She's gone, gone, gone.......

Today, while I was having an art day in Sacramento, my dear little aunt passed away. Peacefully and with no fuss. I'm only sad for me. I know she was ready. Thank you God for taking her home.

Verna Mae - Thinking of my little aunt

Those of you who know me well, also know I am devoted to my dear friend, aunt, mentor, and confidante Verna Mae. Most of you have never seen her. You will see why I always refer to her as my little aunt. Here are some photos of her.VM with my mother on lawn, VM as young woman, VM last fall grocery shopping, VM with her friend Cindy who came to show her the new puppy.  I have been with her this last week, and often the last few months.

 Today VM is moving into an assisted living facility where she will have a small apt. and all the care that she needs at this time of her life. She is a fearless little lady! A new adventure at the age of 91. Those of us who love her are glad she was able to make this decision with a sound mind - it's only the body that's failing her.

zen quilt background

A few months ago an online group posted a zen quilt challenge. Using scraps of fabric, sew them randomly over newspaper.  As I was not interested in making a quilt, I used it as a background for a painting.   This is an example of making something out of nothing.

Paintings - inchies

One of the online art groups I belong to posted a challenge to make one inch paintings/collages. These are abstract scraps cut into one inch squares.

Poetry meets Painting

Usin Photoshop Elements, I added text to Bruni's wife (ca. 1917) over an abstract background.

Nathan's birthday

Today, Nathan turned 12. This is a picture I took of him when he was 10, sketching with me at Silver Lake. He loves to draw. I just know he will be an artist someday! Happy Birthday Nathan.

Blue woman

This piece is a silhouette of a fashion model done with painters tape on a background of acrylics on canvas paper. The caption was added digitally.

Techni-grandma

Brother Bob gave me a webcam and mike so we can use SKYPE-mail. I got it all hooked up today and we had our first conversation on camera through the computer. No more long distance calls. How cool is this?

One of the best parts is, if I put his picture on full screen it looks like an impressionist painting. I love it. Kris joined us for a few moments, so I had a two person conversation. We haven't tried the conference call yet, but if I know my brother, he'll have one set up later tonite. Everyone should have a brother like mine!