A Great Woman

Sister Mary Hugh was one of the greatest woman I have had the pleasure of knowing, and spending a good portion of my life with.

She has since passed away, in her 90's. She drove up until the end. She was one of my idols, and was integral in my spiritual growth. She was never, ever, preachy or judgmental in any way. She taught through example.

Her story started as a wife, and mother. Her husband was killed in a war, and shortly after her infant son died. She was totally grief stricken but never turned away from her faith in God. She was totally in love with her husband, and child.

She told me that she understood why God took them, and truly felt that the good died young as to God sparing them from this life of trials and sadness and turmoil.

She was an avid Cross Country Skier, and she rode a Harley Hog motorcycle. She was always extremely busy, always smiling, laughing, and bringing great joy to all around her.

The nuns adored my husband, and our daughter Carrie. Always laughing at their antics, and would say, "Oh here comes St. George the Dragon Slayer". It always made me laugh and smile. I was so touched by the nuns and their caring ways. Always so much fun to be around, and loads of laughter, joy, and what I call "Real Living". I was truly proud to become one of them when I took my vows. The Benedictines have such an interesting philosophy on life and a powerful faith that carries them through everything.

Sister Cecilia was my mentor before I took my vows. The Benedictine Convent was down the street from the Monastery. Everyday in my life was a blessing then. I was always joyful, full of love, and for once in my life I truly felt loved. Not for what I could be, should be, just for who I really was. I was never judged by my clothes, how much money I had (or didn't have), or that I wasn't smart enough. None of that mattered they felt everyone was equal in every way. They treated absolutely everyone the same.

I will never forget all their love, and I miss them dearly. I remember the love they had for my Mother. When she passed away they were all there. They held a special mass in their lovely private chapel at the Convent for her. George and I were kneeling in the pew, behind us was a beautiful stained glass window. My sister said it brought tears to her eyes because during the whole service there was a bird outside fluttering behind the stained glass window. That was one of my Mother's favorite loves, feeding and taking care of the wild birds in our area. I felt that was very profound and it held great meaning to me.

I have to admit that this world today is something that breaks my heart. We are all so removed from the things that are truly important in life. The sisters loved Art, and were very, very, knowledgeable about it. Way more than I. They loved my work and all works of Art had great meaning. We have become so shallow, so unloving, and only in pursuit of money.

The sisters had to sell their convent and the remaining nuns moved back to their main Convent in Pennsylvania. I miss them dearly, and I truly miss my life being with them. I will never feel a part of this Secular life. It is so cold and unforgiving. I have never been one for controlling others. I don't seek power, nor wealth, nor fame. I am just so grateful for having those who love me for just who I am. To me that is the greatest treasure anyone could ever have.

Eternal Love

Eternal love can manifest itself in many ways. To the left is a portrait I did for a woman of her beloved deceased dog Buddy. I had to question her extensively because I could not get to know Buddy first hand. One of the most important aspects when doing a portrait. If you want to capture the essence or soul you need to know the person/animal on a more personal basis.

She went into this whole story of her dog. How he was like a "Sentinel" everyday waiting at the bus stop for the kids. How he would stand, reminiscent of a "Guardian Angel", always loyal, always loving, and always concerned for the welfare of everyone.

I had my work cut out for sure. Going over photos, studying the dog, and seeing his relationship with family members in the photos. An interesting study of this dog.

When viewing the photos I started to see the love that this family had for this dog. As well as the great love they had for each other. It made me cry, and tears would well up as I did this portrait. After many attempts I decided on this pose, one where he doesn't look like the happy, family, Golden Retriever. One where he transcends normal dog stance. I made it eerily stark. No background to speak of, just the soul of a dog who still watches over the ones he loves.

Anyway, when I delivered the portrait to her, and unveiled it. She immediately broke down, sobbing from the bottom of her heart. In her sobbing voice she wailed, "That is my Buddy, that is the exact stance he always had waiting for a loved one". A very powerful moment for me, and she hung on me, thanking me through her tears of love.

This is what LOVE is. It truly is one of the most powerful forces in the Universe. Unbreakable, over time and space. So always remember just how important you are to those who love you. Never forget the impact your presence has upon someone, or some pet. And never forget the deep love you too have for others, and cherish every second.

Some of the greatest wonders of the world have been created in honor of undying love. So this Valentines Day remember just how important it is to show just how much you truly love, and how much you are truly loved. Always love with your whole being, and soul. It will last eternally.

The Arctic Tundra! UGH

To the left is a photo of a painting I did for Carrie. She adores penguins. I love penguins also, but not the climate they live in. The birds in the painting are those naughty Petrels. Yikes, they are tough, bad, birdies.

I did love doing this painting though. The sky, and the colors are quite amazing where they live. Very crisp, cold, and foreboding, just like the environment they live in. The penguins that look like dirty cotton balls, are the young ones. The striking black, and yellow ones are the adults. Gosh, amazing how they can survive in this environment. Way to frigid for this "Bird"! lol lol :)

It certainly gave me a challenge to work with these colors. Constantly had to back away, and contemplate them. Never get much of a chance to work with Magentas, turquoise, black, and yellow creating a nature scene. :) Oh it's done in gouache, you know I love gouache paints.

Living by the Heart

I was planning a new piece of pottery last night, all kinds of feelings, and images, started to flow. Not only pottery, but also things that have affected me in my life. Anyway, while doing it, I remembered working at the Pet Store, and started to deal with issues I remember. I see in pictures, when I start to focus and think. Anyway, out of no where, this poem popped into my head. I think it is very relevant to today, just as it was years ago.

