tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12829994312163405482024-03-14T02:52:32.846-06:00Celebration of LifeMoving beyond my pain and celebrating life.Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.comBlogger266125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-88253771405555297752016-06-24T15:26:00.002-06:002016-06-24T15:26:37.576-06:00Not the odds I care to be a part of... One in Eight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week, I found out that I belong to this group. This is not a group I ever thought I would be a part of. I was already in the "Cancer Survivor" group; as far as I know, breast cancer is not on <br />
either side of my family. <br />
<br />
Different people handle this kind of news, different ways. For me, no matter how tough I think I am or how much my stubbornness has got me through difficult times before, being tough or stubborn does not cure cancer.<br />
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My faith in God is strong and I believe that it was His divine hand that led me to the radiologist who found the mass and it was God who woke him in the middle of the night to take a deeper and more detailed look at my films and then to refer me to an excellent doctor and surgeon. It was his insistence that made my husband, Vaughn urge me to get a biopsy and to quickly find the cancer.<br />
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I do not know what tomorrow might bring, but I do know that whatever happens, God is there to comfort me. I am reminded of Psalm 94:19 - When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.<br />
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Still celebrating life...Jolene<br />
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<br />Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-53198213662374665382016-06-14T13:18:00.002-06:002016-06-14T13:18:39.654-06:00It has been a couple of years since I have blogged. I am not promising a daily or even weekly blog but my intentions are to blog regularly and use my creative writing skills once again. <br />
<br />
Sometimes, I feel like this old truck. Not pretty to look at, worn out in places and just plain tired. <br />
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Since my last blog, I have remarried, have a different job in a different state but am still celebrating my life.<br />
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Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-10507595865042800592014-10-17T20:43:00.000-06:002014-10-17T20:43:05.715-06:00It has been nine years since I lost Leo to suicide. I thought my life was over then and did not think I could move forward. I have learned to put one foot in front of the other and leave one year at a time behind me. I am still single and living my life on my terms. I am content. I am still celebrating life.Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-18446673819467871812012-10-26T08:14:00.000-06:002012-10-26T08:14:02.588-06:00October is Suicide Awareness MonthIt has been seven years since my Leo took his life and changed my life forever. September, October and November are hard months for me because those are the months that I have lost loved ones. October is especially hard because of Leo.<br />
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In my work, I have become friends with professionals in the mental health field and in a small way have become involved with the Suicide Prevention Coalition and Suicide Awareness Month. The Coalition sponsors an art show by school children who in an artistic way depict "Why I Want to Live." These children write poems, write stories and draw or paint pictures. Last evening, I was one of three judges of these expressions of life. <br />
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As I was looking through the art work, I became overwhelmed with grief and was barely able to keep myself together. I completed my task and left quickly. I was shocked and appalled at myself and I was not sure why I was acting and feeling so weird. <br />
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Thankfully, my daughter and grandchildren live close by so I went there just to get my balance back. I had a nice evening with my family and chat with my daughter. When I left for home, I felt a heavy load was lifted from my shoulders and I had my balance back. <br />
<br />
I thought seven years was too long to be grieving and feeling the way I did, but as my daughter pointed out, the love connection never leaves and there will always be the loss grief. My daughter was correct, she is wise beyond her years.<br />
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I am back...celebrating life.<br />
<br />
JoCelebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-9794875363307236132012-02-08T07:25:00.003-07:002012-02-08T07:33:09.754-07:00Happy Birthday in Heaven, Mother...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkEhHJRUTEk/TzKHBBRhvGI/AAAAAAAABjw/01ScAZeyUIc/s1600/DSC_0550.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkEhHJRUTEk/TzKHBBRhvGI/AAAAAAAABjw/01ScAZeyUIc/s400/DSC_0550.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706772129423408226" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday, Mother!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am sending these balloons to heaven to you today </div><div style="text-align: center;">so that you know that I am thinking of you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Your memories and love are stored deep in my heart.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jo</div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-11578741207413711682012-01-03T18:48:00.002-07:002012-01-03T18:51:10.294-07:00Wilderness Challenge<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svEXaGIFlK4/TwOwOINYOSI/AAAAAAAABjk/Fyw-ObrnjiU/s1600/Togwotee%2BPass_2012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svEXaGIFlK4/TwOwOINYOSI/AAAAAAAABjk/Fyw-ObrnjiU/s400/Togwotee%2BPass_2012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693588110694693154" /></a>This is the new "Wilderness Challenge" that I am going to paint in January. I will keep you posted as to my progress...wish me luck!<div><br /></div><div>Jo</div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-17489629507271020492011-10-16T17:28:00.002-06:002011-10-16T17:52:51.197-06:00It's been six years....<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVNQDSosoTY/TptpCcjRKVI/AAAAAAAABjU/47IgSVpnZoM/s1600/leolooking.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 344px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVNQDSosoTY/TptpCcjRKVI/AAAAAAAABjU/47IgSVpnZoM/s400/leolooking.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664236447093303634" /></a>In the past six years since Leo's death (suicide) my life has changed but in many ways it has stayed the same. I am still single, still live close to my daughter and three beautiful and smart granddaughters and I have a great job which I enjoy very much. <div><br /></div><div>The biggest changes have been internally. I no longer seek approval from others and find my self-worth from within, knowing that I am living up to my potential by self examination and integrity.</div><div><br /></div><div>I may never know why Leo killed himself but I do know that suicide is an awful way to solve problems and it only hurts those who are left behind. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now that I have been down my life path six more years, I keep looking to the future not backwards in despair; I just keep on Celebrating Life!</div><div><br /></div><div>All is well,</div><div>Jo</div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-55813969595807433592011-10-07T06:33:00.002-06:002011-10-07T06:51:30.218-06:00Reflections<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ssP3p8iG6k/To7y3cwvSUI/AAAAAAAABjM/B-Yg4AbbdCg/s1600/WYRiver2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ssP3p8iG6k/To7y3cwvSUI/AAAAAAAABjM/B-Yg4AbbdCg/s400/WYRiver2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660728816078637378" /></a>It has been quite some time since I blogged. I have been reading past posts and comments and realized how much I missed this medium for expression of my thoughts and reflections.<div><br /></div><div>I have traveled many miles on life's road since I started blogging. I have endured pain, heartbreak and sorrow but more importantly I have flourished with blessings and love. People have come and gone from my life in the past 6 years but I have also made many friends who have stayed with me but most of all I still have my loving family.</div><div><br /></div><div>This morning we had snow on the ground and the wind is howling.... as much as I despise the cold and am not looking forward to winter I know there are good days to come with many blessings to come. Despite the winter weather there are warm memories and a grateful heart that keep me optimistic.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you all are having a marvelous fall!</div><div><br /></div><div>Love,</div><div>Jo</div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-44518150554634569002011-05-22T13:02:00.002-06:002011-05-22T13:05:35.021-06:00Before the shed...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUfJtM5Vnl0/TdleLH-O4NI/AAAAAAAABjA/LNTFahBqYBY/s1600/Elk_2011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609618356078305490" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUfJtM5Vnl0/TdleLH-O4NI/AAAAAAAABjA/LNTFahBqYBY/s400/Elk_2011.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>Here is my latest painting (it only took me six months)!</div><br /><div></div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-33081131838233413592010-11-24T06:12:00.005-07:002010-11-24T08:47:24.950-07:00November 24th...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TO0kq1tRLFI/AAAAAAAABiw/N9fvtk9OGtI/s1600/beckie.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 369px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543127034753002578" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TO0kq1tRLFI/AAAAAAAABiw/N9fvtk9OGtI/s400/beckie.jpg" /></a> 20 years ago, Beckie was 34 years old, young and vibrant with high expectations of graduating in the spring with a nursing degree. Beckie was a mother of four boys, worked full-time and went to nursing school driving 43 miles one way. Beckie never complained about having to hang the laundry on the clothes line to dry even in the winter, having to haul their drinking water from town or the long hours she had to spend just to keep food on the table.