Salute to Fathers

This is the only existing photograph of my family together....It was a black-and-white, and I reprinted it, and hand-painted it. It is such a "fifties" image.
This isn't about the photograph, it's about my father, for most of us in this Country are celebrating Father's Day in one form or another. That's me, sitting on his lap. I often look at that photograph and wonder about the dynamics when it was being taken; my mother and I are looking off in one direction, my sister is looking straight ahead, and my daddy is looking another...strange...but I digress.
I didn't get many years with my father, as not long after this, he was shot in the line of duty...in our front yard...my sister and I saw it (although, thank goodness, I was too young to remember). I don't want this to be depressing, as I have come to terms with all of this a long time ago. If one doesn't work though the tragedies in one's life, what is the point? We have to make our lives as meaningful, peaceful, useful, beautiful, loving, and happy as we can...
So, I have to believe that my father is in a better place...it's been forty (can that be) years since he left this Earth, but especially on this day, I think of him and embrace him in my heart. As to all the other fathers out there (my son included, who is the father of six), I salute you; enjoy your day.
As to the fathers who, for whatever reason, cannot be with their children, especially, those of you, who are serving our Country....be well, safe, and...Happy Father's Day.

"Here a Chick" Greeting Cards is Born

Over the years, as a professional photographer, I have accumulated so many images, that I decided it was time to turn them into greeting cards. I am working on creating a sight on ETSY, and hope to have it up and running soon. My husband made sure that I had all the images under copyright, before releasing them into the world....He's the left-brained scientist, and a perfect foil for this right-brained artist!

For many years, I did hand-colored black-and-white portraits (mostly of children)...this was the precurser to photoshop, so all of it was done the old fashioned way...shoot, print in black-and-white, sepia-tone, and then, hand-painted with special oil paints. This little guy just happens to be my grandson (who is grown now, and is mortified everytime he sees this)!

These images are from my "Romantic America" series...all shot in my yard, or home.

"Gussie on the Porch"

I working on a children's book, and am using these images, but love them so much, decided not to wait, and to publish them as greeting cards.....

All of the cards are 5"X 7" fine cardstock, and they are all blank. I do think this makes a good

"Happy Independence Day" card.

Best topiary ever: "Happy Father's Day"

This colt was named "In Like Flynn" Another of my "Romatic America" Series.....Hand-colored black-and- white..........

"Here A Chick" hand-colored black-and-white"

Our beloved "Gizmo".............Hand-painted black & white......my sweetie................

"Something New is Afoot" Hand-painted black & white

Miss Gussie Plushbottem, making her debut as the next "Hang in There" kitten - Color "Some Day My Prince Will Come'

Cheery Shepherd, in Cherry Hat....dear Beau

"Brianna, Always Running"

"Life is just a bowl of cherries & Ginna Maes"...

NEXT!!!

It's been awhile....I needed to recover from the art show at The Vineyard at Florence (Texas, that is)....hundred degree temps...under a nice tent, twenty or so exhibitors...lovely surroundings, and no one bought a blessed thing. I take that back, I did sell a carafe I had painted.
Looking on the bright side, I did have many people interested...in my interiors, my floorcloths, etc...I also have someone who is interested in a kitchen renovation...
Today, I just don't feel like slaying dragons...sometimes we are more brilliant than others...sigh.