A friend of mine recently lost her dear niece. She was only nine years old. We try to make sense of these tragedies but no matter how we spin it, it always comes down to mystery. The mystery of why some live long lives and some are taken before life has even begun has no answers that satisfy or quelch the pain of losing someone you love. The only answer I see to the questions we ask is acceptance that we utimately have little control over our lives or the lives of others. I try to remind myself everyday to have gratitude and appreciation for this day and what it offers in gifts of time, health, friendship and family. Tomorrow will bring what it will bring. This is a beautiful antique postcard of Jesus on the cross.

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We are living in a time of upheaval. If we could float into space we might see our planet vibrating with intensity created by wars, cruelty and insane acts of violence perpetrated on all living things. Yet I wake up every morning and look out into our peaceful woods. Our beautiful purple morning glories grace me with their delicate petals. Our lovely pink roses bloom with abundance. Apparently their is peace and harmony in the midst of chaos. This is an image of Sophia, Faith, Hope, and Love. Artist unknown.

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Well I'm on a roll with Day of the Dead and Halloween inspiration. I always get this way at this time of the year. Don't know what it is but I'm going with the flow. Today I will have to take a little break and roast and peel the green chile peppers my husband grew in our backyard. They don't grow as nicely as they do in New Mexico but are still very tasty! This is a neat antique pumpkin head postcard.

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Yesterday I picked up the Sept/Oct issue of Somerset Studio Magazine. It is chock full of wonderful artists who have done pieces with a Halloween theme. It has inspired me to do some witches and other ghoulish or just plain fun images. This is the front cover of the magazine.

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Well I'm already getting in the Day of Dead spirit even though it's only September! Every year I look forward to celebrating Halloween and Dia de los Muertos. I am working on new Dia de los Muertos art pieces to enter the ArtWanted Haunted House and have started a Day of Dead/Dia de los Muertos Group Gallery. I am looking forward to seeing other artists works as well. Their is something about this time of year that starts drawing the memories of those people and beloved creatures in my life that I have loved and continue to love. Of course it is also a fun time for me as I love dressing up and becoming a totally different persona for a day or two. This is me in my "Lucretia from the Old Country" costume.

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Just sent off some ACEO's to Santa Fe. If you live in the area or are visiting check them out at Jackalope's. If you've never been to Jackalope's you're missing out on a great adventure. Jack's has a huge array of unique folk art from all over the world. You will also find artwork from local artists there as well including Our Lady of Menopause Ware created by the famous Melissa Poole, who also by the way is well known for her glittery Elvis toilet seats! This is a potty art piece created by Melissa for an art walk tour a few years ago. Check out her Hot Menopause Ware at www.ourladyofmenopause.com.

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On my morning walks lately I have begun to feel the subtle changes of summer flowing into autumn. A few of the trees are starting to turn to reds and yellows. Signs of the ebb and flow of one season unto another---a reminder that our lives are in sync in this manner as well, though we may at times long for things to remain as they are---never to get old, sick, or suffer.

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Working on more ACEO's today. Will be sending some to SPIRITWERKS in Santa Fe, for those of you who live in the Santa Fe, New Mexico area. Of course you can also view and purchase here! Will have some stuff for the ArtWanted Haunted House gallery soon too! I am very interested in Day of Dead/Dia de los Muertos art and have created various pieces throughout the years including a life size piece commemorating Frida Kahlo. This is a wonderful mosaic art piece of OL of Guadalupe by ArtWanted artist Susanne Baca. Check out her other pieces. She is very talented!

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Gustav is on our minds today. We all hope he will tire of his frenzy very soon. How much more can people in our neighboring states endure? This is a favorite painting by a rumanian artist.

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