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