Today is Nelson Mandela's 95th Birthday. A life lived full and painted with struggle. A massive gift given to the world - how could anyone else ever live up to this degree of achievement? Do the simple things mean anything any more? Packing a lunch or buttoning a sweater. Smoothing a new little hair cut or kissing a chubby cheek. As I painted today I thought about the powerful speech President Clinton gave at the UN.
Clinton recalled his friendship with Mr. Mandela, saying that “his heart was so big, and his humanity so great, that we often had trouble keeping our official roles apart from our personal friendship. This speaks well of him.”
The secret must be to keep one's heart open and growing. I'll work on that.
I shared my work space table with my young Niece today. We didn't talk much. Artists don't need to. We feel that magical frequency where no words are required. She asked a few questions. We nodded at each other's creations. It was a day lived full and painted with joy. The simple things. Hey! They do count.
The new ones are in 'The Art Dept.' shop now. Good Night. PFXO
Patti Friday, Photojourno, reporting from inside 'The Art Dept.' at the international 'Embassy of Ideas'.
