Memorial Day Thanks

Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. (Southern ladies organizations and southern schoolchildren had decorated Confederate graves in Richmond and other cities during the Civil War, but each region had its own date. Most dates were in May.) By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. As a marker it typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.

Also remember those who still serve

 

Straw Hat On The Grass with Scripture

Flamingo River

And God is able to make all grace abound to you,

so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,

you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

Pineapple Float

But the fruit of the Spirit is love,

 joy, peace, patience, 

kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  

gentleness, and self-control. 

There is no law against things like this.

Galations 5:22-23

Big Belly Russell

Big Belly Russell pulls the steering wheel left and then jerks it back hard to the right. This makes the small taxi seem to leap a small puddle without slowing down. He didn’t want to loose the momentum he had going up the slick road. Going down backwards would mean disaster. Sitting in the front seat is not the place I want to be right now. David and Lisa sit in the rear seat and laugh out loud every time they look into my eyes; They since the fear. I admit I’m scared. I’d never say it out loud. We are only a third up the narrow mountain road so this is just the beginning. It’s a full sunny day and the sun shines brightly but that doesn’t stop the fear inside. As soon as Big Belly Russell is back on his side of the road a multicolored bus squeezes by, barely missing the mountain trees on its right and us on the left. The bus has more wide eyed tourist sitting stiffly in their seats as it passes and continues down the mountain. Through the open windows I see them. They all have Red Stripe beer in hand. Jamaicans say that each bottle is filled with liquid courage. That may be the reason we do things here that we would never do at home.




The sun is still high but fades away as we head into the deep lush Jamaican forest that covers the center of the mountain. It darkens quickly. But, it’s not long before the brilliant color flashes out. They stick out against the dark backdrop of forest. Vendors with crafts and paintings line the road way. Any place that they can stick a hut is now a small business and a chance for better life. The small canvases are bold with color and rich in culture.

The paintings are inspiring.

It’s an inspiration that I would not recollect until a few years ago. I now use those colors in the same way on my canvases. So, I guess I owe some of the credit for inspiration to a scary ride, in a taxi, on a narrow road in the mountains of Jamaica and a driver by the name of Big Belly Russell

Happy Mothers Day 2012

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Proverbs 18: 22

An Ordinary View

He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart,

yet so that he cannot find out

 what God has done from

the beginning to the end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11



Best In Show

Debut painting two links below earns
1st Place People's Choice Award
at
Arts On The Ridge

Sweetgrass Arts Cultural Festival

2012 Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival

Saturday June 2nd, 2012 from 12 Noon to 8 PM

Town of Mt. Pleasant, SC Waterfront Memorial Park

Join us for a visual feast that will capture the spirit and sounds of the Gullah Geechee people's history and culture, through their gospel songs, storytelling, artists, crafters, quilters, basket making demonstrations and the largest showcase of sweetgrass baskets in the Low country. Loads of family fun and game activities for children to enjoy, and delicious Gullah Cuisine provided by Low country restaurants and food vendors. Company I-54th Massachusetts Reenactment Regiment will reflect on the African American's experience and contributions to the Civil War. The 2012 Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival has been designated: One of the “Top 20 Events” in South Carolina for 2011 by The Southeastern Tourism Society and has something for everyone to enjoy. For info call (843)856-9732, or visit : www.sweetgrassfestival.orgFree admissions & parking

Don't Forget Mother's Day

Head's up to the guys, next week is Mother's day weekend. 

This maybe over-kill but I think that we cannot have enough reminders.

So,

Mother's Day 

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Debut: Straw Hat On The Grass

Arts On The Ridge