the sum of all colors

8 x 10 , oil on canvas

"A mentor is someone

who allows you

to see the hope inside yourself...

As you become more clear about who you really are,

you'll be better able to decide what is best for you -

the first time around"

Oprah Winfrey

plays well with others

6 x 12, oil on canvas

Since reading Lucinda Rooney's book Bouquets With Personalities, I will never again see my garden flowers in quite the same way. She cleverly notes how flowers exhibit a variety of personalities both in the garden and floral arrangements, and asks us to consider that some flowers are bold and exhibit "type-A" personalities that demand center stage (birds of paradise come to mind). Meanwhile others, she explains, serve as "peacemakers" and "team players" because they support the stars with their shape, color, texture, and variety that enhances the overall harmony of the design. And still, there are a few unpredictable "troublemakers" that are difficult to control, but when used properly, offer a unique richness all their own.

And my beloved peonies? She notes that they, along with garden roses and ranunculus, embody a romantic "gentle strength" whether used alone or in a bouquet. Love that!

"When working with the distinct personalities of flowers,

try to relate even to the difficult ones with grace and candor.

Never try to force a relationship...

Flowers, like people, are wonderful to work with

once you know how to relate to and handle their individuality and purpose".

Lucinda Rooney

a place in the sun

6 x 8, oil on canvas

"In every moment of our existence,

we are in that field of all possibilities where we have access to an infinity of choices.

If you and I are having a single thought of violence or hatred against anyone in the world in this moment,

we are contributing to the wounding of the world."

Deepak Chopra

dandelion princess

8 x 8, oil on canvas

a sunny sailor,

strong, spirited swimmer

and sculptor of sand.

a spellbound artist

in a splashy sea of pink,

and stylishly sequined shoes.

a sincere and soulful singer

in a swirling skirt.

self-confidant and strategic,

sensitive and supportive;

a spectacular speller,

snappy sleuth

and serious scientist.

a shamelessly silly

supervisor of scout,

a sister in september.

a snugly sugarplum

and softhearted smiling star.

six going on seven.

fcp

Pomp and...

Mother's Day Roses

8 x 10, oil on canvas

Happy Mothers Day to all my mother/sister/daughter/friends who make the world a better place each and every day.

And best wishes to all the hard working graduates who are moving onto brand new chapters of their lives!

And a sprinkling of humor to keep it all in perspective....

"Giving birth is little more than a set of muscular contractions granting passage of a child. Then the mother is born"...Erma Bombeck.

"Children seldom misquote you. They more often repeat word for word everything you shouldn't have said." Mae Maloo

"My mother had a great deal of trouble with me. But I think she enjoyed it." Mark Twain

~~~~~~~~~

"Commencement speeches were invented largely in the belief that outgoing college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated."

Garry Trudeau

"Your families are extremely proud of you!

You can't imagine the sense of relief they are experiencing ~

This would be a most opportune time to ask for money."

Gary Bolding

"A professor is someone who talks in someone else's sleep"

W. H. Auden

Roses for Rosie!

8 x 8, oil on canvas

Saturday's Kentucky Derby will feature 23 year old jockey sensation Anna "Rosie" Napravnik; only the 6th woman ever to make it to there. She says her mom, who is an avid, accomplished horsewoman in her own right, taught her everything she knows. Look for Rosie at the starting gate (in the middle of the pack in her pink and orange silks) aboard Pants on Fire.

And let's hear it for the girls!

"Every decision you make impacts your career....the sky's the limit"...Anna Napravnik

May Day! May Day!

8" x 8", oil on canvas

April showers brought

mold,

mildew,

thunder,

lightening,

hail,

tornadoes

and flooding.

And yet...

the flowers outside my window

have courageously popped their heads up

in search of the Sun...

inviting,

coaxing,

cajoling,

begging us

to follow their brave example.