There is Peace Inside - SOLD

12" x 12" oil on stretched linen canvas

Last year two girlfriends and I spent the weekend in Nashville, Tennessee.  We passed this church one day and I was struck by the welcoming look of the front door.  It seemed to invite you to walk in.  I am sure a lot of life events have passed through these doors.  Beautiful brides have walked through these doors and down the aisle of this church with hopes and dreams and seeking the blessing of marriage.   Parents and friends have crossed this threshold for the last time as their casket was carried out.  Some who left this world too soon.   New babies have been carried in the arms of their parents in their white christening clothes.  Some have entered here looking for peace during times of distress, some just seeking the unknown, not sure of what that is.  This is a peaceful place, a place where we can meet God, celebrate the good, cherish memories, seek and find the reason for why.

A Perfect Sunshiney Day - SOLD

20" x 16 oil on linen stretched canvas

Yesterday was a wonderful time with family and friends.  I loved seeing all the families celebrating on facebook and all the smiles and happiness shared.  I was thrilled to receive emails and messages from people who received my paintings for Christmas presents.  That makes me so happy to be a part of making someone else happy!  I am amazed at the thoughtfulness of children and husbands who actually sought me out to paint someone special for their gifts.  I am truly thankful.  Today is another beautiful, sunny day and I am ready to varnish - finally the warm weather will help my paintings dry.  

I have met the most wonderful photographer who shares her photos.  Jill Wellington Photography.  This lady is gifted.  She "sees" the best photographs and she shares so much great information for any photographers out there to make their photos even better.  Follow her blog, http://www.jillwellingtonblog.com  for some great tips.  I feel in love with this reference photo from her.  The little girl, the light, the hat, and the mood.  Thank you Jill!

Old MacDonald Had a Farm - SOLD

My maiden name was not MacDonald but close, it was McLeary.  When I was young, my father had a farm that had belonged to his family.  The farm had two houses on it.  One house had been my grandmothers and the second house was the home of the "share-cropper".  The man who lived in that house was named Mr. Spratlin.  Mr. Spratlin raised cotton on the farm and rented the land from my father.  I think they shared the profits of the cotton.  One particular weekend my older brother, my younger brother, my father and I went to visit the farm.   As we approached Mr. Spratlin's house we noticed there was  a new dog house nearby. As we got closer to it, my older brother looked at my father and said, "Oh no Dad!"  I was unaware of the problem until my brother said, "that is solid cherry wood".  Evidently there was a cherry chifforobe that had been stored in my grandmothers old house and this appeared to be what the dog house had been constructed from.  As Mr. Spratlin approached he said, "I built that this week from an old piece of furniture I found in the old house.  I hope that was ok."  I looked at my father's face thinking he would be mad but instead he said, "well that looks like a fine dog house".  On his face I saw tenderness, forgiveness and acceptance written there, not anger.   I could not believe it!  Why wasn't he mad?  I thought,  "that man is crazy!"

 As we left that day I remember my father told my brothers and I that Mr. Spratlin was loosing his eyesight and he did not know he had destroyed a good piece of furniture.  That was more than 50 years ago.  I do not remember a lot of the conversations I had with my father during his life but I do remember that day and that message.  I remember that in that moment my father saw what was truly important - another person.  He did not stress over a "thing" or the loss of a tangible object.  I saw true compassion for another human being.  There have been times in my life when I have tried to remember that story, that day and that dog house.   

Sweet Memories - SOLD

This is a cold, rainy day and I have had a wonderful time with a sleep over with my 5 grandchildren.  Such sweet memories.

Utterly Beautiful - SOLD

I am trying to have a few paintings available for last minute Christmas presents and I am trying to finish them in time for them to dry.  I could not resist this little lady. 

"I've Got You Babe" - SOLD

I loved the way these two birds were huddled together and I heard that there is a new play on Broadway called the Cher Show.  These two reminded me of that song, "I've Got You Babe".  

On another note, today was art class with my grandchildren.  I try to expose them to different kinds of art but I do lean toward the impressionistic style that I am drawn to.  This year I taught 3 classes and the phrase I hear most often is, "I want to paint loose".  To paint "loose" it requires the artist to focus on shapes and colors more than content, for instance, don't set out to paint a blue bird but identify the shapes and colors within the big shape and allow the viewer room to interpret what those shapes and colors depict.  Today I was talking to the kids about warm and cool colors and I was so surprised that they knew what I was talking about.  My oldest grandson said, "you taught us that Mimi".  I then went on to explain that today we would paint some flowers in a vase in an impressionistic style.  I was describing to them how to be free with their brushes and just first randomly lay down some paint strokes.  One of the seven year olds said, "Mimi are you saying you just want me to go crazy with the paint?"  The other one said, "You have watched Mimi paint - yes, just go crazy."  Not sure that is exactly the idea I had in mind but their paintings did look very impressionistic. 

