Caught - January 17, 1936. Released - March 22, 2012

I am both sad and relieved to say that our father, Edward Francis Cantow, went to his FAVORITE trout stream in Heaven this morning. Though we will all miss him terribly it was past time for his ravaged body and soul to find true Peace. He was an AMAZING hematologist/oncologist who started the first hospice in the Portsmouth, VA area. He was a WONDERFUL husband, our mom was the love of his life. They are now together again. He was THE BEST FATHER anyone could possibly have. Together with our mom they raised us to ALWAYS live life to the fullest; to find THE BEST in every day, even the darkest; to CELEBRATE life;
to APPRECIATE nature; to LOVE people. Those are the MOST PRECIOUS gifts we could ever be given. So, if you imbibe, there's a fly (trout) fisherman's tradition of toasting with bourbon in a tin cup. Raise a cup in honor of our dad, of your dad, to special people and to trout season. We love you dad!!! :D

"I fish because I love to; because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful, and hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly; ...because only in the woods can I find solitude without loneliness; because bourbon out of an old tin cup always tastes better out there;•••."
-from Testament of a Fisher- man, by Robert Traver (John D. Voelker).

Art Therapy

I'm losing track of time as to how long I've been away from home and with dad. Three weeks??? Four weeks??? It's all becoming one long day. As fishing, particularly fly fishing, was a GREAT passion of his, I find that fish have been a big subject for me. As my goal is too surround him with LOTS of love and positive energy I've aimed to paint happy, joyous fish. If I were to analyze my art I notice that the first fish pic I created is dark with rough waters (inks & pastels) and 6 fish (dad and we five kids???). The next two paintings (pearlized water colors) have five colorful fish (we five kids???) in lighter waters. Though we will miss him so much, it has been challenging, difficult, stressful and emotional helping him through these final days. There will be joy and relief knowing he'll soon be in a better place free from pain. I'm hoping his Heaven is a beautiful trout stream!!! :D I think my art is reflecting what's in my head and in my heart.

CARPÉ DIEM my friends!!!

Hug your dads!!!

Many smiles & happy creating!!!
Christine :D

Every day has a silver lining...

It is ALWAYS important to find the happy in every day no matter how challenging and difficult the day may be. Yesterday's silver lining was the spectacular weather and gorgeous blooming flowers. The beauty of the earth and the beauty/support of my fabulous friends and family helped me through a particularly horrific day.

Many smiles!
Happy Creating!!
Carpé Diem!!!
Christine :D

2nd #twitterartexhibit sponsored by David Sandum

I am proud and honored to be participating in the 2nd #twitterartexhibit sponsored by David Sandum

http://davidsandumart.posterous.com/call-for-artists-2nd-twitter-art-exhibit-in-m

I've titled this piece "May There Always Be a Song in Your Heart"

Many Smiles!
Happy Creating!!
Carpé Diem!!!
:D