I mentioned earlier that I would put some info about the show here when I had the chance.  I am taking a moment now to do that.  When I began painting in earnest, that is, more than one painting a year, I though it might be possible someday to have a solo show.  It was not something I counted on because I am not good at planning and executing a big event.  Gabi at the Latrobe Art Center ask me if I was interested and wanted to know if I had enough paintings to fill a wall or the whole room.  I had to make a count and was surprised at how many I had completed.  Last summer was too busy at the gallery but in November we set a date for March, hoping that winter would be past so that people would not have to brave snow storms to see the show.  NOT!  Winter held off until the night of the reception when she came storming in.  But we managed.  There was a wonderful turn out of friends and fellow artists, family and people I didn’t know.  I was so busy talking and greeting that the evening was over before I knew it.  The special event was the formal unveiling of my latest painting, Afternoon Mountain Stream Reverie, a portrait of Gabi’s godson, Jack.  I hope I have a better chance to speak with his mother and grandmother about the painting because the evening’s hustle and bustle did not afford me much opportunity to do so.  I will forever see the faces of those who came in and shared their excitement, kind words and joy of the artwork with me that evening.  It turned out to be a more significant evening than I had anticipated.  The following Thursday we did an ‘ask the artist’ luncheon so that I could answer the many questions people ask about my painting process.  The turn out for this event was great. Also the interest and enthusiasm for knowledge about portraiture kept the afternoon rolling along.  I was not nervous because this was not quite as social as the previous week and I have no problems talking about a subject I love, especially in an informal setting.  Also, I must say that Rosita’s food on the buffet was the most delicious I have ever eaten.  Perfecto!  Many want me to do a class again so I will have to see how my health goes after recovering from this!  I plan to slowly change from doing mainly juried exhibitions, to doing more commissions and more teaching.  I love it all.  I am so blessed to have been given this wonderful opportunity.  I hope I can continue for a long time to come.  Hugs and thanks to all.  Diana