Happy Birthday JDR!

In the past three years my art has been a vehicle for self expression.I have rediscovered skills, refined technique and explored new subject matter and materials. I know this will be a life long endeavor.

The greatest gift that my art has brought forth however, is the reconnection with people.I had isolated myself, my heart and my dreams for so long. As I began to create,an abundance of supportive and generous individuals seemed to "appear." Friends, family, lost loves,neighbors,colleagues and beautiful strangers wandered in and out of my life, each leaving a mark so profound, that at times it seemed overwhelming. "Where had they been?"....I came to realize, the more apt question was, "Where had I been?" I was asleep to myself and my purpose, blinded by fears and insecurities, indecisiveness and worries.

As I awakened, slowly and reluctantly after more than twenty years,I discovered a world so full and color filled ,that inspiration greeted me at every turn. I could barely breathe,let alone think. There was no other choice but to paint.My art seemed to be the only means by which I could make sense of my experiences or convey their beauty and importance.

One person in particular,who has graced my life and opened my eyes and heart is my Uncle John.The amazing thing is that I hadn't seen him since I was 12...32 years had passed. My parent's divorce,life's "noise",and a desire on both our parts to disconnect in order to discover and preserve what was "good" in ourselves, kept us separate for a lifetime. Through a series of very fortunate events and my sheer determination and persistence to speak with my father's youngest brother,I met JDR again and actually visited him in his home in Santa Fe, NM last summer.It was brave of him to "allow" me "in" although the welcome was initially slow and apprehensive on his part:) Resistance was futile...he opened the door, big and wide.

JDR is outspoken and independent,with fiery passion for politics,knowledge,nature and art. He loves and lives,"sees" and speaks with an energy that could possibly intimidate or overwhelm. A world class photographer, he sees beauty and texture, richness and detail, where others cannot.

I warned him that I was "intense". He laughed and warned of the same.I can't imagine him as ever being "absent" from my life again. In him I see myself. He guides and loves me with an understanding that few possess of who I am and how I think.He is an artist and respects my "artistic" views about life and love:) His gentle assurances that I am valued and loved and that peace comes when one quiets their mind and opens their heart, has helped me throughout this past year.He has assisted me in resolving the past and made me more mindful of the present and future.

So on this day, June 8th, without getting mushy and gushy and relating stories of our magical reconnection, I just want to thank my Uncle Johnny for his patience and love and wish him an amazing 55th birthday! I know he is hiking with his incredible wife in the Gila Mts.,photographing nature's glory.Have a good one JDR!I love you. OXOXO