A New Year of Friends Family and Art

As I sit in my daughters office, reflecting on the pleasure of this visit with her family, I count my blessings from the past year. My parents are still healthy and doing well, even though my Mother had recently broke her wrist, it is healing fine. They are approaching their 88th and 87th birthdays in the next year, I hope to visit them in the spring. My children and their families have comfortably settled into the chaos of domestic trials and joys. My daughter in Pennsylvania has a new home, and job and they are doing well. It has been a pleasure to visit with them for the past week. My son has managed to come through a messy divorce with custody of his 2 young children and is adjusting to a new life, job and raising my grand kids in a much more stable and content home. My oldest has also adjusted to a new job that she loves, and her and her husband are doing well and anxious to start a family. My family has grown in 2008. My marriage in Feb 2008 brought 5 new children to the family and 2 new grandchildren. Everyone is healthy and looking forward to a more prosperous 2009.

I count my blessings for my friendships. I have developed wonderful new friendships through this art club on line. My friends from DAWG group have brought me much joy and companionship in the past year. I enjoy my time with every one, and hope all the members of DAWG all the best in 2009.

I count my blessings for my art. I am truly fortunate to be able to pursue what I love to do. I believe that I have grown as an artist in 2008. I hope to see more creative development and learn new techniques in the upcoming year. I love to start a piece with little planning and discover what might develop as I progress with the painting. It can make a very fresh and creative atmosphere, even if the painting itself doesn't turn out, it generates tons of new ideas. I enter 2009 with this same logic. I have no set plans for the upcoming year, I am not an organized or structured person. The ability to gracefully navigate the world with all of it's chaos is an art, just as my painting is. I welcome 2009 with open arms. With help from my family and friends I will navigate my little part of the world just fine. I wish you all a very blessed, healthy 2009.

Love, Sue