Chicken Mingle - SOLD

It is ok to mingle.

Still Together - SOLD

These two are still together regardless of the weather, extra pounds and fluff.

Snow Bird - SOLD

  

I  have birds on my easel today.

I Really Can't Stay - SOLD

Today I had this little guy on my computer to paint.  The reference photo was created by Barbara Swinton.  I am so thankful for talented photographers who supply beautiful photos as reference.  It is getting cold outside and instead of walking Max early,  decided to paint.  My husband told me they are not going to play the song , "Baby It's Cold Outside" on some stations as it has reference to sexual content.  Ummmm.........interesting :)

I Am Right By You

I had the most wonderful day today.  I have two long time friends that I love with all my heart.  We meet together every couple of weeks and we have a Bible Study.  Today our lesson was on Jacob and Esau and the fact that their mother helped Jacob steal Esau's blessing.  The writer of the study said that even when she feels like she has been a bad mother she remembers that she never glued hair to her sons arm to steal another's family blessing.  We laugh and we identify with a teacher who can be honest and laugh in the middle of chaos.  We also have learned through our life experiences to do just that.  These two ladies and I know every little piece of each other's lives. The good, the bad and the parts we wish had been different.   We trust each other, we agree that we are seeking to be "real" in our lives and we are probably not considered to be conventional in any sense of the word.  Today I prepared lunch for them and after the study  we painted.  They had asked me to teach them....how humbling.  

 They are also great "squealers". I remember several years ago they attended an art show I was in and I won 3rd place.  They squealed!  I mean real loud, high pitched, excited squealing!  The kind of squealing that makes you feel something great is happening.  Today they squealed about the chicken stew and the lemon pound cake.  They then moved to  old paintings of mine and started the squealing and told me how much they love the paintings and could not believe that I did not have them displayed.   ( That really fuels my ego!) Anyway, today after they left, I find my paintings that I had stored in my garage arranged around my house.  This one is named "I Am Right By You". Such a reminder to me that I know  in my heart of hearts, whatever the circumstance, whatever the moment, each of us would be right by the other when needed. What a great blessing that I have these two squealers in my life.

Do What You Can to Live in Peace - SOLD

8" x 8" on deep sided canvas with sides painted.

I love painting with a palette knife on occasion.

I Will Always Be Around - SOLD

This commission was so meaningful to me.  The love between these two sisters is so apparent.  I have heard sisters say that even if their sister drove them crazy at times that same sister would always defend to death.   It has been said that the best thing about having a sister is that you always have a friend.  It seems in this beautiful setting each sister was thankful for her friend.

Angelina's Guest House - SOLD

I love the laid back feeling of Key West and this was an honor to paint a resort for a friend of mine who has been a friend for many, many years.  It is always an honor to have a friend commission a painting with me but especially one who is a wonderful artist. Martha is a folk artist completing the most amazing pieces with cloth, buttons and embroidery.  Check out her facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/martha.beadle

This painting was so much fun to paint because it is HUGE!  It is 30" x 40" and I had fun slinging so much paint and using such large brushes, however, as I type this post I see I am covered in paint, even my hands that are typing.  I thought I had the painting completed when I saw I had not added the roosters who rule the sidewalk so you will notice two little guys made in on the corner.

Praying in the Storm -SOLD

Today I have limited time and a limited palette so I am completing this small palette knife painting as a give away on my facebook page, Marcia Hodges, Artist.  It is a acrylic painting on 8" x 8" linen panel.  I know I have mentioned before that I am involved with a group of recovering addicts/alcoholics and I am so thankful for the lives I have seen changed.  There is a song by Zack Williams called "Chain Breaker" and the men I have met who have broken those chains of addiction are an inspiration.  

Little Angel - SOLD

Everybody needs a little angel to watch over them.  This one looks a little tired.