<br /><br />Sadly, Beckie never realized her dreams and was brutally gunned down by her 15 year old step-son; he turned and slaughtered the other three boys and set the house on fire to cover his crimes.<br /><br />Even after 20 years, my loss of my sister does not diminish and it probably never will. I am not writing this blog for sympathy or to cause hurt to others but to reflect the things that Beckie's life has taught me. The first is, never give up, do your very best and look for the blessing behind every bad time. Second, always look for the best in people, don't judge them and never gossip or talk bad about others. The most important thing I have learned from Beckie's life is to celebrate your life, live each day as if were your last with no regrets and to always leave others with a smile.<br /><br />Still smiling,<br />Jo<br /><br />P.S. To read the full story, my sister Ellie has it posted on her blog:<br />http://mscreek.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html#5050652361808253203Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-66476184694030010182010-11-23T23:37:00.002-07:002010-11-23T23:42:31.703-07:00Wilderness Challenge #3<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TOyzNaQLEII/AAAAAAAABio/XJo9B2kI4RE/s1600/Elk%2B3%2B001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543002284353065090" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TOyzNaQLEII/AAAAAAAABio/XJo9B2kI4RE/s400/Elk%2B3%2B001.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TOyzNDEpkLI/AAAAAAAABig/VQcGA0Wl7QI/s1600/Elk%2B3%2B002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543002278130716850" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TOyzNDEpkLI/AAAAAAAABig/VQcGA0Wl7QI/s400/Elk%2B3%2B002.JPG" /></a><br />I have had a little problems with the antlers but I think I have them almost complete. I still have a little work on the legs and still have to figure out what I am going to do with the foreground. So far, I am pleased with the results...what do you think?</div><div> </div><div>Jo<br /><div></div></div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-79286960320390677432010-11-20T19:11:00.006-07:002010-11-21T18:05:32.080-07:00November Wilderness Challenge.. Progression 1 & 2<div align="center">Today is one of those days that I did not feel like doing much of anything so I drug out my easel and started painting. Gary Keimig of Dubois posts an art challenge every month and since this month is one of my favorite wildlife animals, I decided to take him up on it.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TOiA6nErOfI/AAAAAAAABiI/EvkBfJB25_I/s1600/Yellowstone%2B09%2B449%255B2%255D.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 297px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541821085888756210" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TOiA6nErOfI/AAAAAAAABiI/EvkBfJB25_I/s400/Yellowstone%2B09%2B449%255B2%255D.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>The challenge</p><p align="center"><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TOiA7Um5OSI/AAAAAAAABiQ/2c8dCn5-TiA/s1600/DSCF2087.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541821098111875362" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TOiA7Um5OSI/AAAAAAAABiQ/2c8dCn5-TiA/s400/DSCF2087.JPG" /></a> The background...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TOiA8EhDSxI/AAAAAAAABiY/_XXKxARlleo/s1600/Elk2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541821110972271378" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TOiA8EhDSxI/AAAAAAAABiY/_XXKxARlleo/s400/Elk2.jpg" /></a> The mid-ground</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">More to come....</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Have a great weekend everyone!</div><div align="left">Jolene<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-12466284196188587192010-09-17T05:50:00.002-06:002010-09-17T06:19:41.977-06:00It's been awhile....It has been awhile since I have posted my thoughts and happenings on my blog post; writing has been at the bottom of my "to do" list. <br /><br />I had a busy summer. Sadly to say, one of the highlights was to grow one tomato plant that my friends Tom and Darlene gave me, on my patio in a big pot. So far, it has yielded to ripe tomatoes and I have about a dozen green ones left. Between the wind and the freezing temperatures at night, it is looking pretty shabby but I drug it into the house and hopefully the tomatoes will turn red soon.<br /><br />Laura and her family moved back to Rock Springs this summer. It has been fun having the girls close enough to visit very often once again. Kaylee is in the third grade and Lizzy is in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">kindergarten</span> again because her birthday is 13 days after the cutoff day for age. That's a bummer for her but she seems to be adjusting again. Kaylee is smart beyond her age and reads everything she can get her hands on. Brooklyn is two and is talking very well; she is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mimicking</span> her older sisters and is very strong willed. :o)<br /><br />September is a hard month for me as it is the anniversary dates of my parent's passing and the month I go to the Parole Hearing to keep Beckie and her boys' killer in prison. This