HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALISON!

A wonderful tea party happened today in East London, South Africa. How I wish I could have been there. Best wishes to you Alison. My hurried water colour of flame lilies is proving how out of practice I am. But I LOVED doing this - so thank you, Joy, for prompting me to get out my paints and paper. Ali - I hope the Zimbabwean flame lilies help you know and remember how loved you are. I was reading up about the nature of this resilient plant, how they thrive in the tough climate of Africa, prefering heat and dry seasons - only to burst prolifically into flower in spring!

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22 - 23

I Voted!

I went shopping this afternoon for some dinner items and saw this delightful elderly lady all dolled up in red, white and blue, in honour of our Election Day here in the U.S. Much care had been taken, right down to her perfectly pedicured feet, bright red toenails in sparkly gold flip-flop style sandals. I felt the urge to draw her when I got home - a good thing... I haven't had the urge to draw for quite some time. As for our vote - I've learned we are a house divided... Some of us voted for McCain, some of us for Obama... heavy sigh. I think we epitomize many families this election. Whatever the outcome, I'm grateful to live in a country where the reins of leadership transition peacefully, even when the race to get there has been hard fought. I'm grateful my right to vote is strongly encouraged, respected and COUNTED! My heart goes out to the land of my birth, Zimbabwe, where power is gripped by a cruel dictator whose self-interest and ego pulse through his octogenarian veins extending a political life that should have ended many years ago.