Great Day!

I'm giving a peek of the canvas sneakers I've been working on. I'm almost done and I'm looking forward to showing them to my nephew. This is his dog "Fonzy". This is my first layer of washes and I'll be working on its mate next. These are new paints that we got specifically for this project. I'm very happy with the painting and I hope Manny likes them.

Now, this is what I'm reading and it is a great read. It was a recommendation from one of the bloggers I enjoy reading. Isn't it wonderful when you find people who care about the same things you do. Before the internet I felt so different and isolated. There was no spark left in me. When I discovered Blogs I finally found some kindred spirits. Anyway, I am so happy I got this book. And the blog I'm speaking of is, "By Sun and Candlelight".

I feel like I'm getting an education catered to my beliefs and I don't have to pay thousands of dollars for this information. I love the internet and the good people who share their experience. I know I'm not a great writer, but I hope to give some inspiration to someone out there who sees some similarities in my life or art.

 

This has been a great day and I'm so grateful to have my family.

To Thelma, my friend. 

I miss you so much. 

When I read books like this, I know you are still teaching me to be happy and grateful.

Details, Dreams, Funerals and Etchings.

Because of this heat its been difficult to post anything on the blog. Around here the little one is my priority and I'm doing my best to keep her cool and happy. She's happy and so here I am for a few words.

I just received information about the funeral services for Thelma. I will be going to the viewing and the funeral. I don't have too many experiences with death. I tend to block out the experience - then later I can't remember the details. Kind of reminds me of how I drank. Today I don't drink to get numb. I just don't drink anymore. Maybe now the details will be more concrete and not disappear like a morning dream.

This is an etching Thelma gave me several years ago when she was moving into a smaller apartment. It hung in her living room for many years. It hangs over our mantel now and I always think of her friendship when I look up at it. In my eyes the figure in the piece will now be Thelma.

Thelma

This is my good friend Thelma with my Itty Bitty. This picture was taken almost a year ago on her 103rd Birthday. Thelma is in a nursing home now. We went to visit her today. I am so happy to say that she's hanging in there and that she recognised us both. The last time I saw her she had a hard time remembering my name.

Thelma was always so proud to say she was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. She used to share with me so many stories of her youth and her four marriages. She outlived all of her husbands and a son.

Thelma was my sunshine when I walked around with a cloud over me for many years. Even today as she lay in her bed she put a smile on my face when she said, "I do the best I can with what I have. I just let life take its course. I can't fight it. I have no regrets. I've had a good life."

I have learned so much from her when it came to spirituality. Thelma was self educated by reading a lot of insightful books. She believes in God and not in a particular system of faith.

There was a time when I would say that Thelma was my only friend and that was enough. She just made me feel better about myself and life. life and people weren't as bad as I thought after spending an afternoon with Thelma.

I just wanted to include her in my blog because she deserves to be acknowledged for being a beautiful being in this world. I Love You Thelma!