When The Heart Finds Home - SOLD

I am always looking for little chapels to paint and this week one of my friends, Ann Reynolds posted this picture on her Instagram of a little chapel in Cullman, Alabama.  (Ann is the owner of Sunshine Gallery in Watkinsville, Georgia.  Check out her Instagram).  Anyway, I always ask permission to use someone's photo unless it comes from a site where photos have been made available without copyright.  Ann did not take the photo so I wrote to my good friend Paula who happens to live in Cullman and she provided me with so many photos!  It really pays to have a good friend who is good with her iPhone!  I loved this little chapel and I am pushing myself to use a limited palette so this painting was completed using only 3 colors plus White, Ultramarine Blue, Vermillion Red and Yellow Ochre.  

We Are One in the Spirit - SOLD

If you read my previous post entitled, "Counting Every Blessing" you know that I am "cut" and not in a good way.  Most people who talk about being "cut" means they are in great physical shape and probably have washboard abs.  Not the case here, I have two incisions and one skin graft due to a recent melanoma ordeal.  Two weeks later my husband and I were returning from Nashville where I had been attending an art class.  He starting feeling very bad with aches and pains and fever. We visited stand alone medical clinic and we were told he had a virus that would "run it's course".  He continued to worsen with nausea and vomiting and started having double vision and severe weakness.  We then visited the ER and were told he had a problem in the nerves in his brain and he would be transferred by ambulance to be admitted to the hospital.  Diagnosis came from six physicians, six MRI's, two Cat Scans, one lumbar puncture and numerous blood tests.  Miller Fisher Syndrome, a variant of Gullian Barre' Syndrome.  He had received a flu shot 10 days prior to the virus and the combination of those two triggered an immune response where his own immune system started attacking nerve cells.  He received 5 days of immunoglobulin therapy and is home now recuperating.  He will recover but it is a slow process.  But the title of this painting comes from the fact that we truly are one in the Spirit.  When prayers, concern, love are needed, the power of those are immeasurable.  Your spirits are uplifted and your heart is touched and within that positive atmosphere of love,  God is present.  We have been so overwhelmed with the text, cards, calls and messages from so many wonderful people.  We are very thankful.  

There is a lot of strife in our world today regarding many issues and this old song comes back to me, "They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love".

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that our unity will one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yeah they'll know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yeah, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

Songwriters:  Peter Scholtes

I do want to report according to Google that the CDC estimates between 12,000 to 56,000
people may die from the flu each year.  The chances of getting Miller Fisher or Guillian Barre from the flu shot is 1 in 100,000.

Casa Catalina - SOLD

There are those places that just call to you.  Places where the sky is a clear blue, the pool is turquoise and you can truly relax and turn your mind to "off".  This beautiful little cottage in Key West is one of those places.  

Counting Every Blessing - SOLD

6" x 8"

I have always loved the sun.  I loved it when I was 19 years old and my friends and I laid out at the lake soaked in baby oil, I loved it in my 20's and 30's when we lived on the lake and were out in the boat with our kids all day.  I even loved tanning beds when I worked in my 40's and did not have as much time to work on my tan.  Well, over the years I have had several skin cancers that have had to be removed, squamous and basal cell.  Three years ago I had to have Mohs surgery ( a precise surgical technique used where thin layer of cancer containing skin are progressively removed and examined until only cancer-free tissue remains.)  Two weeks ago I had my yearly dermatology visit and skin check and I had 4 biopsies.  Two came back bad.....wow....melanoma.  That is a little more serious.  According to the Melanoma Research Foundation, melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and the most common form of cancer in the U.S.  If not caught early, it can metastasize to other parts of the body.  I had a wonderful surgeon, Dr. Chris Harmon of the  Surgical Dermatology Group of Birmingham and he assured me that he got clean margins and the cancer was caught very early but I need to be reassessed every 3 months.  
I have a biopsy healing on my left arm, a 2" inch incision on my right arm from one removal,  a 2" incision with stitches above my right clavicle that provided a skin graft for my lower shin.  My lower leg is still dressed so I am unsure what it looks like but it has been very painful.  I started to stay quiet about this but I just want to encourage SUNSCREEN and please see a dermatologist if you have any question regarding any skin discolorations or changing moles, even if you call them freckles.  

I have been listening to Rend Collective today and love the son "Counting Every Blessing" and I feel this so strongly.

I am counting every blessing, counting every blessing
Letting go and trusting when I cannot see
I am counting every  blessing, counting every blessing
Surely every season you are good to me

Me and Mommy - SOLD

Oh I remember those moments when time does not matter, except for the fact that you want it to stop.  Those moments when you forget about what needs to be dusted or cooked or folded or washed and you just sit in the grass and hug your little person.  When my kids were small I did not think they would ever grow up and be independent.  I thought I would always be picking up toys, fixing snacks and running from soccer game to dance lessons.  Now I sit with my grandkids and talk of those days filled with stories of their parents.  Life goes on and what I am now conscious of is every moment spent with a little person on my lap or in my arms or just sitting and talking is precious.  l listen better and live in those moments more fully.

