A Patchwork of People

Lying in bed at night
I sometimes feel alone

I close my eyes
And there I see
A patchwork of people
Smiling at me

I have a patchwork of people
To catch me if I fall
And a patchwork of people
Can make a strong wall

People all around me
People young and old
A patchwork of people
Blanket me from cold

So if you ever feel alone
Or too cold in your bed
Simply close your sweet, sad eyes
Patchwork’s waiting in your head

Inspired by all my friends who got together to make my escape to San Francisco last week possible. I am too guilty of not recognizing all the wonderful people in my life who support me, make me belly laugh and tell me to put my big, girl pants on when necessary. You are everywhere - you have all played such a role in my life and my children's' lives - family, friends and people memories all stitched together for me to snuggle into! Thank you, thank you EVERYONE.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall

Mum you are just beautiful
I don’t know…. what’s “fat”?
I think you are beautiful,
don’t pinch your face like that.
To me you are so beautiful
What did the mirror do?
You’re looking very sad you see
You don’t like the view?
Who’s in there?
Who upset you?
I only see my mum
I want to go and play with you,
But you’re looking at your bum.
Mum your sighs aren’t happy.
You don’t like what you see.
Mum you don’t look happy,
They say you look like me.
I thought you were beautiful,
Was I wrong to think like that?
Are we not beautiful people?
Mum, do I look fat?

Sketch number one - The Beginning

Flying into Calgary seeing the natural and farmer made patterns of the land
Pencil, Acrylic and Watercolour

All I know is i need to draw.
I need to draw each day.
It may not be good.
It may indeed suck.
It just needs to be done.
To become better,
i must practise,
not hide,
nor ignore.
Just do
I have a need to draw,
not a need to be good.
This much is all i know.

In 8 years i will be the same age as my father when he died. My father gave me a gift to want to draw when i was too young to realize what it was. The not "good enough"s and the "other people are better than me"s made me forget what he intended to give - the need. 8 years until I am the age he left us - how many drawings is that? I dedicate each one to him and his gift - of books, art materials and of making drawing matter. I found that gift of need today and each sketch Dad is in memory of you XXXX