Recently I was asked to contribute a painting image to the
Drawing Dreams Foundation. This non-profit based in Berkeley CA provides art supplies to children's hospitals Artist-in-Residence
art programs. This is a cause near and dear to my heart, and I was happy to donate an image. In appreciation of their support, donors receive note cards featuring art made by children who participate in these programs - as well as from professional artists, architects, scientists, and other visionaries from around the world. The above Drawing is by a 5 year old named Mateo, and it's title is "Happy Dancer". There are two galleries on the site: Children Helping Children, which displays kids' art and Artists Helping Children, which features donated images. Check it out - these kids' drawings and paintings will take the edge off the chill of a gray February day.
The old Teutonic word “Lent” meant simply the Spring season. But like a lot of other things, the Catholics robbed the Pagans and changed its meaning. Some of us who have never been Catholic choose to honor the season by giving something up. The idea is to do without one thing you love for the 40-day period, symbolizing the Lenten season's return to simplicity and purity. It doesn't matter what you give up - chocolate, television, Facebook - as long as the meaning of its absence holds significant value to you. I traditionally chose chocolate, which is actually a lot easily to forgo than a lot of other “significant” things (like March Madness). For me, it’s about mindfulness: when I say no to that Cadbury Fruit and Nut bar, I am reminded to be more present. It’s that simple. And then on Easter I can bite off the heads of all the chocolate bunnies I want.
