YAY for The Power of Art!!!

Sadly, my father is nearing the end of his life. Thanks to a very supportive family I am blessed with the opportunity to spend as much time with him as possible. Most of that time he's asleep but that's ok as I know he may not be feeling his severe pain and discomfort when unconscious. During the long silent hours of just being with him I've been working on various art projects. My father was an avid fisherman and fly tier. Today I did a piece in honor of him while playing with watercolors, a relatively new medium for me. Late this afternoon he woke up and was pretty lucid. I showed him what I had painted and was thrilled at how much he liked it! He then asked what else I had to show him. The next 15 minutes were spent perusing my art, discussing my art and talking about various art projects I'm working on. He thought the opportunities I'm working on (a post for another time) were fabulous and he offered some very creative and insightful suggestions for some of my pieces. Not only did I get a smile out of him but even got a chuckle or two! That 15 minute chat, the most he's talked in over two weeks, just about did him in and he had to sleep again. But that was one of the most special 15 minutes!!! A true gift and beautiful memory I will always have!!! I left him today with a smile on my face (so much better than the tears of yesterday). YAY for the power of art!!!

This was painted with pearlized watercolors. Between how that reflects the light and using my go to iPhone camera it's not necessarily the best image. But this will always remind me of one of the last special timesI'll have with dad!!! YAY for the power of art!!! It's been my therapy, my solace, my joy, my fun and now the catalyst for a WONDERFUL and unforgettable moment! YAY for the power of art!!!

Many smiles!
Happy Creating!!
CARPÉ DIEM!!!
:D

Hug your dads!!! :D

Carpe' Diem

As found on "The Phrase Finder" http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/carpe-diem.html ...

'Carpe diem' is usually translated from the Latin as 'seize the day'. However, the more pedantic of Latin scholars may very well seize you by the throat if you suggest that translation. 'Carpe' translates literally as 'pluck', with particular reference to the picking of fruit, so a more accurate rendition is 'enjoy the day, pluck the day when it is ripe'. The extended version of the phrase 'carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero' translates as 'Pluck the day, trusting as little as possible in the future'.

The meaning is similar to that of many proverbs that we continue to use in English and is a warning to make the most of the time we have, with the implication that our time on Earth is short. Other such proverbs are 'Strike while the iron is hot', 'The early bird catches the worm', 'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may', and so on.

"Carpe' Diem" has been my mantra for decades now. To me it has always meant finding the best in every day and every encounter, taking advantage of new experiences, new opportunities and new people, never regretting a choice and forever learning.  As a very young teenager I remember being incredibly annoyed and irritated when an adult said to me "youth is wasted on the young". I hated the whole idea and vowed NOT to become that cliche. I wasn't about to waste anything! That was the beginning of "Carpe' Diem" for me. I began to live it before I knew it had a "name".  Believe you me, there have definitely been times (more than I care to relive at the moment :D) that "Carpe' Diem" has gotten me into quite a pickle!!! But that's all part of this great adventure which has somehow brought me here. I look forward to discovering where this latest WIP leads me. I have been blessed with quite a number of youthful earth years and have gathered many treasures from the lovely people who's paths I've crossed along the way. I hope to give back. :D

In the meantime...
Happy Creating!!!
Carpe' Diem!!! :D

P.S. A special shout out to Elisa who has been encouraging me and gently nudging me to do something along this line. Thank you my friend!!! :D elisa ann lindstrom ‏ @eal_art

I am an artist (and ex-therapist). I can't get through the day without my 2 cups of tea. Oh, and I am on Etsy: http://etsy.me/eXj5Ot

Trees

Figures

The "Free Spirit" series

Illustrations

WIPs for Haiku illustrations