Dear Friends,

“This is the power of gathering: it inspires us, delightfully, to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful: in a word, more alive.” Alice Waters

I always feel more alive and energized after seeing you at one of my shows. This weekend we all were a little full as well. The P Buckley Moss Gallery of Blacksburg hosted a magnificent spring open house complete with (you guessed it) birthday cake!

I knew it was going to be a great day when this bouquet of flowers greeted me upon my arrival to the gallery.

How wonderful to meet Reese Roberts. She is in her 4th year of study of Studio Art at Virginia Tech. Her work is currently on display in the Quillen Gallery at the Moss Arts Center. I am hoping I can go see it before I leave on the Moss Society trip. She helped me draw the gift basket winner. Betty Dunford of Dublin was the lucky winner!

I feel privileged and loved to have been raised by a strong mother. Many of you met Gran Liz as she was vibrant part of my adult life and career. She watched my children during the summertime, travelled with me, sang, danced and played the piano. She was full of life, and stories of her escapades are enjoyed at every family gathering. This Mother’s Day I celebrate you Momma with a poem from English poet and literary critic Ann Taylor.

My Mother by Ann Taylor

Who sat and watched my infant head
When sleeping on my cradle bed,
And tears of sweet affection shed?
My Mother.

When pain and sickness made me cry,
Who gazed upon my heavy eye,
And wept for fear that I should die?
My Mother.

Who taught my infant lips to pray
And love God's holy book and day,
And walk in wisdom's pleasant way?
My Mother.

And can I ever cease to be
Affectionate and kind to thee,
Who wast so very kind to me,
My Mother?

Ah, no! the thought I cannot bear,
And if God please my life to spare
I hope I shall reward they care,
My Mother.

When thou art feeble, old and grey,
My healthy arm shall be thy stay,
And I will soothe thy pains away,
My Mother.

Until next week,