What I'm learning as I paint is that in the course of life we leave and are left and let go of much that we love. Losing is the price we pay for living. It is also the source of much of our growth and gain. Making our way from birth to death, we also have to
make our way through the pain of giving up and giving up and giving up....some portion of what we cherish.

We have to deal with necessary losses.

And in bowing to the forbidden and impossible, we become moral, responsible, adult self, discovering --within the limitations imposed by necessity--our freedoms and choices.

And in giving up our impossible expectations, we become a lovingly connected self, renouncing ideal visions of perfect
friendship, marriage, children, family life....

all for the sweet imperfections of all-too-human relationships.
And in confronting the many losses that are brought by time and death, we become a mourning and adapting self, finding at
every stage---until we draw our final breath --
opportunities for creative transformations.
So in my paintings now come the story of being
incredibly human.
Sunshine.....fall on me.

Thank you my friends who write: Judith V. and Kathy M.
As human beings, you inspire and lift me. And Audie,
I am so proud....your painting brings me great joy.....