I’m working on landsape designs again, baysitting for my grandchildren, working in the garden and painting whenever and wherever I can. I’m working on a large brown trout in oil, right now and it’s thrilling how it is turning out. It is viewed from underwater and I’m really feeling it with the depth and color.
Yes, I said grandchildren. Cooper was born on the 28th of March and he is so cute and good. He looks very much the way Sienna did when she was that little. Can’t imagine being so lucky or blessed to have these two extremely adoreable little people in my life. He is a flirt and a big smiler and owns the other half of me that I share with #1 grandaughter, Sienna. This job of grandmother is the best! I have this new patience. imagination, tlots of time, and an unbelieveably strong bond and friendship with them. I strongly believe, this is why we have children and love them and raise them the best we can….so we can reap the wonderful benefits of grandparenting.
I’m working on a few commissions and am so thankful for these. I’m also getting prepared for the Golden Art Fest on August 21 and 22 and the Hawaii Fest in Boulder the 18 and 19. Trying to get some new pieces created and a couple of starts completed for these shows. I am also going to be painting up in Grand Lake Colorado in July or August, or maybe both. I’ll be set up on the front deck of Mine Design Jewelry right on the boardwalk of the main street in Grand Lake. Come up and visit me while I work on a painting under the shade of a big Colorada Blue Spruce. I have to be honest, it can be a bit distracting for me too. I love the foot traffic passing by, the view of the lake, the whiff of hops from the Brewery nezt door and the great conversations with old friends and new.
Wednesday of this week, I attend the 2nd annual Ovarian Cancer Survivors Luncheon. Jerry will accompany me this year and I’ll be proud to have him on my arm and proud to have lived happy and healthy for the last three years. I want to announce that next year, with the help of friends, doctors and sponsors, I plan to hold an ovarian cancer fund raiser golf tournament to promote research for a cure. I would like to do this in the month of September, Ovarian Cancer awareness month. So please keep this in mind for next September and when the time comes around, get a foursome pulled together, talk to friends and family that would like to donate something for the raffle, or help sponsor this tournament. My sites are set high and I have plenty of time to put together a fabulous tournament. Any help anyone can give me on the “how to’s” of this endeavor please give me a call. 303 947 6226. I will be contacting everyone next year and hope to see you all.
I best go paint and go to that other place, the theraputic place that painters go when they work. I strongly believe that everyone can paint and had this proven to me last night, at Canvas and Cocktails a new and very well received business here in Denver. Cocktails? Yes! Everone painting on canvas? Yes! And a good time? Yes!!!!!!!! Great place to try your hand painting in the company of many who have never dreampt of putting paint to a canvas. It was a date night for some, a birhtday party for others and for some a safe place with no one judging their creations. Check it out and see if it’s available in your area. My friends are going back and have hung their new works on their own walls!
So while I’m feeling good and enjoying all that life offers me, I am reminded that we all need to realize that what’s here today can be gone tomorrow. So turn up the music, pull out the monopoly(even if it means battles close to divorce of mates or firendships), have a glass of wine, call an old friend you miss, and honor someone special with an act of kindness.
Just another update and letting you know I’m FEELING GOOD!!!!!!!!
That’s putting it mildly! The last 8 months have been brutal. I fell and broke my back on a trip to Mexico and got strapped into a brace and worked through the prescribed physical therapy . I came out of that maybe 95% healed and I’m doing everything I used to, but a bit more cautiously. My mother died this Feb. and I’m now an orphan. Anyone want to adopt a 58 year old? There is a hole that can never be filled when one loses their mother. so if you see me in the grocery store and my shoulders are shaking and I’m hiding the tears, I’m probably thinking of her fabulous gravy or home made potato soup and I’m trying to control my feelings in public. Immediately after my return from WI, I developed bronchitis or pnuemonia and the flu. I am finally moving out of the doom and gloom category and with the sun and warmer season upon us, I’m starting to set up art show schedules and plan my garden, and of course, I’m planning some vacations. I’m also sittting and waiting for the phone call from my daughter, informing me that our new grandchild is on the way, it’s a boy this time, little Cooper, and I am reminded of all the wonderful blessings that have come my way this year. Great trips to Mexico, my abundant garden from last spring that allowed me to eat from the ground, as my oncologist suggests, the closeness of my family that came from the loss of my mother, the gift of grandchildren, the days spent with my best friend and husband Jerry, my graduation from every three month cancer check -ups to six month check-ups, a healed back, an art gallery showing in the art district of Denver, some great art sales and the creation of some of my best art to date. I’m painting with oils right now and loving the smell and feel of the paint on canvas and I’m preparing for a few art festivals and shows. One is the Hawaiifest in Boulder, where I believe much of my art will fit right in and really be appreciated. I’m entering the Golden Fine Arts Festival too and hope to be juried in to that show. Spring is great with so much happening! I’m thrilled to say the snow will be gone soon and “the sun will come out tomorrow” , I knew I liked that song for reasons other than the movie. Hallelujeah!!! I hope that each of you have had an even better year than me in the blessings category. Life is tough, tougher than I ever dreampt when I was a youngster wishing my childhood away. We deal the bumps or concur the life-battles that present themselves so unexpectedly, and we learn and hopefully become better people from the challenges. My tulips are just poking up, and seeing them and the smallest of buds on the trees, gets me ready to dig in the dirt and feel it under my nails and smell the smells of Spring! To the end of cold and gloomy and to the fresh start of Spring! Cheers! Love, Jean
Holidays, here comes another one. Thank God for wondreful spring and the celebration of Easter. This year there will be easter egg hunts and dress ups and a nice family meal with my little granddaughter and family. I’ll miss Joy up in Arcata, CA and my family back home in WI but my thoughts will be with them. I’ll be celebrating the warmer seasons to come. You know, the ones where you can see some skin and I’m not decked out in a turtleneck and layered with a fleece jacket, or wearing heavy socks and my holely sweatpants. I’m anxious for flowers and their smells, and dirt under my nails from gardening, fresh green leaves on trees, and even longer days and vacations!
