It Was A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood..."

This past Tuesday, February 26, was the day that marked the first year anniversary of the passing of my "mother-in-law" Lillian. (My"Acts of Kindness"..."Pay It Forward" posting that day was written in her honor.) She and her husband, Ollie, would venture "southwest" every winter for some 20 + years to renew their spirits in the warm Arizona sun and enjoy generations of loving family who lived in the area. They had a great life together-their hearts full of smiles and love.

Remarkably, last Tuesday, February 26, was an exceptionally beautiful late February Arizona day. It was the type of day where you breathed in its sweetness long before your sleepy eyes ever opened. The entire valley seemed to hum with recharged energy and spirit and joy. I, too, felt the "magic" in this early spring air and decided it was a day just right for some outdoor sketching and painting...this was to be my way to remember and honor Lillian. At first I wondered if my attempts would be difficult. But, to my delight, my pen and brushes found a life of their own...so easily and so joyfully floating across my sketchbook pages...how renewing to one's spirit...and...I believe in my "heart of hearts"...that Lillian had something to do with that.

It truly was a beautiful day in the neighborhood...