way that one suspects her of trying to excite her former lover's jealousy" (Herrera p.213). On November 7, 1937 Kahlo presented Leon with her ultimate tease in the self portrait she dedicated to him "with love" on his birthday. The self portrait is as Breton declares, "a ribbon about a bomb" (Herrera p.213). It is not a mere understanding giggle and intended tease for Leon, but a thank you, a declaration and so much more.Rivera's affair with Christina had forced Frida "to be, or at least pretend to be, her own source" (Herrera p.192). Frida had only completed two known paintings by 1936; My Parents, My Grandparents and I and S...
