Good-bye beautiful lady

My dearest Aunt Dode died tonight.
God speed to a beautiful lady and inspiring spirit.
I am blessed to have had her in my life.

Must read..all of you!

Tonight was my book club (a wonderful thing and I highly recommend this for you all!). The book we read this month was , "Half the Sky" by Kristof & WuDunn. This is an excruciating book because it tells, graphically, the stories of so many young women who have been victimized by their culture. But is also tells of the survival of so many of these women. I was not able to go any farther than page 87. It was just too painful and disturbing, but my book club women helped me to see the positive from this book.
So, read it and do what you can to change someone's life.

Recently remembered...

I was reminded of this little poem/prayer that my brother Jim wrote several years ago. I'm sure he wouldn't mind sharing it with you...

"Oh God
please hear me
as I rise and pray
protect me from the men
who wear suitcoats all day"
Jim Parker

Question...

Do cicadas ever sleep?

Sold and sad

"Into My Mystic" was in the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Fest show WAX this weekend. I couldn't get to the show, but got a call that someone wanted to purchase it. At first I was thrilled, but then I got a little sad because this is a piece that I am so fond of. So off it went. It was bought by a couple that really loves it so I don't feel as bad, but I will miss it.

And then the girls went off to their new home overlooking Lake Michigan. I know they have a lovely home and their new owner loves them, but I will miss them too.

It's not easy letting go. At least when you let go of your flesh and blood children you know that you will see them again.

Something to think about, a lot

There are several reality shows on these days, and I watch several of them, but when I saw the one called "The Next Great Artist" I was pretty dumb founded. What and how can they do this? And who would want to be in this rediculous show!Of course I watched it. To my surprise, I liked it. So I watched it again, and again, and again. Maybe it's because I didn't go to art school, but I'n finding it very interesting and educational. Tonight the challenge was to create something that represented how and why they became artists.

So now I'm thinking.

For Aunt Dode

Aunt Dode is 98. Tonight she is not doing well. She is my favorite aunt and my role model. She has always marched to her own drum, but very quietly and with respect for other's drums. Her smile is infectious and her heart is always open. She is an artist to her soul. She is a beautiful woman, even at 98. She is my mother's sister and my second Mom.
I am sending my love through this painting of her as my Mom's Maid of Honor.