The King of Judah - SOLD

It is a strange phenomenon when I see a  photograph and it just wants to be painted. With this particular reference photo I was drawn to the intense look in the lion's eyes and the values that make up his face.  The challenge is to keep the values close, the paint loose and capture the emotion of the piece.  Hope I did that.  

While painting I wondered if  this Lion was painted for someone who just needs to be reminded of how strong they are.  When looking up quotes about lions I found some great stuff.  

"...and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals."                         
                                                                                                                  Revelation 5:5
"You would not have called to me unless I had been calling to you." said the Lion   
                                                                                                                  C.S. Lewis

"Remember Who You Are"  The Lion King

"Lions don't lose sleep over the opinions of sheep."

"A lion sleeps in the heart of every brave man."  Turkish proverb

"The righteous are bold as a lion."  Proverbs 28:1

"The truth is like a lion.  You don't have to defend it.  Let it loose.  It will defend itself." 
                                                                                                            St. Augustine

"You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have." 
                                                                                                             Bob Marley

Bounty - SOLD

There is a coolness in the air and pumpkins everywhere.

Fishin' - SOLD

This little brother and sister love playing by the lake.  I love the fact that they have created their own fishing poles out of sticks.  One day they will look back and remember how they played side by side and know that they always had each other.

Announcing My Sister! - SOLD

    A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.

                                 Marion C. Garretty

Bryson - SOLD

What a beautiful, little interesting face.

Little Shop on Duval

Walking around Duval Street in Key West we saw the cutest little shop with a bicycle out front with it's basket and backseat filled with flowers.  It was just one of those sites that make you smile.

12" x 12" oil on canvas
$200

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park - SOLD

While in Key West last week we spent a day at the Zachary Taylor State Park beach. My friend and I felt very brave and powerful as we rode our bikes to the beach from our rented house, while wearing our bathing suits (with a cover up I might add). Because we are both considered "older women" we were quite impressed with ourselves. It  was truly beautiful.  The water is crystal clear and a very carribbean blue and there are trees with a lot of shade and lovely blue umbrellas that actually almost match the color of the water.   On this particular day there was also a breeze.   It was a perfect day.   We then went home, changed and went out for our reservations at  Blue Heaven, a great restaurant that is a "must" for key lime pie.  On the way home we found that Duvall Street becomes a big party on Friday night and while walking home a young man at an outside bar asked us, "What are you ladies doing tonight?"  We felt even more powerful instead of afraid or insecure as maybe we would have been when younger as I told him, "we could be your mother!"

Southernmost - SOLD

I spent the last week in Key West with my dear friend. Such a great trip and  I have so many photos that I want to paint but I have to pace myself as I am completing Christmas commissions.  But there are some days when painting a special place or scene without any expectations helps me have a freedom in painting that I really enjoy.  I completely become enmeshed with the subject and I forget to eat or even leave my little studio.   

 Have you ever gone on a trip and you see something that you love.  The colors of the day, the way the house looks, the music you hear in the street and the people you see all create a "moment" in time?  This house near the Southernmost point in Key West did that for me. Not only that, someone recommended a great book while I was in Key West entitled, Southernmost.  I loved the book and it came to life when walking around the city and being in the exact places mentioned in the book.  

Little Cinderella - SOLD

I love being asked to paint pictures that tell stories.  The reference photo for this painting depicted the child like wonder of a little girl dreaming.  The castle in the background, the Cinderella dress and the little butterflies all create the beauty and excitement of the childlike spirit.  Little children have the ability to see the incredible in everything.  They have faith and immerse themselves in little wonders.  As adults we sometimes lose this ability to be awed by little things but we can learn to live this way again.  Look around at our incredible  universe and become fascinated again with what you are passionate about.  Be grateful.  Keep the fire in your soul.  

Loose Moose - SOLD

I am still trying to paint a couple of animals that I was inspired by in Alaska.  This is my "loose" moose.  I did not get to see a moose "in person" but when I got home there was a baby deer in my front yard and that is close :)

"I Just Need Some Bunny to Love" - SOLD

A little whimsical bunny who just needs some bunny to love.

