A Cardinal in Colorado

There are no cardinals in Colorado....at least any I've ever seen....

But, a year ago, we were visiting family in Ohio and R's grandma, who was in an assisted living center there, was turning 100.  We had a grand party for her with an organist and singer, a big cake, and lots of food.  Every family member who could possibly make it came to this event.  I've written about her before because she's an amazing lady.  Besides growing up on a farm and knowing how to do just about everything, she was well read and could speak on any number of topics.  

She had a leg removed about 10 years prior because of a blood clot and it was at that time that she gave up about everything....

Until she started thinking about her painting....

"I have my arms and hands," she thought.  "I can still paint."  

So she asked some family members to bring her some paint and some canvas and some pencils and away she went. 

When we visited her, I snapped this picture of her latest creation.....the cardinal.  

She will tell you...."It's nothing.....just getting back in the swing of things." 

But she was 100 years old when she painted this. 

100 years old. 

After we came home, I went through my photographs I had taken, uploaded them into PhotoShop and took out the glare from her window that you see in this picture.  I emphasized her name a little more clearly and then had the picture made into our family Christmas cards. 

It was especially meaningful because Grandma died just a couple of weeks after we saw her. We were so happy we made that trip to see her, talk with her, watch her eat a banana, and see her smile....

And now, we have a cardinal in Colorado for always....

May you all be Blessed this Christmas season....do not allow negative thoughts to take possession of your souls.  Love your family, your friends, and don't forget to love yourself.  

Bring the songs of Nature into your Spirit....and Rejoice!

Enjoy the Christmas Season.....and keep it in your hearts throughout the year...