It is four in the morning and I cannot sleep.  Unfortunately, that also means I cannot see or spell.  I probably shouldn’t post this but I suppose I will.  I’ve been working on a very large painting.  I am pretty sure it is 58 inches high.  I have to restrict how large I can make the works so that they qualify to be in the local shows.  Our galleries and other venues do not have larges amounts of space or high ceilings.  This evening is the reception for the Westmoreland National.  Yes, it was advertised and is open to National entries.  It is going to be displayed at the Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood.  That is about an hour from here.  I have relatives attending with me tonight.  It should be a nice evening.  There are three of my portraits in the show.  I hope I can get a nap before we leave or I will be as delirious then as I feel now.  I will try to rest so that I can get thru the evening on my feet.   I will let you know if any awards come my way but having three pieces accepted for this show is an honor in itself.  Diana

Last night was the reception for the Latrobe Art League Open Show.  Latrobe puts on the greatest receptions of any group I know.  Everyone is always excited and we have so much fun. The food is great and there is usually great music too. I have had some kind of virus or else my pain level has been the cause of my feeling sick.  Who knows?  I regret not being able to attend the reception last evening.  I was notified that I took third place for a small portrait of my granddaughter.  It is entitled, “There Once Was a Little Girl”.  Actually, you can see it on the gallery of this web site.  I’m glad I found the time last week to deliver the two small paintings that I had available.  I didn’t think I was going to be able to participate but I made it and got this prize. That is a blessing. My Uncle’s daughter and daughter-in-law are coming in today from Indiana State to see him. It will be good for them to be together.  We never know what is around the next bend.  I still haven’t gotten Andrea’s signed portrait posted.  Nelly, have you seen it?  I started the new large painting on Wednesday, the day I was so sick.  That was a mistake!  I couldn’t continue and every thing I did was basically a waste.  On Thursday, though, I made some progress and sort of got my feet under me again.  For a while I was feeling so bad that I wondered if I was going to have to give up this next project.  I am doing this painting for the next important show, either the Mr. Rogers or some other event.  It is a very large challenge, full of detail and also it is an extremely interesting and appealing composition.  I’ll keep you all informed about my progress on it but I probably won’t reveal the subject until it is finished.  Till next time, Shalom, Diana

The humming birds have arrived and they hover at the window trying to get at this orchid.  I sat it outside so they could have a sip of the nectar.  That made them happy.

I always thought that when a person reached a certain age life would slow down and there would be lots of free time. I must have missed a turn somewhere or done something different because I have no free time. Well, a large portion of my time is used just managing pain levels and so I must account for that. I do like to be busy so I am not complaining just apologizing for my delay. I promised I would upload photos of my blooming orchids. I’ll do that now and then, hopefully, later this evening, I’ll upload the signed portrait of Andrea.