Bear Naked Lady - SOLD

I spend all my time in the studio between May and December painting commissions for Christmas.  I feel so honored that people would seek me out for this.  I do try and keep Mondays a "free day", a day when I can paint for myself.  Recently I spent two weeks in Alaska and became mesmerized with the bears, moose and eagles that I heard about and read about. Unfortunately I only saw an eagle "in person".  I was really hoping to see a bear  but I did not want to see him real close.  Anyway, I came home with a lot of ideas for paintings and this little 8" x 10" is one of those.

I named her "Bear Naked Lady" after the band, Barenaked Ladies.  They sing  the theme song  for The Big Bang Theory.  I love that show, it makes me laugh but I seem to be the only one in my family that finds it funny.

You Are Loved Little One - SOLD

I cherish my experiences as a Labor and Delivery nurse for all those years.  There is really no greater moment that I can imagine than being present at a birth.  We rarely get to see miracles in life but witnessing birth qualifies as a miracle.  Regardless of the "route" the infant takes (natural or c-section), the entrance into this world follows a lot of the same processes.  ( Trust me on this if your experience is limited.)  I have often thought about the story in the Bible where Nicodemus asks Jesus what it means to be "born again".  Nic knew that Jesus was not speaking of literally being born again from one's mother's womb but he was trying to draw out the meaning of the words.  In my humble opinion, I have found that life gives us opportunities to be "born again" or "born from above".  This encompasses a spiritual rebirth, maybe even one where we have to make changes in our lives.  Greed, unforgiveness, lack of compassion, anger, addictions, unbelief, or anything else that keeps us from living in the nature and flow of the Spirit.  I have witnessed hundreds, probably over a thousand births in my career.  If I could interview a newborn right after birth and ask him, "how was it being born?"  I seriously doubt he would say "Man, that was great, I would love to do that again!"  There is a lot of pressure and pushing and contractions and squeezing that occurs. But after his arrival to this world he is looking around, bundled up and loved on, he can breathe and take in this new life.   A good, new life.  
 I think the same occurs for us when we decide to be "born by the Spirit" or "born again".  Changing some bad habits and addictions and getting rid of junk in our lives can require some discomfort.  Maybe even some pressure or squeezing, but on the other side of that is a wonderful new life.

This quote kinda sums up what I mean about someone who has been "born again" and maybe even for someone who becomes a mother.

Everything has changed and yet, I am more me than I've ever been.  Iain Thomas

Forever and Ever, Amen

I had the honor of teaching a painting class in Hamilton, Alabama this week.  I loved the group I got to paint with and was so honored that the Hamiltonian artist, Belinda McRae asked me to teach in her studio.  It was also a opportunity of traveling back in time.  I lived in Hamilton over 30 years ago when my husband was the pastor of the Methodist church there.  Hamilton is a small town where friends grew up together, went off to college, married and most of them returned.  Life has not changed much in 30 years.  I spent the night with one of my bestest friends. Judy and I floated around her pool and the Judge, her husband, waited on us and cooked his famous grilled chicken wings. Later, I walked around the downtown area and I saw six friends in their businesses that are seated around the Court House square.  We spent a lot of time reminiscing and laughing about days gone by.  We share a lot of good memories together and find ourselves amazed that time really does fly by and now the "young mothers" who gathered around the elementary school sports events and watched out for each others children, now found ourselves talking about our GRAND children.  The threads of friendship are still there and strong and I am thankful for that time in my life.  Friends will be forever and ever....Amen!

Italian Sunshine - Gifted

Last year I was in Italy painting with several wonderful artists.  One day we spent climbing up a very large hill to the village of Pruno.  This village is built into a hillside with winding streets, beautiful buildings and flowers everywhere.  There were so many beautiful nooks and crannies it was hard to decide what to paint.  I read that there are only 121 inhabitants in the area.  We only saw a few people and the majority of those where in the restaurant where we were the only customers.  It was excellent and almost like being seated in the middle of a good, good novel that you do not want to end.  As I was hiking up to the village with all my gear (backpack, easel, paints, water, etc.), I thought to myself, "this better be good."   It was so much more than I could have imagined and I have gone back there in my mind so many times.  This particular scene reminds me of that special day. This painting of that special place is for someone very special to me.  

Brother From Another Mother - SOLD

I was asked to paint a picture of two friends who have been very close during their school years and now are on their way to college.  It was obvious by the reference photos that these two are very good friends, probably like brothers.  They have probably been through many things together, encouraging each other, listening to each other, helping each other out of trouble and obviously playing ball together.  Their relationship reminds me of how important special relationships are in our lives and how they can last a lifetime.  

