WORTH TEACHING

I can’t describe the elation I feel to once again have grandchildren gathering around my kitchen table. On this recent occasion, it’s some of the older kids enjoying art tutoring from their grandfather. Keith loves to share the tips and techniques he’s learned about working with watercolor. It is such a delicate medium and requires you to accept you are not the sole artist. Watercolor painting is more like a team effort between the paint, the water, and you. The paint and water will never completely yield control. You can only suggest to them what you want, always respecting their freedom to flow in the direction and speed they choose — much like grandchildren who are fast becoming adults. There’s always a surprise.

”Every artist was first an amateur.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

WORTH CELEBRATING

For this year’s homage to Star Wars, Keith and I enjoyed an evening of intergalactic food and some “Mandolorian” viewing (AppleTV). Due to my time constraints, I was delighted to land on the perfect dessert modeled after the Leia buns on my head (thank you, Festival Foods). So here’s what I made…

• Roasted Porg Sammies (BBQ pork sammies topped with cole slaw)
• Fried Wookie Scabs (sour cream and onion potato chips)
• Meiloorun Fruit Salad (strawberry, pineapple, grape, blackberry)
• Paddy Frog Legs (bread & butter pickle spears)
• Carbonate Jello (blue-raspberry)
• Princess Leia Puffs (thanks to Festival’s Bakery)

“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” — Yoda

WORTH PAINTING

Tom Guilfoile and his wonderful wife Jeannine were some of the earliest patrons of Keith’s art. The very first piece they bought was this painting called “Grandpa’s Whistle.” Most of Keith’s art is rigorously researched and referenced, but this one was painted from his imagination. Keith’s love for his own grandfather inspired it. Although the child is fictional, you will note, over four decades ago, he painted the child wearing his grandpa’s hat. Whether by serendipity or Providence, the resemblance to the hat he wore that day to visit Tom is uncanny. The wooden whistle around the child’s neck is a tribute to the precious memorabilia that rekindle Keith’s cherished memories of Grandpa Mills. We have been friends with Tom and Jeannine for many years, and found the Guilfoiles to be among the kindest and most generous people we’ve ever known.

Last week, we received an invitation to stop over for a visit. This would be the first time we’d seen Tom since he lost Jeannine to Covid this past year. Tom said he’s been working on distributing pieces of his art collection to various heirs, but wanted to be sure this particular painting, which he and Jeannine had so enjoyed, was in the hands of someone who would love it as much as they did — so he gave it back to us! Needless to say, we are over the moon.

“The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.” — Thomas Carlyle

WORTH EATING

This month, Keith and I finally got to check off a childhood dream from our bucket list. We were about nine or ten years old when “Green Eggs and Ham” was published, and we’ve both shared a curious hankering ever since. When we recently attended a party at the home of dear friends, we were gifted with an assortment of eggs from Rebekah’s menagerie of chickens, geese, ducks, and turkeys. Aside from being the Goddess of Birds, she is a magnificent sculptor, artist, and writer - as is her husband, Josh. Josh is actually the person who helped Keith learn casting and foundry skills to create all his beautiful bronze sculptures. They live one of the most enchanted lives I’ve witnessed — one mind-blowing creation after another. They are makers of the highest caliber, and even made our Dr. Seuss dream come true. By the way, we DID so like them, Sam-I-am.

“Today you are you! That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is you-er than you.” — Dr. Seuss

WORTH JOURNALING

On my list of things that make me happy is Art Journaling. Sadly, it is one of the reasons I am grateful for the “Effortless” book I mentioned above. I just don’t find time for this, even though it’s important to me. The photo above is my current active journal, although it has been sitting on my bookshelf for too long, waiting for my attention. Inspired by April’s challenge to write a poem a day for National Poetry Month, I decided I wanted to start journaling a page a week in June and try to carry that practice forward as I settle on a comfortable interval. I’ve used the month of May to organize questions I want to ask and really give some meaningful thought to my answers. I’ve also amassed an ever-growing list of quotations that rouse my spirit. Next week, I’ll organize some art supplies and be ready to launch on June 1st. I think it’s worth continually asking myself what I want more of in my life, and what I’m willing to give up to have it. Those two questions are the trigger for a lot of my life’s delights. If you decide to try it and ask yourself what you want more of in your life, I’d love to hear your answers.

“Dare to live the dreams you have dreamed for yourself.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

WORTH SNUGGLING

I have always been a great believer in the power of rituals to enhance and punctuate one’s life in unexpected and positive ways. One of my favorite rituals is Matching Jammie Night. I have planned it every month for years. I always make a TV-friendly meal served on lap trays so we can dine while we enjoy a Rom-Com. This is followed by libations, a bowl of hot popcorn, and some couch cuddling. Over the years, I’ve amassed about ten sets of matching tees and jammie pants. They are all masculine themed because — well, have you met Keith? It’s among the easiest celebrations in our life - a simple pleasure. Keith thinks it’s hokey, which makes it all the more special to me. Month after month, Keith is a good sport, and makes this a delightful evening just to make me happy. The snuggle is real!