This year has started off slow but is picking up speed as I’m sprinting to get some orders of art ready to ship to Mexico, work on my new series for the art show that I’m aiming for that’s in June, a few commissions to be completed, throwoing a new job in the mix, and alloting time for a couple of trips. I’m loving painting and I’m still surprised at my own work. It makes me happy to create and so very thrilled when the client loves it too. I believe, I’m doing what I am supposed to do.
I’m healthy and happy and ya can’t ask for much more. Eat an egg, dress up and go to church, buy some flowers, and salute spring for it’s the time of NEW and wonderful things.
Tis the Season for visits with family and friends, for baking holiday salties and sweets, for allowing messy houses that are strewn with ribbons and dirty dishes, and then bring on the games and allow the competitive spirit to spring forth. This is one holiday the world situation will not change, we will still find a way to celebrate and remember Christmas and share with one another. Today, Christmas Eve, we visit my husband’s side of the family, over a few rivers and through some woods but mostly down the highway, and tomorrow, is spent at my daughters as my granddaughter is introduced to Baby’s First Christmas. It should be a delightful day.
I’ve completed all my projects, and that’s incredible to say, as I constantly add more and more to my ever-growing list. Finally, I had to say enough and I sat down last night, and enjoyed the lights on the tree, the quiet in the house, and spent some time with my husband.
What’s going on with you today and tomorrow? I pray you’re with family or friends or someone you love. I pray there is a happy spirit and you look forward to a New Year.
Thank you for visiting me! Have you all got your heads and hearts around the great day of Thanksgiving? My oldest daughter Joy says this is her favorite day of celebration, the eating, the relaxing, the sharing with those close to you and again, the eating. If I planned the holidays, there would be multiple days of thanksgiving throughout the year. Every quarter or possibly once a month? Don’t you just love the word? I’m very big on the gratitude part and even bigger on the giving idea. I am a “student of giving”. I have had so many acquaintances and close friends lavish me with beautiful acts of kindness. While I was sick gifts were just presented to me, no foldera, just an obvious gift…food, care, drop ins, tickets to shows, dog sitting, free websites, trips to luxurious destinations, and now, and still, I get the descrete and precious gift of lasting friendships and true concern and good will wishes. I also have special friends that order my art work, instigate new projects for me, introduce me to new art contacts and just stimulate me to paint, paint, paint! From these great selfless people, I am learning to give back. From the smallest to the grandest, I’m practicing everyday. Letting the guy weaving in and out of traffic have my lane, tip the girl making my sandwich - at least something small, give and pass on a personal possession to an admirer, donate whenever possible, and open my home to others and tuck away my reservations and pride because of our simple surroundings. I’m learning to give! and I’m reaping the joys and blessings that come from opening up more and sharing. This is something I never learned as a youngster. With a family of seven and two bedrooms … we couldn’t afford to give or share much. This is the message I got when I asked to make a friend a sandwich or let them stay when they needed a place to crash. I’ve learned that joy and happiness just happens, it doesn’t matter what you have or where you are. And just close your eyes and give unconditionally and from the heart. While being kind to others and giving, I am also learning to take care of myself. Be kinder, more aware, and lenient with myself and my desires.
Tomorrow or Thanksgiving Day, I will spend alone and have many moments to reflect. Not that I have nothing to do, a brunch in the morning, a trip to Jerry’s fire station in the afternoon, and a cocktail with friends in the evening, but my immediate family won’t be present, Jill, John and Little Sienna are off to Vail, and Joy and Greg are out in the “soggy bottom” land of Northern CA, and Jer, as I’ve said is on duty. This is the perfect day to thank my teachers. The true givers. You are loved and appreciated and thought of today and daily. To steal a line, “you complete me”.
