Used To Be

Doris Day passed away yesterday, at the age of 96.  Her life was a long one and a great one and, of course, everyone knows of the sweet Doris Day and her many movies that made us smile.

In honor of Doris, I decided to watch one of her old movies.  Life was so much simpler then, and people found joy in the little things.  Of course, there are songs in her movies -- she had the voice of an angel, and always, there is a happy ending.

I remember the days when everyone knew their neighbors and helping each other was a way of life.  Yes, those days when Doris Day sang to bring sunshine into our hearts.

Art has a way of bringing joy and songs in our hearts.  Each painting has it's own song to sing!  I look back at some of my own paintings that were created many years ago, and I still smile.  And, yes, I remember when the mothers and children would pose for me on the beach.  We just let the children play and have a good time.  And, in my gardens at my home in Phoenix, the children were always mesmerized by the beauty of the colors.

Art has been, and always will be a part of our lives.  It is so important that we spend time enjoying the art in the galleries, museums, and in the homes of friends!  Art speaks of our world from long ago and what is relevant today!  Enjoy the colors and beauty of art -- it is everywhere.

Being an artist is challenging and exciting!  We paint to bring joy and happiness to the world.  Support the arts in any way that you can!

Art lasts forever!  And so does the memories of Doris Day!

"Love" 7 x 5 Oil on Board

This is a little study that I did from my garden in Phoenix. My little hammock was a great place to sit and hold her precious baby.  And the light was mesmerizing!

Flexibility

Being flexible can be found in so many areas of our lives.

Yoga is truly the best way to have our bodies become flexible and healthy.  The practice of yoga gives our bodies the strength and stamina to be flexible, and it feels so good.  I love stretching and the child's pose is one of my favorite poses to do on my carpet in front of my easel when I take a break.

Being flexible with family and friends when situations arise that need a "little bending" is truly a way of honoring one another.  It's the give and take that we do to keep our relationships happy and thriving that is crucial to a peaceful life.  We each have our own way of doing things, and that's the beauty of life -- we are different and yet, the same. We all just want to be loved.

In art, the flexibility to let the painting paint itself.  When you start to create a new canvas, you have an idea of what you are going to do.  When you step back, and take some time to sit and look at your work that the painting simply happens.  Then you can see what needs to be done to finish your creation.

As I am finishing a painting, I put all of the photos aside, and I simply let God and my paint brushes finish it for me.  That is where the magic begins.

I did this little study many years ago and the light from the window that catches her dress is what inspired me.  Let's face it, ballet dancers are among the most flexible people in the world.  I love watching them dance, stretch, workout and the simple task of tying their shoes, entices me to paint.

"The Dancer study)" 5 x 7 Oil on Board

A Telephone Call

Sometimes, a simple phone call can bring you so much joy, and love and comfort.  We are all so busy these days, and texting seems to be the "new phone call".  And, yet, when you simply take a few minutes and call a friend or family member, it can be just what that person needs.

This morning  I received a phone call from my friend in Phoenix, and we chatted for over a half hour and it was so inspirational, moving and mostly, exactly what I needed to start my day.  I haven't been to Phoenix in a few years, and my heart and some of my belongings are still there.  I was reminded how much I love the desert and the people there.

Time passes by so quickly, and our lives take us all over the world.  The special moments that we share together are the ones that make our hearts smile.

Thank you, Viktoria, for calling me and for our great and inspirational talk today.

Here's a painting that I did of Viktoria and her daughter Fifi many years ago in my garden in Phoenix.  The tender times we spent together while I watched her children grow up are always in my heart.

It is one of my favorite paintings.

Take a few minutes today and give someone a call -- Your heart will truly smile.

"Love Stories"  20 x 20 Oil on Linen