The Amazing Value of Friends

I don't know why just this minute I am feeling all emotional and thinking about the value and support of friends but I am going to post about that very subject in relation to myself and my art right now.
I have many amazing, supportive friends, both here and on Facebook.  I can always count on you all to comment, support and respond and I am so very grateful.  Thank you all.

I have 2 people that I really want to shine a spotlight on right now.  The only order of value is a timeline.  About 6 years ago I went to Artfest for the first time.  Before the trip, I posted a random little blurb about having a rental car if anyone wanted to share.  2 people answered.  One of those people became my absolute right hand for anything on the west coast from that very day forward!  Cheryl McCloud has been my support, the person I depend on for everything from "when to shut up" to "how to answer any given question"!!!  She has helped me in classes and on every crazy-wild vendor night ever since then.  I have often called her "my boss" since whatever she tells me to do, I do it!!!   Cheryl, I love you so much.

The other person is Mindy Lacefield.  I met Mindy at Artfest 2011, quite by accident.  Someone at my table said something about "Tim's Sally" and I said "OH!  Is she here?!"   She was sitting right beside me!  In talking we realized that she was born literally 30 miles from me in Arkansas (albeit 10 years apart, she's the younger although I'll only say that ONCE!  LOL).  We had an immediate connection and I felt blessed to have her visit my family cabin that summer.  We painted, hung out on the porch and visited my crazy family.  I have come to find out since that time what an absolutely amazing person (as well as a phenomenal artist) she really is.  She has supported me in ways that really only a sister would.   I have met very few people in my life that are as giving as Mindy.   I often call her and ask what she thinks about certain issues or how to handle something (such as recording for this class I am trying to put together).   Mindy....you are a blessing and I love you.

Again, I don't know why this "sappiness" at this moment but I wanted to do this post while my wonderful friends were on my mind (as they OFTEN are!).  If you are like me, you think of your friends and family and your appreciation of them quite often but we forget to tell them as often as we should.  I hope this will inspire you to tell the people you love how much they mean to you.

I have started the editing for the online class.  It will still be awhile.  I am trying to learn the editing and make sure it will be a good class!  Here is the painting that I did while recording.  In case you can't read the text, it says "'Shall we literally have nothing to eat?', asked Mr. Peterkin, helping himself to another sausage".

Again, I want to thank you all for the constant love, support and comments.  Without all of you, I would only be making art for myself....I would never want that.  xoxo