This painting comes at a particular time of reflection at my house as my husband and I are leaving this weekend to travel back to our hometown where we finished high school.  It is his 50th reunion!!!  Where did that time go? Even the physical building is gone and I was given the honor of painting the old school.  During that process in preparation for the weekend,  we have relived many memories.  These two friends will take memories with them and hopefully will share them over and over and again in 50 years.

Mr. Yellow - SOLD

Recently a friend sent me a picture of a rare yellow cardinal who resides in Alabaster, Alabama.  The distinct look  is identified as a rare genetic mutation that knocks out the pathway for production of red pigments.  Due to his appearance, the cardinal has been named Mr. Yellow by Charlie Stephenson and photographer Jeremy Black,  who were the first to spot him.  Within the last couple of months he and a female cardinal were seen feeding two chicks in their nest.  Mr. Stephenson said even though Mr. Yellow was "different" the female accepted him as he was and they started this little family together.  A facebook page entitled The Yellow Cardinal is dedicated to the life and journey of the couple and today it was noted that there are three more eggs in a nest.  It remains to be seen whether or nor Mr. Yellow's mutation will be passed on to his offspring.  I hope I have done him justice with my painting.

We're Going to the Chapel - Sold

11 x 14" acrylic on board 

I recently found this little chapel and love it. 

Marry Me? - SOLD

Just a day by the lake - a very important day.

Singing in the Rain - SOLD

The flowers I had on my table for the Memorial Day dinner with family are still "singing" even on this very rainy day.  When I posted this picture on FB I told the story about my own singing.  When my children were small I would rock them to sleep at night and sing silly little songs to them.  One night my daughter who was about 18 months old looked up at me very serious and said, "Mama, just rock.....don't sing."   I have only been in one church choir since that time and that was because they needed a child's voice :).  When I traveled with my job I was often told, "you talk so Southern".  I must have a Southern, child-like voice but it's ok because when I am home alone painting I can really sing!

Happy Whatever - Donated

11" x 14" Acrylic on stretched canvas

I love getting flowers - no reason needed.

Beach Fashionista

10" x 8" oil on canvas

100

https://www.etsy.com/Paintingbythelake/listing/592204923/beach-fashionista?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1527116606658

Daddy Day - SOLD

I loved the reference photo for this painting.  I think it tells a story of a Daddy's love and the carefree spirit of a little boy when sitting in Daddy's lap.  

Coffee High School - SOLD

My husband's 50th high school reunion is scheduled to take place in June.  We will be traveling back to Florence, Alabama where he will get to reminisce with old friends and honor those who are no longer living.  I cannot hardly remember anyone I went to high school with as I moved to Florence in my Sophomore year.   But, unlike me, most of my husband's friends knew each other from grammar school on to middle school and then high school.  Florence is also a small town and people know each other in a different way than a larger city.   They know each other's parents, sisters, brothers and even grandparents.   To get in "the mood" for the event, my husband  has been listening to 60's music and even contacting some old classmates.  My children smiled when we said it was his 50th.  We know what that smile means as we see it a lot lately.  It is kind of like them saying, "Wow, you're old."  But we know we are not and that 50 years can fly by faster than the time it takes a demolition crew to take down a building.  But even with the building gone, there are wonderful, funny, sad, serious, important and meaningful memories that have lasted.

The committee for the event has worked very hard to locate each class member and make this a special event.  They asked me to paint a painting of the school.  This was a challenge as I could not find many pictures of the original building.  It was later renovated and then in 2016 it was demolished.  I have a friend that has one of those wonderful memories and I just knew Nancy Stewart Whyte could fill in the gaps I needed filled in and she did.  She even told me about the colors of the windows!  I hope I caught the spirit of Coffee High School.

Eloise - SOLD

I Think I Am Falling in Love - SOLD

10" x 8" oil on linen panel

I really found myself falling in love with these colors.  

That Corner of the Porch - DONATED

Every year I donate to the ArtCard project to benefit the Oasis counseling for Women & Children.  This is a non-profit organization in Birmingham whose mission is to help women and children heal, grow and overcome difficult life circumstances by providing affordable mental health counseling and innovative educational programs in a respectful and nurturing environment.  This year the ArtCard event will be held on June 7th at 5:30.  Their location is 1900 14th Avenue South.  There will be more than 100 pieces of art available along with live music and complimentary food and beverages.  

This is my donation for this year.  12" x 12" oil on stretched canvas

This is my favorite little corner of my porch.