"You Stick To Me Like Glue"

THE SKETCHBOOK PROJECT

I've been participating in an art project found online called The Sketchbook Project from The Art House in Atlanta, GA. (They are moving to Brooklyn, NY). All of the participants are using the same moleskin sketchbooks they provide (you purchase)...but they assign the subject. That's the challenge! A whole sketchbook on one theme. "You Stick to Me Like Glue" was my theme. The top picture is a reflection on my days in Catholic elementary school and the page on the right shows a "board game". As a child, I played many board games with my 3 siblings and I tied in the rosary as it reminded me of a "game board" . The bottom photos in my sketchbook represent things you can't change....your gene pool. You can embellish and improve, but the blueprint is there. The hand shows many of the things found in our "blueprint". I also did pen and ink sketches of my dog, Boomer, and more. These sketchbooks become part of a traveling exhibit and will be first displayed at a gallery in Brooklyn, NY. Kind of fun.

A Star in Heaven - Brett

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder how you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder how you are!

When the blazing sun is gone,
When there's nothing He shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, through the night.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder how you are!

In the dark blue sky so deep
Through my curtains often peep
For you never close your eyes
’Til the morning sun does rise
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
How I wonder how you are

Twinkle, twinkle, little star
How I wonder how you are

I've changed the words just a little bit in this famous nursery rhyme ...to suit my needs. Brett....if you could just give us a sign every now and then....I won't look at the night sky the same ever again....I'm looking for you.

My nephew, Brett

BRETT SHEA
I learned yesterday morning, that my nephew, Brett, passed away...a phone call I never expected from my brother. He was in the prime of his life, a handsome, 28 year old terrific guy. He lived in California and worked in the entertainment industry. He was due home to spend Christmas in Atlanta. I don't know why these things have to happen, but I know that he is going to be so missed by his parents and sister, Courtney, pictured above and his aunts and uncles and cousins and girlfriend. And I know that I didn't get to see him enough in my lifetime. Love you, Brett.

Gabriel's Message

The Christmas Season

This looks like a Currier and Ives picture. Holiday lights, the snow, people strolling, shopping. Wouldn't you like to stroll down this street? You wouldn't even mind the cold. Keep in mind how blessed you are this holiday season. Remember it's the season to give back. If you can make someone else's holiday just a little bit brighter...why not do it? My son, Tom, who is in the Marine Corp Reserves, was chosen to give a speech this week to businesses here in CT who have donated to their Toys for Tots toy drive. The Marine Corp collects thousands of toys each year for children who would otherwise not receive anything. So....find something. Send a care package to soldiers serving in Iraq & Afghanistan, find out what the children's wing at your local hospital does this time of year & volunteer your time, help your neighbor down the street who is recovering from an illness...WHATEVER it is....just do it. We all have something to give that doesn't have to be purchased.

Been Busy!

THE GUEST ROOM

So it's the holiday season and I've been pretty busy. This Fall, I decided to make a lot of changes around my house and this room was a shared space with all of my art stuff.....no more. I changed my red den into my red art room and painted the guest room and made it a warm and inviting place. My neighbor, Toni, suggested the shutters at the head of the bed and they look great. The window treatment was crocheted by my Dutch friend, Inez, 20+ years ago. They are timeless, special, and I love them. Sorry I can't get the whole room in the photo but you get a sense of the coziness there. It will be occupied this Christmas season!