I’m sliding back into some kind of a schedule or rhythm after my trip to Mexico and then another to La Jolla….no we did not win the Lottery, you would have been informed, but we did do a dog sitting trip and a freebie vacation with a free time share and rewards air miles and free rental car. I’m still missing the sights and sounds of both of these trips. Trying to figure what kind of job I can have that would allow me to spend time in all these different places on a regular basis. I would have to develop a way to take Lucy, our border collie too. It breaks my heart to leave her at home. Oh, she gets great care but I’d love for her to be able to run the beach with us and snuggle into bed with us at night, so we feel like we are right at home and she gets the lovin’ she deserves. We’re home for a bit now. Me, I’ll be working on paintings. I’ve got some dogs and a commission or two. I’m trying to convince Jerry to let me tear apart the extra/guest room and make it my studio. Get rid of the exercise machine and even the bed. I’d paint the walls and set up a work area and a large table to spread my projects on…oh, it would be so much better than the dining room table. I have proved that one can work anywhere if they are determined enough. But I do think of the work that comes out of me when I’m in Mexico and other locations where I spread it out and leave it and have various callings to paint multiple pieces at one time. Does anyone have a futon or day bed that they would like to get rid of. I’m just dreaming for now, but if you drive by and see a good queen size mattress out by the curb…you’ll know I won and am in the middle of creating “my own space”.
I have been in for another blood draw in Oct. and it’s still looking good. Cancer does creep back into my mind from time to time. When I watch a TV show and they say their loved one died of Ovarian cancer, or I read a book and the character discovers someone close to her/him has cancer or I’m starring into my granddaughters eyes and praying that I get to see her grow into a woman. It owns a little place in my mind but has been kicked out of my heart and soul and BODY! I continue to donate pieces of art to as many silent auctions as I can. I think this is my way of giving back and helping multiple causes. It makes me feel great to give, and I hope the donation is pleasing to the recipient.
I’m so ready to dive into an abstract or two. The dogs are great and so much fun and they’ve actually become a constant little business for me. But to step out of that realistic place and let go…I’m ready. Maybe on a snowy blustery day when I’m not drawn outside for a walk with Lucy or invited to spend more time with the Chipmunk, the minnow, or the angel baby, as we call her, I’ll let go and see what appears on the canvas. I’m also ready to go BIG!
I miss my many friends that were in contact with me during my illness (the good blessings) and hope they know that I am doing well and enjoying all aspects of my life. To the new friends, thank you for your support and kindenesses. I’ll be in better contact with this site and as always adding to the number of pet portraits to date. check back and say hi and I’ll be back…gotta go and paint and love on that little baby that remains a llifeline to me. Love and happiness and good health, Jean
It’s been too long, that’s for sure. I miss writing but more than that, I miss hearing from my friends and clients. I continue to feel well and paint! No, I haven’t painted every varitey of dog breed yet, but it is a goal. I’m having tons of fun painting these portraits and then hearing the responses from the recipients, the fun stories about their pets, and even kind of getting to know the pet. I am coming up on another art show the end of Sept. and it will be focusing on my pet portraits but will also showcase a few of my other paintings. What’s my favorite pet portrait? It woudl have to be one of the difficult ones, the ones I thought I’d never get right. It’s such a treat whe it all comes together. I do have to admit that there are days where I actually say a little prayer before I begin because I question myself and my abilities. I haven’t been disappointed yet. So something is working. Dont’ try to fix it if it isn’t broke. I will be heading back to Mexico the first part of next month. I’m packing lots of paper and all my paints so i can do anything that I desire. Which means I’m pushin’ it to complete lots of commissions before I head to the land of warm breezes, with smells of salt water, and flaming sunsets. I’ll be dogsitting, so I will be sparked to do a painting or two of pups, I’m sure. I’m a proud grandmother now. My granddaughter is remarkable in every way. One of the rewards of having children is getting to share the grandchildren. She is a light in my life and a little lifeline for me. She makes me want to live longer and happier. She always has a smile for everyone and it’s truly contagious…the dark days become sunny and the normal day insantly becomes exceptional. I’m attaching a photo of her and I’m making a wish for you to be blessed as I have been with gift after gift after gift. I’ll be at Red Rocks Country Club on the 27th of September from 5pm - 9pm and at Estrella Del Mar the first weeks of Oct…Come and see me…yes, especially in Mazatlan, Mexico. To you and to painting and to the miracles in life. Jean
