The year 2020 has been one for the record books, and 2021 is trying to match it! The pandemic has wreaked havoc for all of us...cancelled wedding and graduation celebrations, travel plans, and even worse the illness and loss of loved ones. I am very grateful that our family has escaped the illness of Covid and loss of any of our dear ones, but friends have experienced that sorrow. But there have been the joys...the birth of my first great-grandchild, Georgia Rose, the intimate backyard wedding of Emily & Tim who had to cancel their big celebration in May and again in January, high school graduation of grandson, James Parker Oliver IV, and wedding of son Bruce and Peg. More reasons to be grateful!
With so much time at home during the pandemic, I was inspired to paint more than I have in many years. During my husband's six-year journey with Multiple System Atrophy, and my move from our Hill Country home of 20-years to a condo in Austin, I didn't spend much time at my easel. However, in 2020 during my time at home when travel plans had to be cancelled, I pored over mountains of photos taken during years of trips to beautiful and interesting places all over the U.S., Europe, Honduras and Guatemala, as well as the beauty right here in Central Texas. In reliving those happy times, I was inspired to pick up my brushes again, and I hope you will enjoy the paintings and prints posted on my website. I learned to do online art shows, and a number of paintings went to new homes. It was fun to be back in the art business.
Then, just as I was getting ready for holiday shoppers, my life turned around again. I was in a horrible automobile accident November 9 and sustained serious injuries...breaking my back and having stabilization surgery, a pelvis, two ribs, and my tailbone. In the hospital and rehab for over five weeks, I returned home a week before Christmas. My recovery is going very well, but it takes time. I haven't had the stamina to get back to the easel, although I believe that time is coming soon, and I'm getting excited about that. I've had notes, cards, delicious food, and calls from many of you, and messages that I've been in your prayers. For all of those, I am so grateful. There's no doubt in my mind of the importance all that prayer and positive energy has played in my somewhat miraculous recovery. Thank you from the bottom of a grateful heart.