year, Laura is going to take the journey with me on September 28<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. In Wyoming, an average life sentence is 15 years, Beckie's murderer will be in prison 20 years so I feel it is essential to urge the Parole Board not to commute his life sentence to a number of years. While he is serving his life sentence and it has not been commuted, he will not be released. It is possible that some parole board or governor could commute his life sentence at some point because he has spent more than double his age in prison. I have heard through sources that he continues to be a "naughty" prisoner so the chances of him being commuted at this time is slim, it still could happen. <br /><br />In October, it will be five years since my husband Leo killed himself. I still miss him so much; I wish he could have known the pain he would cause by his suicide. The pain does not stop with me but it is also upon my children and family members who also loved him very much.<br /><br />This seems like a sad blog today but my spirit is healed and I continue to celebrate life because after all, life does go on and we have to make the best of it. Sorrow helps me to appreciate the good things of life; celebrating good times and showing appreciation to those who touch my life is my goal.<br /><br />JoCelebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-54072069702768958322010-07-31T19:41:00.003-06:002010-07-31T19:50:20.281-06:00CCR Family Reunion...2010<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TFTRR_2Vq6I/AAAAAAAABh4/rF4UbvPMHM0/s1600/Family+Reunion+07_2010+059.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500251152053545890" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TFTRR_2Vq6I/AAAAAAAABh4/rF4UbvPMHM0/s400/Family+Reunion+07_2010+059.JPG" /></a> About 98 family members were present at our Creek, Chapman, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Redman</span> Reunion. Uncle Bill bought the fried chicken for all of us and everyone else brought tons of food to accompany it.<br />The day was filled with visiting, singing, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">reminiscing</span> and laughing. <br /><br />Uncle Bill, in his yellow shirt, was the King for the day and the "favorite" of all family members. <br />He definitely traveled the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">furthest</span> to attend (from Yemen) but we also had relatives from as far away as Alaska, Texas and Florida. Some were talking about having a reunion every five years but I think we should have them more often!<br /><br />It was good to see everyone and even the trip home was hot and long, I would do it again in a heartbeat.<br /><br />Love,<br />JoCelebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-58861924430804814422010-05-29T11:34:00.006-06:002010-05-29T17:54:35.421-06:00Wilderness Challenge: Bison Progression...#1, #2 and finished!<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TAGncg7ORKI/AAAAAAAABhw/hVhowM-jGYM/s1600/Buffalo+challenge.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476842730175743138" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TAGncg7ORKI/AAAAAAAABhw/hVhowM-jGYM/s400/Buffalo+challenge.jpg" /></a> This Bison was the art challenge subject.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I decided to make it a more interesting painting of this majestic creature.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TAFRI8dxceI/AAAAAAAABhQ/xTjIrGp2cxg/s1600/buffalo+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476747835971039714" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TAFRI8dxceI/AAAAAAAABhQ/xTjIrGp2cxg/s400/buffalo+001.JPG" /></a> In this photo, I have the background and bison blocked in.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TAFRJoOeT4I/AAAAAAAABhY/dx0gkIQ1ltA/s1600/buffalo+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476747847718031234" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TAFRJoOeT4I/AAAAAAAABhY/dx0gkIQ1ltA/s400/buffalo+005.JPG" /></a> In this photo, I have the background pretty much completed, the mid ground blocked in and am working on the foreground and will finish the bison last.</div><br /><br /><p align="center">FINISHED AT LAST!<br /><br /></p></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TAGncAyc4MI/AAAAAAAABho/U5r-bV6pYxo/s1600/buffalo+012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476842721549017282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/TAGncAyc4MI/AAAAAAAABho/U5r-bV6pYxo/s400/buffalo+012.JPG" /></a>I decided to name this painting:</div><div align="center">"A King Surveying His Kingdom"<br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p align="center"> </p></div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-82524016651081821092010-05-20T08:19:00.002-06:002010-05-20T08:23:26.506-06:00Happy Birthday, Annastacia Jolene!<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S_VFfO4-QQI/AAAAAAAABhI/IpFEFo_5CyY/s1600/AJ%26Rick+AZ2007.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473357325014024450" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S_VFfO4-QQI/AAAAAAAABhI/IpFEFo_5CyY/s400/AJ%26Rick+AZ2007.jpg" /></a> You are truly a beautiful woman, in every way!