My life is truly,getting full and very busy. Between being “Grandma Jean”, an artist (as a young child called me the other day-and I loved it), having a part-time job, and keeping up with Jerry’s life and hobbies, and my traveling schedule, days are rocketing by! Jerry has been deployed to one of our wildland fires, dive rescues, is prepping for the big Firecracker 50 bike race in Breckenridge, CO the 4th of July and is still singing with the band, oh, and he works. I have just gotten back from a trip to Colorado Springs, where I babysat for Sienna, the “little minnow”, or the “chipmunk” as I call her. Being “Grandma” is definitely cool. I am the childrens book buyer of all times. I can’t help myself. Got any good titles to share? I still want to write a children’s book…one that actually gets published. Anyway, my tan hasn’t faded, what with me working outside, and I’m getting ready to go to Grand Lake CO this weekend June 28 and 29 to paint and show off some of my work at Mine Design Jewelry. Hope the weather is good. I’m looking forward to being surrounded by great beauty and very excited to see old friends and be back in the high country. Come see me if you can and wish me luck on a good weekend full of new orders and some sales. The following week is the 4th of July and Jerry’s race with a huge barbecue and fireworks following. I’m only taking you with me that far because from there on it’s splotchy and a blurr and nothing is set in stone. I’m working on a large commission in oil and I’m seeing the light at the end. It is turning out to be wonderful. I have a few more dogs to paint and then I think I’m being drawn to painting another agua series piece or an abstract, they are such a wonderful release. My house looks like heck, I’m spending too much on gas and travel, shoot I may have to get to the beauty shop someday soon, as my “do” is getting long and on humid days quite unruly, I’m too busy to cook, but I’m still taking the time to sit in the evening with a beer or in the morning with a coffee, in the backyard, and relax for at least a part of the day and be grateful. Till the next time I take time to write. Love and happy days. Jean
First, I am back from Mexico and could be ready to go again on short notice. I love it there. Everytime I go there there are changes taking place. This time the weather was warmer and more humid, but the fun interesting changes were the tide and the sealife and the wonderful debris or discards that wash up on the beach. There were sea snakes and eels, jellyfish, starfish, and turtle egs. I am in awe of the sea. I guess that’s why I choose to paint the “Agua Series”. Jerry and I played some golf, made some new friends, cared for the goldens, walked for miles on the this pristine beach and I painted. I have two new pieces that came out of this trip. One is the birds of paradise and the other is the sanddollars, which will eventually be a diptych or triptych.
We are officially the IDS or “International Dog Sitters”. It was terribly hard for me to leave this “gang” and the thought of going home to Lucy pulled me out of the gloom. I am working on two commissions, a few pet portraits and a painting engagement in Grand Lake, CO over Father’s Day weekend. This weekend has been very busy for me. My grand daughter was born this Friday and is a joy to me. We have been very busy with hospital visits and getting to know little Sienna. I am slowly slipping into the grandma role-just another thing to add to the resume of life. I’ll be updating more often now that I’m back in the US and working on painting projects and completing orders. Check back to see my new pieces and see what I’ve been working on. Love, Jean
The dog show was great.Never could I have imagined what it would look like to have a building chuck-full of the same breed of dog.I saw hundreds of gorgeous Australian Shepherds this past week.I heard hundreds of hairblowers,saw hundreds of wet dogs,saw more kinds of scissors and combs and grooming tools than I ever thought existed and saw a wide vaiety of dog show motorhomes…the only way for a show dog to travel.I learned a lot on how to groom and care for my own dog.I heard happy stories and stories that brought large groups of people to tears.We love our animals so much.It is very apparent in the eyes of these dogs, how they feel for their owners and handlers.And how much they love to show off.I saw old friends and made new ones.I even got a portrait commission or two from being there and actually painted two pet portraits while I was there.So I would call it successful and lots of fun.I’ve spent the last two days getting resituated back at home.Catching up on errands and duties,so I can paint somemore and get ready for this week.I’ts back to the dr. for a blood draw for cancer recheck on Tues.Then Sat.or Sun.we will be heading down to Mexico again.This time Jer is joining me.We hope to play a bit of golf and eat some shrimp and take long walks…with those pups the walks are a definite.Wonder what I’ll paint this time.I have a couple of commissions to do but willhave to leave some time to paint what ever comes to mind.Let those creative juices flow.so my firends it’s Hasta Luego.Hope Jill holds on to the little wee one a bit longer and until I return.Love to all and keep me in your prayers this week and next while we drive down to Maxatlan.Adios.JeanHere is a pic or two from the dog show,enjoy!Virgil at 13 years of age,got a third place for stud class and his offspring,right on Virg!
I’m working on landsape designs again, baysitting for my grandchildren, working in the garden and painting whenever and wherever I can. I’m working on a large brown trout in oil, right now and it’s thrilling how it is turning out. It is viewed from underwater and I’m really feeling it with the depth and color. 
