“In Living Color” is the title of this little mini I painted this morning. I’ve enjoyed painting and sketching minis because when I’m finished I don’t worry about where I will put them or who might buy them. They are strictly done for fun. They are practice, and they are joy. When I paint, time stands still and all my busy and anxious thoughts cease. I’m in the flow. That is what “they” call it. I’ve recently enjoyed sketching in black and white too though. It has been a lesson and a learning curve because some of the process is in reverse. I had to get back to color today though. I thrive in and with color. It brings me joy and happiness. I love what the colors “say”. I choose each one intently. They have meaning to me and in their relationship to the other colors I choose. I choose to paint with such bright colors because they remind me to live my life in living color—out loud and boldly, using my voice to speak up when needed. I must be the real, authentic me because when I do without fear, the world adjusts or so the phrase goes. Since my surgery and through all of my recovery, I’ve tried to live in bold colors. I have taken that phrase literally and chosen to even wear bright colors that make me feel joy. Like this painting, the colors represent joy and authenticity. If you’ve noticed, my abstract paintings always consist of lines, both vertical and horizontal. These represent our relationship with God and with others—the importance of those relationships in our lives. I think it is important to mention here why I always show images of my paintings along with the brushes and leftover paint. It is my way of letting you see “behind the scenes”. Also I think it is important to see the mess along with the finished piece. That’s the reality. Life isn’t meant to be lived perfectly. It’s messy and that is what makes it beautiful—the whole picture.