</div><div align="center">Love,</div><div align="center">Aunt Jolene</div><div align="center">AKA: Aunt Bo Bo<br /></div><div align="center"></div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-36755218447439992462010-05-13T06:00:00.001-06:002010-05-13T07:17:39.005-06:00Happy Birthday, Beckie!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S-v7vze1kJI/AAAAAAAABhA/_aCfjGZaIAg/s1600/Beckie_Laura_11months%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 394px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470742971063570578" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S-v7vze1kJI/AAAAAAAABhA/_aCfjGZaIAg/s400/Beckie_Laura_11months%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S-t7nKhkjvI/AAAAAAAABg4/CqeYrEFiXRA/s1600/Beckie1974.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 263px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470602085141876466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S-t7nKhkjvI/AAAAAAAABg4/CqeYrEFiXRA/s400/Beckie1974.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S-t7fDw6YpI/AAAAAAAABgw/zGjeKmBayzc/s1600/beckie3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 171px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470601945888219794" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S-t7fDw6YpI/AAAAAAAABgw/zGjeKmBayzc/s400/beckie3.jpg" /></a><br />I still miss you!<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-11654417780371885082010-05-09T08:42:00.003-06:002010-05-09T09:07:37.966-06:00I miss my Mother...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S-bLL8G_UZI/AAAAAAAABgg/2uSMzSuU7IE/s1600/July+2009_2+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469282203462488466" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S-bLL8G_UZI/AAAAAAAABgg/2uSMzSuU7IE/s400/July+2009_2+005.JPG" /></a> I'm not sure when this picture was taken but I think it was after Dad died. Even though Dad's death devestated her, Mother was strong and trusted God to get her through her period of mourning. I remember that when she went to bed, she would put on a stack of records which were all hymns and fell asleep with the words saturating her heart and soul. Mother had a lifetime of sorrows but they never stopped her from being upbeat; she lived her faith.<br /><br />I have so many good memories of Mother; she taught me how to bake bread from scratch, she would tell me stories of her childhood and she taught me how to knit...crochet one, pearl two.<br />Mother taught me to be strong in the worst of times and how to laugh at the silliest of things. Mother taught me unconditional love.<br /><br /><br /><p></p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S-bLwVKulQI/AAAAAAAABgo/ma1F0a2GWj4/s1600/1a+pix+014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469282828664345858" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S-bLwVKulQI/AAAAAAAABgo/ma1F0a2GWj4/s400/1a+pix+014.JPG" /></a> </p><p>Now that I am a grandmother, I want to pass on to the next generations, my mother's legacy. Motherhood and Grandmahood is more than changing diapers, fixing meals and cleaning. Motherhood is mentoring, teaching and living your Faith. </p><p>Thank you Mother for being such a wonderful role model.</p><p>Your loving daughter,</p><p>Jo</p><p><br /> </p>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-26910952842884043052010-05-07T06:29:00.003-06:002010-05-07T06:45:08.562-06:00New Wilderness Art Challenge<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S-QJMJhw7NI/AAAAAAAABgY/Ghl1MV75A6w/s1600/Buffalo+challenge.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468505951855242450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S-QJMJhw7NI/AAAAAAAABgY/Ghl1MV75A6w/s400/Buffalo+challenge.jpg" /></a> This is a photo of a buffalo in Hot Springs County. Gary K. from Dubois has an art challenge on his blog and I decided to continue the fun! I hope I can do the old boy justice. :o)<br /><br />Have a great weekend everyone!<br />JoCelebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-9736962975527277892010-04-24T10:34:00.004-06:002010-04-24T11:08:08.695-06:00Back lit moose....<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S9MlN7r3TCI/AAAAAAAABgQ/G7jR4vA-jWA/s1600/moose2+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463751694220741666" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S9MlN7r3TCI/AAAAAAAABgQ/G7jR4vA-jWA/s400/moose2+002.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S9MgoVFJ7dI/AAAAAAAABgI/PWKnLQ3ikww/s1600/Horse+Creek-May+09+014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463746650156166610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S9MgoVFJ7dI/AAAAAAAABgI/PWKnLQ3ikww/s400/Horse+Creek-May+09+014.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S9Mfac-1ojI/AAAAAAAABgA/dOI-5xbGAVA/s1600/moose_04_2010+005.JPG"></a> This was a painting challenge from Gary Keimig. </div><br /><div>I had fun with this challenge. </div><br /><div>I hope you can see the resemblance! :o)</div><br /><div></div><div>Jo<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-69248573794156311872010-04-11T07:34:00.003-06:002010-04-11T07:50:34.753-06:00Brooklyn...<div align="center">Two years ago, our little Brooklyn was born. <br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S8HSq64O15I/AAAAAAAABfw/UFkfRvB95Jc/s1600/Brooklyn+Caroline+Wilson+001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458875858151200658" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S8HSq64O15I/AAAAAAAABfw/UFkfRvB95Jc/s400/Brooklyn+Caroline+Wilson+001.