The summer has evaporated. Tis trite to say, but true.  We all experience the slipping away of days on different levels and mine has been a roller coaster of highs and lows.  Thankfully, it is mostly highs, but first the lows. My dad passed away July 10^th at the age of 86. I could write an entire blog celebrating the life of a skilled surgeon, a dad who was a “hero” to not only his family, but to many… The life of the party…” never let the truth stand in the way of a good story”!!! His ability to delve into creativity on any level is a gift that is a part of me and always will be. Salute to my dad, JT, Jack Tom, Daddy Jack and simply “Daddy”.

Just when you think you are hitting a stride…ahhhh…BALANCE…a boulder of emotions hit.  Lucky me that I am able to channel the layers of life & all of its complexities into painting.

I was the artist in residence in the gallery at Santa Fe Fine Art …a week after losing my dad …ok…well, pull up those boot straps and get to work. Once again, confirmed, that there is a spiritual, artful connection with me and Santa Fe. Some stories are too bizarre to tell, even if I could manage to put them into words. Time & time again it never fails me. Inspiring AND…YEAH… art sales were great. Café Pasquales never disappoints a foodie like me, connecting with an old college roommate, making new friends & the amazing energy of the crew at Santa Fe Fine Art all contributed to the adventure. An old postcard from Becky says “ they came, they sold, they ate well…they were the obese artists”. Well, maybe an abbreviation of that humor, but makes me giggle…and know that the vibrations in Santa Fe rock on!

Painting live for 2 charity events in Denver requires a lot of schlepping but is always rewarding. THE standard question when painting live, on site is “how long does it take you to paint that?”…and my standard sassy answer is “a life time”. One event was at Denver Botanic Gardens for the French Summer Soiree. The gardens are alive with color& texture….not to mention the unbelievable front and center tangible dynamics the Henry Moore sculpture exhibition adds to this nature. If you live in Denver, don’t miss it. Go on a hot day in flip flops, dip your toes into the ponds & hang out for sunset. The bronzes of this exhibition at sunset are stunning. Fresh air, nature grows drowsy.

The second event raised money for the Anchor Center for the Blind, something I did not know a lot about but was WOWED  by  the end of the evening. Rain did not diminish the enthusiasm of supporters on the grounds of the Shanahan’s property.  Stunning.  Great $$ raised and great testimonials to the value of not only this center for the blind but our OWN sight!! Often taken for granted??? I painted 30x15” singular bottle of Chateau Margaux 1961 Grand Cru. What’s not to like about that? Someone send a case soon..please! Ha!

Eric Maisel, Ph, D. (www.ericmaisel.com) writes for ART CALENDER publication. Have never met him in person, but have gained intuitive knowledge and supportive insight into the creative process of artists from his monthly articles for years. Many that I cannot absorb in one reading, thus I save them in some scattered files and somehow the right saved messages always resurface at the right time. Recently, the message was “exhaust yourself”.  I cannot do justice to paraphrasing his message www.artcalender.com Jan 2009. Go read it! He says that a pilgrim who goes on the journey with obstacles in mind is bound to wear out. This pilgrim who “crosses the desert because he has a vital message to deliver, a lost love to find or a pledge to keep, he will go further and perhaps arrive at his destination. He is not guaranteed success, the desert may still win. But his motivation will make all the difference”.  Dig deep.

Life, death, hurdles, busy….I am blessed…..exhausting myself? YUP! Sometimes on canvas, other times in tears, but with passion. A high and a low, grounded in a firm foundation. Much due to my dad, my mom and my stepmother…and did I mention 5 brothers and sisters? Inspiration and appreciation of so much from so many people demand to not settle…ever. Admit to being frustrated at times if needed and remember that frustration builds character (remind me, please!)

I am not a proud person in the snobbery sense, but a person who takes pride in who I am, what I do, how I treat people and what my roots are. My dad treated many a patient with no resources, just a soul who needed a little surgery…at no charge! Grateful patients would bring homegrown veggies, jams, whatever they could offer as THANKS DOC!! Classic southern style! My dad probably “exhausted himself” in taking the oath to take care of others….beyond the 6 kids, God love him! Confidence is passed on. Confidence in itself is a gift. To brag was never his style, just to be was enough.  My challenge is to be this person with my art. Give. Don’t settle. Keep the child in me. Laissez le bon temps roule!

“This is your time on earth, this is your chance to create worthy things, this is your opportunity to conceive a startling idea when, an instant before, nothing existed, and this is your MOMENT to represent yourself in ways that makes you PROUD.” Eric Maisel, ART CALENDER, 1/2009.

To Be Blue, 48x48....allowing myself "to be blue".