Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Giving and Receiving and the Art of Sharing

Who doesn't love being a recipient of something special?
Gifts come in many forms, kind words, a gesture of appreciation, a simple hug, and blog awards!
Just this weekend I was honored with two blog awards, my first ever!

The first one came from a new blog friend who's wonderful work I found via another blog.
You can check out Micah's beautiful art and blog here: http://www.notionsoffancy.blogspot.com/
Following Micah's lead I am listing seven things about myself and listing
seven blog sister's that deserve this award and have made an impact on me through their sharing in blogland.

1. I am not a schedule person, more fly by the seat of my pants kinda of a girl.
2. I like small spaces my main studio is the size of a show box and that is fine by me.
3. I love old music like Billy Holiday and old Black and white films like Arsenic and Old Lace.
4. I am a people person and I adore animals.
5. I have to drink two cups of coffee in the morning in my pj's, I am not a morning girl.
6. I love to shop.
7. I love being and artist and can't imagine any other life.

Now for seven blog sisters who inspire me with their words,wisdom and work.
Donna Liljegren at Brynwood
Julie at Julie King Art
Jenn at Noodle and Lou
Shell in Bunnyville
Julie Heymaker
Silke at Metamorphosis
Cindy of Yapping Cat Studio

The other blog award I received is from my friend and blog sister Silke of Metamorphosis
Her blog is a tapestry of life, and beautiful art filled with color and texture.

I am blessed to call these women my friends.
Thank you Silke and Micah for honoring me.

Speaking of honor I was blessed a few months back to share my artistic gifts
in a very special way.
My brother Michael works for the Red Cross in Petoskey Michigan.
Recently the Petoskey staff suffered a great loss when one of their long time friends and co-worker lost her battle with cancer.
Wanting to honor her life and friendship, they asked me to paint a park bench as a tribute to her.
I was humbled that they would ask me to participate in the remembrance of their dear friend.
The bench is titled the River of Life,
and the painting depicts the various passions she enjoyed.

She was an accomplished pianist as well as an avid windsurfer and cross country skier.



The dedication took place in August at Red Cross of Petoskey where the bench will remain in memorial.


Be blessed my sisters,
xoxo
Mary

9 comments:

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Mary:
Congratulations on winning TWO awards! You certainly deserve them both.

Thank you so much for naming me for a Kreativ Blogger Award. I'm so honored!
I'll look forward to writing seven things about me and posting my cool new award from you!

I'm so looking forward to getting to know you better. Based on some of your answers, we share a lot in common!

Blessings, my dear friend!
xoxo
Donna

noodle and lou said...

mary, what a gorgeous tribute to your brother's co-worker!! i'm completely blown away!!!

and THANK YOU from the bottom of my little heart for this amazing award. i am so honored to be included in such a talented group of women. your list actually fits me to a teeeee!!!! we have lots and lots in common mary:) mornings truly are the pits...thank goodness for coffee:):)

happy weekend sweet friend!! xox

Cindy said...

First off, thank you so much for the award! You are too kind! I appreciate it very much! And that bench...ohmygosh. How wonderful, you did an amazing job. I'm sure that her family and friends will be touched. And congrats to you dear gurl, for your two awards! Well deserved my friend, well deserved! :D

hugs,
c
yapping cat

julie king said...

big, big ((hugs)) to you, mary! thanks so much for this award. it means a lot coming from someone as talented as you! we just returned from vacation and it was so sweet to get your message and then the award!

your bench is wonderful and the story so touching!

Alisa Noble said...

Congratulations, Mary... much deserved!

The bench... beautiful work!

Unknown said...

Oh mary!!! the bench is so awesome!!!! and big thanks for the thinking of me!!!

gail said...

Hi, I have enjoyed your blog. Your work is beautiful! I found you at Michelle,,, the Raspberry Rabbits and had to visit! (dont you just love her?:) )
Happy creating, gail

Silke Powers said...

Oh, Mary, thank you so much for the award and the sweet words about me and my blog. I so appreciate our friendship!!

And that memorial bench is just amazing! You are such a talented artist - I LOVE how you incorporated the piano keys into the nature scene. Just so gorgeous and meaningful!

Hugs, Silke

Lenae May said...

Too funny, Mary! We are certainly kindred spirits in many of your listed things about yourself!
Lenae