Slobodkina prepared to paint a large mural celebrate her 80th birthday and to mark the completion of a new 45′ x 21′ studio at 409 west 8th Street, Hallandale, Florida. “The Last Countdown” was inspired by an elegantly illustrated catalog representing various art supplies in what she considered “a most sophisticated manner.” Slobodkina referred to “The Last Countdown” an epitaph for herself.