Thankful.

Self Portrait - Painting in Progress

I'm working on my self portrait for Acrylics class and it's coming along nicely so far... I have the background begun and I'm pleased with the way the colors look.  The staircase is from an antebellum mansion that is now owned (or was, anyway?) by Ashland (an oil company) and it's located in Louisiana - I think Baton Rouge?- anyway, it's probably gone now because of Katrina, but the photo remains, and I am in love with the curves of the staircase, aged plaster walls and old wooden stairs.  This one is due on December 16th, so I have to get going on it - I plan on working more on it this weekend. 

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Thankful

The list could go on for miles... but here's a quick list of what (and who) I am thankful for this Thanksgiving, 2008-

- My Health - My Family - My Wonderful Animals - Eyesight, being able to move... drive a car... communicate effectively - Sanity (or insanity, depending on the day; I'm thankful for both) - creativity (the little I have) - my yarn stash - the support of my partner in my endeavors - friends online - friends across the country (and around the world) who I don't see as often as I'd like - sending (and receiving) random letters or packages in the mail - Knowing that everything happens for a reason and in time, everything passes - the comfort of knowing that my father and grandmother are both at peace, no longer suffering with illness or age - my history and the path that led me right here, right now - the courage to know who I am and the freedom in my country to be out and proud (even if that doesn't include the freedom to marry; at least I have the freedom to love) - and as corny as it sounds, I am thankful for every breath, every blink, every smile and laugh - I'm thankful I'm alive...

I'd love to hear who or what you are especially thankful for this year - if you feel inclined, email me or post a comment.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving -

Lyrics to the "song of the moment"

the song is beautiful and reminds me to be thankful for every day...

I'm Alive - Willie Nelson

It's so damn easy to say that life's so hard
Everybody's got their share of battle scars
As for me, I'd like to thank my lucky stars
That I'm alive and well

And it'd be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you sat and watched go up in flames
You were on, on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
But not me, I'm alive

And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing, can't you see?
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
And I'm alive and well, God, I'm alive and well

Stars are dancing on the water here tonight
It's good for the soul when there's not a soul in sight
This boat has caught it's wind and brought me back to life
Now I'm alive and well

And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing, can't you see?
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
And I'm alive and well, God, I'm alive and well