Living By The Heart

I saw a little kitten and a puppy too,

They made my soul smile,

and my body through and through.

I then began to ponder,

to whom they would belong.

Could they stay innocent,

or would they have to be tough and strong.

Would they have to suffer,

and struggle to survive.

Or would a kind loving soul,

keep their innocence alive.

I REMEMBER HAVING FUN A LONG TIME AGO!

You know I remember years ago having fun almost everyday, and people smiling, laughing, and enjoying life. Does anyone else remember those days? Nobody had to be politically correct, everyone laughed, and nobody took themselves as serious as today. We used to have people from all Ethnic cultures, I am Irish, Polish. When someone would make a joke about either we would all laugh. I remember so few vicious, vane, arrogant, and self absorbed, right fighters, like today. It's absolutely astounding that the majority of the population is like that today. It's like we all forgot how to be "Human". If you make one mistake today, yikes, you are slammed to the ground, and isolated forever. You know, sort of like sent to the land of "Nod". Today when you say something ,everybody on the planet dislikes, you are put to a sort of "Social Death Sentence". This planet has become so oppressive, violent, and the people just plain "yucky"! No not absolutely everyone, just most of them. You say one darn thing, and someone, somewhere gets offended, and either has you arrested, or shoots you in the head. WTF? Give me a break. Today, you are either too much this way, too much that way, too fat, too skinny, too tall, too short, boobs too small, too big. Will someone please make up my mind? Well you know what, screw it all! You heard it directly from this "Shanty Irish, Pollack" me. Proud of it, and don't care if you like it or not! So tired of walking "On Eggs" already. LIGHTEN UP FOLKS, AND LEARN TO LAUGH AT YOURSELF ONCE IN A WHILE....GOOD FOOD FOR THE SOUL. Stop being so self-centered, and selfish, and judgmental. Just be glad your you, and enjoy this life when you can! I try to love everyone, but gosh, could you make it a little easier to love you! :) Remember: "Life is like Rhubarb, learn to get rubbed a little bit with a smile"! You can "Rub my Rhubarb" once in a while, tis good to laugh at yourself, it's so freeing...try it! Please don't try to make me perfect, I don't want to be.

OH BOY! 2011

Here is a photo of a painting I did for my niece Teresa, the one who nicknamed us Uncle Doodle, and Auntie Moodle. She wanted me to paint a poster of her favorite photo she took when in London. I really loved doing this graphic because of the people in in, a ton of them. On the bridge, below in the courtyard. George said, "Why did you put that woman with a stroller in it"? My reply, "Because it's in the photo"! lol lol :)

Anyway, the new year is rolling in, I am getting all the taxes done for the Home and Business, yuck! Hopefully looking forward to a better year for all of us. But then again, I say that every year. lol lol :)

The most important thing to us is our health, joy, happiness, tons of fun, great friends (even our sock monkey) and love in our family. Happy to pay the bills, that is pretty much it! Oh sure would love to win the lottery, but, sigh, doesn't seem to be in our future. lol lol :) We are actually having a great time when we are at the Wilmot Gallery, loads of people come in, most of them from the Ski Hills. George and I do not ski, or do winter sports. Actually we don't do any sports except play with the dogs. With two terriers that is plenty!

So as usual, am hoping for all our friends, family, and acquaintances all of the aforementioned above. We just "Hang In There" and always hope for the best!

I want the whole world to see the most fantastic gift we got from our Granddaughter Lydia. As you all know she does a form of ART called "Anime" and we love her work. My grandfather George was a fabulous Artist and craftsman and Lydia inherited his form of art. Her characterization of our dogs is beyond belief. She has it right on the money. If you study their expressions that is exactly who they are. Max and the left and Emily on the right. Her art is sold Internationally also. Japan, Hawaii, Australian, England, and of course USA. Kasey will truly understand and appreciate her Art, being done in a more Illustrative fashion. Our Lydia is truly the Bomb! We adore every single cell in her body..lol :) Her Art always makes our "jaws" drop with amazement. She put some of her items in a local Gift Shop, the woman there said to us, "Your Granddaughter is truly amazing! I told her to jazz up her display, she immediately pulled out paper from her backpack, and started to draw the most amazing art freehand, from memory"! The woman said, "We just watched her in amazement"! lol :) that is exactly how my grandfather George was. When I used to babysit her when she was little about 4 years old she started to draw, day after day, hours on end. One time when she was six I said "I bought you some paint to start to learn to paint on your drawings"! I explained it to her. Several hours later she comes up to me, "How is this Grandma"? My face looked like I had major plastic surgery, my face was frozen with this surprised look....I said, "OMG it is an actual Matisse"! I am not kidding! She went to an "Anime" show not too long ago and sold every painting. Cheez, makes us look like sorry azzes...lol lol :) Once in her quiet, soft spoken manner she says, "Oh I want to show you some of my costumes, they were on CNN"! lol lol She pulls up the YouTube and shows us....we were shocked with her subtle manner towards being on CNN, just like it's nothing....lol lol lol :) If you knew her, you could not help but love, love, love, this young woman. I said, "Man you are Beatrix Potter with an Anime twist. She lives for animals and just communicates with them. She is not only Beautiful, but way so smart.....:) She says, "You and Grandpa can put some of your pottery on my site"! Gosh, how sweet is that! SHE is the greatest gift to us! I thank God everyday for Carrie, Lydia, Teresa, Frank, Rob, Kathy, and all the wonderful Artists I am surrounded by. Gosh life is good.

We had a most splendid Christmas, lots of gift cards, but OH SO WAY MUCH LOVE! We are blest! Happy New Year Everyone! We truly do love you! :)