Elena

Elena Bright Shapiro - gone too soon from this earth, but never gone from the hearts of those who knew and loved her dearly.

Crystal chandelier above the dining table at my friend, Brantly's house in Winston-Salem, NC.

There were crystals hanging in every window in the house to catch the light as it filtered through all day long and cast rainbows around the rooms.

Each rainbow was a reminder that dear Elena brought joy to all she knew and the colors made it possible to see the love that filled the rooms throughout the house.

...and the pond in the backyard with the gazebo nearby that is now surrounded by the 21 tulip bulbs planted on her birthday......Biby's idea to add one each year on her birthday. A beautiful tribute.
Love always to Brantly, David, Biby and Sam and everyone else whose lives Elena touched.

These flowers are sitting on my kitchen table and I am in the Kansas City airport waiting to get on a plane to Raleigh-Durham, NC. I am going to visit my friend, Brantly and her family.....

This Saturday would've been the 21st birthday of her darling Elena, who was killed in a tragic accident September. I know that there will be many tears, but I also know that there will be laughter and stories. Brantly and I have known one another for many years - shared all kinds of adventures. It is unfortunate that this, too, becomes a journey that we are sharing.

It is a choice, but there is life after the loss of someone you love. The smiles and "pure joy" do disappear for a while, but they also DO come back. I do not believe that our dear ones "leave" us. I think they live in our hearts forever and we can "feel" them when we need to.

There is nothing easy about any of it, but I have seen different choices that have very different outcomes. "One Day at a Time" has become a bit of a cliche, but literally, it is exactly what we must do to walk through the difficult challenges in our lives....oh, and the occasional smile...

I love you, Brantly and am looking forward to being with you for these next few days. 

productivity

Just a few little images from the cards I have been working on. It has been fun, I must say and I am enjoying the results.

I can't wait to see how this little "elf-y angel" turns out! So far, so good, I think....cute!

I am liking this little elf, too. I'd love a pair of pants like hers! ... and those shoes!
Now, this one needs a LOT of help. I may need to start over here...so much of it does NOT work for me, though there are some redeemable parts, certainly. Maybe a little less "outfit"...whew! I think that a waistline might help! And the arch is not what it needs to be... sigh ......
Still, all in all it has been a very productive few days in the studio - yippee!

xo