Tonight's picture was taken in March of 2006. As you can see Mattie had a lot going on around him. He and Peter built their own version of a train roundhouse. Mattie had train tracks set up, trucks every where, and naturally Duplos (a younger form of Legos) scattered around. At one point in our home we most likely had enough Lego bricks to construct a large Lego couch for our living room!
Quote of the day: Man, when he does not grieve, hardly exists. ~Antonio Porchia
I had the wonderful opportunity today to return to the art show and to see Jill's glorious works by daylight. It was a rare occasion in DC, the SUN was actually out, and it was warm. This provided the optimal conditions to see Jill's paintings. The rooms in which the paintings were displayed were bright, airy, and open. In fact, the paintings and the surroundings seem to speak to one another, as they visually called visitors in further to study the art.
Though this was an art show, a portion of the proceeds from sales will be going to the Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation. So to me, it was important that other board members were present and showed support and our appreciation. I was happy that Ann, not only my friend but a fellow board member, was there and had an opportunity to interact with Jill. I gave Jill a few gifts on behalf of the Foundation today because I knew she would appreciate having Mattie's Mr. Sun cards, Mattie postage stamps, and several forget me not butterfly seed packets. To learn more about Jill and to see some of her amazing works, please visit her website: www.jillsteenhuis.com
I would like to share some of the pictures I captured with you!
For some reason, this painting was my favorite. I think what intrigues me is it is a painting within a painting of a still life. The sunflowers capture my attention, along with the fascinating patterned pink and red table, and the fabulous paint palette holding many of the beautiful colors we see depicted on the canvas.
To Jill and Tina, we want to say a BIG THANK YOU! What a great show, and as I told Jill today, the gift she gave me was being surrounded by her art!
During the lunch hour, I had the opportunity to dine with my friend, Diane. Diane and I became friends through cancer. Her son and Mattie attend the same school, and her son is a brain cancer survivor. Diane came to the art event last night and today, and we had a delightful lunch together talking about a topic near and dear to our hearts, childhood cancer. It is hard sometimes to have this conversation with others, but for us this defines our life, our world, and our relationships. While eating, I had the opportunity to look out the beautiful window near us and to see green grass, flowering trees, and birds. It was a very peaceful setting and the ability to talk about our cancer experiences and to share our perspectives with each other was very positive for me.
I would like to end tonight's posting with a meaningful message from Karen's mom. Naomi wrote, "Honestly, Vicki, you are an amazing art teacher. I have been painting for a few years and have taken painting courses with experienced art teachers, but none of them offered such insights and enthusiasm for the creative process. You were able to open up their minds, dispel self-consciousness and help them relish colors and shapes and express what they see/felt, Your approach gave them both freedom and knowledge with results that were astonishing. Brava!"
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