Sunday Sketches

I could not resist the urge to paint the Peruvian children's faces as they gathered to have their picture taken the day we visited the mountain school. I love the faces as well as the colors and designs of the textiles.

I am thinking of creating a painting on a larger scale in oils.....

This one is for the Sketchbook Project 2012.....

Children of Gaza Tell Their StoriesThrough Art

I was privileged to visit and conduct an art therapy session with the Palestinian children at the Qattan Centre for the Child (QCC) in Gaza City. QCC is a non-profit cultural and educational institution which focuses on the basic needs of the Palestinian children.

With the aid of my Russian interpreter, Natach, the children told me about the water problems they contend with on a daily basis in Gaza.


Pollution, lack of water, misuse of water, and their difficulties were the themes in their art.



One of the children drew a picture of the Israeli bombs and the white phosphorous which was dropped on the citizens of Gaza.


The children made it very clear the problems they live with in Gaza.

Children Of Gaza and Art

Today I returned to the Afaq Jadeela Association in Mukhaim El Jadeed to create art with the children.

Water is a big issue here in Gaza. The children are asking for clean water to drink. As part of the Maia Mural Project we will paint murals around Gaza.

I asked the children to create pictures about water. Their pictures told the story of the water pollution and the need for fresh water and a cleaner environment.

The most interesting part of being "lost in translation" was that after I passed out the boxes of crayons and paper, the children just sat there. I did not know what was wrong. Majd came with pencils and the children began drawing.

Here are some photos of these sweet, beautiful children who graced my day.

Berry Picking Time

SUNDAY   +   FAMILY   +   SUNSHINE   +   BLACKBERRIES   +  
CHEHALIS WESTERN TRAIL            PERFECT COMBINATION!

Early this morning as Ebony and I traveled the Chehalis Western Trail from Woodard Bay to Martin Way, many people were seen, full buckets in hand and blackish mouths, picking blackberries.

My favorite was this couple and their two children who came on bikes.

The little boy eating from his bucket made me think of times to come with my grandson :)

Daughters Helping Mothers

As the saying goes, we learn from our children for they are our best teachers. I must admit I grew up along side of my daughter. She was the first born.

Today, as a young adult, Michelle is still guiding me along.

Recently we had lunch together and then she took me to her favorite tea house, Teahouse Kuan Yin in Wallingford which is north of downtown, on the other side of Lake Union close to the University of Washington. A cozy little shop that has been around since 1990 and sells bulk teas, teaware, light meals, desserts, and hot or iced tea in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Michelle's favorite tea is Jasmine and I love the smell. Unfortunately, caffeine and I do not get along, but they have a huge selection of herbal teas. We had tea and chatted.

Michelle had suggested to me that I might contact the owner about hanging my paintings on the walls. I came ready with portfolio in hand, but the owner was not present that day. I diligently did my follow-up and contacted him by e-mail. Marcus was quick to respond, and we have set May 9th as the day for me to hang my watercolor paintings.

Thank you, Michelle for your encouragement and insightfulness.

Colorful Women of Isla Mujeres

I wanted to share photos of the Mayan women and families we met at Isla Mujeres. It was fun making purchases from these woman and practicing my Spanish. I love the fact that children are always around while Mom works.

We visited The Beading Collective



Met these fabulous seamstresses



More colorful women and children





And the colorful market