Arizona Ante – 56 Playful Cards Celebrating the Wonders and Beauty of Arizona

This series is a creative evolution. Who ever thought wandering European Flea Markets during our time living overseas would lead me to create a series of 56 mixed media playing cards celebrating the things we love about Arizona?

While exploring the flea markets in 2014, I saw so many different card styles and suits. I was so curious about how Americans ended up with Spades, Hearts, Clubs and Diamonds. You’ve seen them and played with them hundreds of times. But have you ever contemplated the history or meaning behind the suits on a deck of cards? I did a little research. I didn’t expect to be intrigued with my findings.  But they have inspired 62 paintings…so far.

The oldest suit designs seem to be Muslim. These suits were coins, cups, swords and polo sticks. As cards evolved, different cultures created their own suits and royalty face cards. Germany used leaves, hearts, hawk bells and acorns. In present day Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy, suits of swords, cups, coins, and batons are still used. Today’s design, the hearts, spades, clubs and diamonds, are a French design from the 15th century. These designs were flat, stenciled silhouettes, which were easily mass produced, and thus made their way to America. Each suit represents a social class. Spades are nobility. Hearts are clergy. Diamonds are merchants. Clubs are peasants.

Myth states that the four suits represent the four seasons, and that the 52 cards represent the 52 weeks of the year. I discovered that each individual suit has many themes:

Hearts represent spring, home, emotions, love, childhood, vulnerability, art, poetry, music, water and Karma. Clubs represent summer, education, mind, intellect, musing, young, irresponsibility, literature, air and drama. Diamonds represent fall, career, security, values, judgement, adults, responsibility, entertainment, fire, and material goods. Spades represent winter, environment, wisdom, health, acceptance, old age, transformation, scripture, earth, workaholics, old souls and warriors.

This Arizona Ante began in 2018 after we returned to Tucson from many years away. I was so happy to be back. There is something special about the Grand Canyon State. People are friendly, the weather is wonderful, the skies are almost always blue. The landscapes of Arizona – with exciting animal inhabitants and vegetation – are intriguing. Arizona is a playground for hikers, bikers, golfers, fishers, cowboys, foodies and artists. All of these, and more, are represented in this playing card series. The jokers celebrate Arizona’s three outstanding state universities. Arizona is a place to live, learn, love and celebrate.

I hope you will join me on February 3, 2024 at the historic Steinfeld Warehouse Gallery for this celebration. Many thanks to the following sponsors of the Arizona Ante!

Supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Modern Mother, Seek Her Embrace


As a cradle Catholic, I have always been fascinated with Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, who I have called upon for guidance plenty. I find her apparitions particularly mind-blowing. And hopeful. While living in Europe, I spent 17 hours on a bus (each way) to attend a military pilgrimage to Lourdes, where Mary appeared to Bernadette. It was a celebratory, uplifting, powerfully positive experience. Military members from all over the world, joining together to celebrate faith. And hope. And I did see plenty of laughter, food and music being shared by men and women in a variety of uniforms during afternoons in the pubs. Joyous to observe.

Contemplate Mary among us in 2022. She may be sitting next to you at the movies or behind you in line at the grocery store. Kind and loving. Inclusive and open-minded. Non-judgmental. Hip in her rose floral bikini. Laying in the picturesque desert, appreciating the God-given and gorgeous Arizona weather and landscape. Maybe reciting the rosary. Her Son calls as she reads her digital bible on her cell phone. Traditional symbols of Mary can be found throughout this piece if you look closely. Roses. A Rosary. Twelve Stars. Tiny angels. Holding our globe. A Fleur de Lis. A crown. An “M” signet ring. A delicate halo. A sacred heart.

Maps cover the mountains. Hello echoes in the sky. The stained glass sun reads Namaste representing church and our greeting to meditation. The moon is a clock, reminding us that time is ticking. This mother embraces a group of children. The powerful, beautiful words in the foreground were discovered in a short book, “Did I Tell You?” A Message to a Son, by Elizabeth Knapp, a gift to my husband from his mother when he was a young man. Portions of her book were graciously used with written consent of the author. Ms. Knapp’s extraordinary and loving books can be found online at https://diditellyou.com/.

I hope this piece will inspire us to challenge our faith, whichever faith that may be. To occasionally put down the distractions of modern times and connect. With her. With faith. With family. With your God.

Monsoon Mama

Nature or Mother Nature?

               During the months of the Gemini, Cancer, Leo and Virgo, the Arizona desert takes on a new energy with the monsoon season.  A day begins with a clear blue sky.  Robust white clouds begin to rise above the mountains.  Winds increase. Heavy dark clouds loom on the horizon. Skies begin to rumble.  The scent of desert rain fills the air.  Electrical and natural elements stir. Lightening fiercely arrives.  The skies release sideways downpours.  Waters flow wickedly through dry canyons and washes, carrying nature in its wild path. The desert life soaks in this drenching, one which will hold them through endless dry spell until next monsoon season.  This piece embraces a vision of Mother Nature, or as I call her, Monsoon Mama.  Her hair flies wildly in the winds, she sits calmly knowing that this intense and exciting storm will be over as quickly as it began.

