Filed under being grateful …

Breaking away to Seaside

Over the weekend, I was able to break away from myself to Seaside to visit my 91 year old Aunt Deanna from Brazil.  She read me a letter that was written in Portuguese, her native language. It’s hard to imagine how she could still read a letter in a language as complicated as Portuguese and still talk with me … Continue reading →

Participating at the OSA Exhibit

I had the wonderful experience of exhibiting my artwork at the Oregon Society of Artitsts. Theresa LoMonaco, I, and the “Old Master” and “Amy,” my paintings, are in these photos. The art show began January 11, with a reception and ended January 30th. I met a long term worker named Bill and his friend James, … Continue reading →

Aquarius, My Hippie Years

In my hippie years, I was a rising star of the Zodiac sign, Aquarius. It began when I went to Southern Oregon College, now Southern Oregon University in Ashland, 67′-69′, and someone coined me with the term, Aquarius. My birthday is in February. I could have settled for the titles of Miss Universe or Miss … Continue reading →

A visit with my Brazilian Aunt Deanna

Going to visit my beautiful Aunt Deanna from Brazil this week. She is in her 90’s and is still as young as ever. She is my mom’s sister. She is a beautiful woman of many talents, sewing, swimming, caring for people, and raising a family of six. She shares her sweet self in everything she does. Her … Continue reading →

A Gift From Africa

A beautiful surprise I received in the mail yesterday. A Pay it Forward gift from Judy Fardig. It is an apron made in Africa in honor of President Obama. I will cherish it forever. Thank you, Judy!

OSA Volunteer Show

My oil painting of “Just Being There,” 21×27 will be displayed at the Oregon Society of Artists Volunteer Show. The gallery is located at 2185 SW Park Place, Portland, Oregon. My painting will be exhibited with two of my other pieces, January 11- January 30, 1-4 pm. The gallery is closed Sundays. Please come to the … Continue reading →

Winner of Sherry Goes Sane Contest

Here is a photo of Sherry Marasse, winner of my Sherry Goes Sane Reader Contest. She hung the prize, my painting of ‘Brilliant Flowers Opening Up to the Sun,’ in her counseling office at the Tyler Center.

Happy Veterans Day 2014

Happy Veterans Day. Here are photos of my stepdaughter, Becky Joiner, a US Army woman, who fought in the DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM Gulf War, and my Dad, who was a US sergeant in World War II. Thank you so much for the sacrifice you made to keep us safe. Your love and compassion for this country … Continue reading →

‘Arranging flowers’

My painting of young Julie A. Fast arranging flowers. Every time Julie has invited me to her lovely home to visit her mom’s beautiful garden, she plucks a bouquet from the sweet earth and hands it to me. Friends are the flowers in the gardens of life.