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S8HSrCcwGTI/AAAAAAAABf4/2seZh3z5FYc/s1600/crying.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458875860183423282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S8HSrCcwGTI/AAAAAAAABf4/2seZh3z5FYc/s400/crying.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a>She is growing so fast and wants to be just like her bigger sisters.<br /><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S8HQZGtoF8I/AAAAAAAABfo/L4_MXZh7-oY/s1600/cake.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458873353067042754" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S8HQZGtoF8I/AAAAAAAABfo/L4_MXZh7-oY/s400/cake.jpg" /></a> Happy Birthday, Brooklyn.</div><div align="center">Love,</div><div align="center">Grandma Jo Jo<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-10385460361154449892010-03-27T13:45:00.003-06:002010-03-27T14:25:47.030-06:00Finished at last! Boar's Tusk after a storm.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S65g8cVlVxI/AAAAAAAABfY/ZCJTINudqOg/s1600/Boar%27s+Tusk+6+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453402790307387154" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S65g8cVlVxI/AAAAAAAABfY/ZCJTINudqOg/s400/Boar%27s+Tusk+6+008.JPG" /></a> Finally, Boar's Tusk is finished. See the lightning?<br />Oh, it was so fast you missed it! :o)<br />I have struggled with the lightning and decided I wasn't experienced enough so I painted over it ... again...and decided to call it good.<br /><br />I would like to thank Gary K from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dubois</span> for all of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">his inspiration</span>, suggestions and encouragement; I admire his work very much.<br /><br /><br />I have another painting stared, well the sky anyway, and was going to paint lupines but I think I will use that sky and paint Sand Butte that overlooks the town of Green River. Every morning and every night on my way to and from work, I look at it and imagine what colors I would use in a painting. Now that I have it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">imprinted</span> in my memory, I am going to attempt to catch in on canvas.<br /><br />Have a good weekend, everyone.<br /><br />JoCelebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-48009382588640629262010-03-20T12:35:00.002-06:002010-03-20T12:40:48.458-06:00Progression...Boar's Tusk...#5<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S6UV-obVzbI/AAAAAAAABfQ/oF2DWMtH9QM/s1600-h/Boar%27s+Tusk+5+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450787089750019506" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S6UV-obVzbI/AAAAAAAABfQ/oF2DWMtH9QM/s400/Boar%27s+Tusk+5+002.JPG" /></a> Okay, so I finally got the foreground and the road to where it did not bother me. Next and final step is the lightning. Any suggestions or words of wisdom Gary K?<br /><br />Jo<br /><div></div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-6702383194561396472010-03-13T16:52:00.003-07:002010-03-13T17:02:21.298-07:00Progression...Boar's Tusk...#4<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S5wl1kqvyQI/AAAAAAAABfI/siG0Bz9hm5o/s1600-h/Boar%27s+Tusk+4+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448271251517720834" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S5wl1kqvyQI/AAAAAAAABfI/siG0Bz9hm5o/s400/Boar%27s+Tusk+4+002.JPG" /></a> Boar's Tusk became Grrrr's tusk as I made a big boo boo today. I was getting ready to paint and I was squeezing the paint in the tube towards the top as One does with the toothpaste tube. As I squeezed the tube, plop went the lid and splat went the big blob of paint onto the painting. I dashed to get a wet rag but the paint ran down the painting from the middle all of the way down to the bottom. I spent most of the day repainting the blob smear areas. I still have quite a bit of work to do on the foreground but at least you can see the road and some of the sagebrush. <br /><br />Hope you all are having a productive weekend!<br /><br />Jo<br /><div></div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282999431216340548.post-65067083988768406352010-03-08T20:47:00.002-07:002010-03-08T20:54:26.178-07:00Progression...Boar's Tusk...#3<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S5XFca7lR5I/AAAAAAAABfA/JIyKkBtUpg0/s1600-h/Boar%27s+Tusk+3+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446476416430720914" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSS7DXweGXk/S5XFca7lR5I/AAAAAAAABfA/JIyKkBtUpg0/s400/Boar%27s+Tusk+3+002.JPG" /></a> The lighting isn't quite right for the picture but you can see where I have blocked in the road and started sagebrush patches. I used red for the dirt becuase they do not call it the Red Desert for nothing! :o) Thanks Gary K. for your suggestions on the colors. I also worked on the clouds and rainstorm a bit more. I can not wait until I paint in the lightning; I am saving that for very last. It will be like putting the cherry on top of the sundae! :o)<br /><br />Jo<br /><div></div>Celebration of Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076490429135579587noreply@blogger.com3