Labor of Love!!

So beautifully colored, thought out, labor intensive...

detail...

And framed...

Comforter, so skillfully crocheted by my Grandmother decades ago, still in use today...

Victorian doorknobs, 1 & 2,  circa, 1900, drawn by Me, from the Big House in R.I.

Today is National Siblings Day, so I include, Sibling-In-Law, i.e, my Sister-in-Law, Sheila. She has found a great way to spend some quiet time, midst her very busy and demanding job, and life in general. Upon discovery of coloring in, what to me look like the most elaborate Victorian doorknobs, Sheila has turned this wonderful hobby into a few 'labor of love' pieces, which she has signed, framed, popped in the mail to some very happy recipients. 'Moi' included. It came on Friday. I liken this gorgeous labor intensive piece to the crocheting of a quilt, or cross-stitch works, which were so carefully hand crafted by my Mom, Grandmother, Great-Aunt. Each, a treasure, withstanding the test of time.

Even though I have said it many times over at this point, I so appreciate the time, dedication, thought and love which was put into this beautiful drawing. Along with the colors of the matte, which my Brother chose, although without thinking, he said, our camp colors of blue and 'gold'. We have found a place of honor to hang it where the blazing Colorado sun will not touch it and make it fade or alter the colors in any way. 

So, many thank you's again, dear SIL!!!

'May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;

    establish the work of our hands for us—

    yes, establish the work of our hands..'

                                         Psaml 90:17

Remembering Mable...

She was not my dog. She was the baby girl of my brother and sister-in-law. I did a portrait of Murray, her older brother, and the Twins, when the girls were 10 or 11. They are now 24. Mable was front and center, paw forward, very regal. Sadly, Mable went to 'doggie heaven' on Tuesday night, w/ Murray there to greet her I am sure. When my brother called, the 'Hello' let me know something was wrong. I could not speak. My tears flowed freely. She was not my dog, but she was a member of my family and my heart broke for the loss. I am still getting welled up. The bottom pic of my niece, was the day of Mom's funeral, later in the day back @ my brother's house. And the other, well, clearly, they were both just puppies.

'And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game.'

Come Fly Away...

Yesterday, I flew back to Colorado from New Jersey after spending a week helping my brother, sister-in-law and my nieces pack up, distribute, move and ship everything in Mom's apartment. Needless to say it was a tough week and I was so happy to have the 4 hours in the air, with an amazing view the entire time of 'what lay beneath'. So, with camera in tow, ipod well tucked into my head, I was able to quietly make the transition back to the mountain.

Remebering Murray...

Murray, the handsome Sheltey, went to dog heaven on November 18th. He was companion to Mabel (also a Sheltey) for a good decade and my brother and sister-in-law loved him as unconditionally as he so freely loved them. He is sorely missed. So thanks Murray for the memories, all the licks, all the warm cuddles, all the love, all the love, all the love.