           

Why this Lady?

It’s difficult to know where to begin…

A childhood fascination with NYC. My dad often traveled to the Big Apple for work. On occasion, I would be the lucky kid that got to tag along with him and my mother. Times Square, FAO Schwartz, the Swatch store, horse carriage rides through Central Park, Cats and Les Miserables on Broadway, the Windows to the World at the Twin Towers, MOMA, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the store windows at Christmas time, visit China Town, ice skating at Rockefeller Center, high tea at the Ritz, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The energy and melting pot of people was curious and energizing for this St. Louis girl. And after reading this, I see how lucky I was. Indeed. And still enormously grateful, Mom and Dad.

I have always loved travel and exploring different cultures. After graduating from the University of Arizona, I moved to NYC to intern in the legal department of the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum. I lived in a dorm type situation in the high rise of the 92nd Street Y. My new friends were from all over the world. We explored NYC from head to toe, from museums to night clubs (no surprise there…) and shared our own countries vibes and traditions. We ate food from around the world, heard languages from around the world, and no one looked alike. We saw that humans from diverse cultures, lives, religions, viewpoints settled here and coexisted. And many of their family members before them arrived via a harbor, sailing by this Lady.

A few years after leaving NYC, I met and married an Air Force Officer. Our life in the Air Force took us around the world. He proposed in South Korea, we had children in Arizona and Alaska, we moved around the United States meeting wonderful people, exploring local cultures, foods and traditions, hearing different languages and accents, and no one looked alike. Which was refreshing. It seemed to be a wonderful theme of our great nation, made up of many cultures, everywhere we lived.

The first Dame du Monde Libre was created while my husband was at the Army War College, which educates military officers from countries all over the world. This school is located in Pennsylvania, and takes all of the students and their spouses on a weekend trip to NYC. Exploring the city led us to the Statue of Liberty. Seeing her again, I decided she was too cool not to create. She was created based on the history of the Statue of Liberty, as a gift of friendship from France. Images from around the world flow in her robe, symbolic of the many cultures who have immigrated to our country and made the USA what it is today. I delivered this painting to an American friend living in Switzerland, a woman enormously appreciative of the world and cultures…and good food.

If anything will give you enormous appreciation for other cultures, it is living abroad. Even more so, it will give you greater appreciation of your home country. The Air Force took our family to Germany for four years. It was a beautiful gift to live and explore abroad. Every night at 5pm on the Air Force Base, the German and American National Anthems would radiate over a loud speaker. Cars would stop, people would stop what they were doing stand at attention or with their hands over their hearts, until these songs were complete. Even the children on the playing fields stopped playing to respect. The Air Force gave me a passionate amount of patriotism for my country.

While in Germany, I decided to make another attempt at creating this Lady. This time I got some help from friends. I posted a photograph of the Statue of Liberty on my social media account. I asked my friends to tell me what this monument represents to them. The response was beautifully overwhelming. And powerful. People wrote of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents arriving at Ellis Island. Words like freedom, new beginnings, healing, patriotism, opportunity were shared, among many others. So I incorporated every word that was shared with me into the background of this painting. Like graffiti. I called her The Truth About Lady Liberty, as her image holds a different truth to each person who sees her. This painting went home with a military family who is passionate about America, about seeing the world through the eyes of other cultures, and who have beautiful daughters adopted from Kazakhstan and China.

The Truth About Lady Liberty
The Truth About Lady Liberty

Since returning to Tucson, I have been painting a lot of southwestern art, but it was time to take on this Lady once again. She’s not easy to paint from any angle. And I didn’t think as much about the deeper meaning or symbolism this time. I worked quickly and covered the canvas with wild paint, added her figure in polka dotted paper, decided she would be brightly painted with numerous colors, stars shining and a radiating, moving sky. Like fireworks. Her torch is made from a map of Manhattan, her crown from music notes, her book from paper quoting folks such as Einstein, Emerson and Helen Keller. A tiny bit of copper paint shines. The word enlighten symbolizes knowledge, awareness, and understanding. This Lady is going home to California, to a family who looked at her and immediately saw freedom, inclusion, acceptance and pride. How beautiful and special is that? Especially after a year of challenges for our great nation. Clearly, this Lady will be constantly evolving in her symbolism as she ages. As she should.

Enlighten

Until next (Lady) time…

What is Mixed Media?

Every artist would describe the term mixed media differently, but the main idea is that you are mixing more than one medium into one piece of art. For example, one might mix papers, fibers (yarn or fabrics), metals, sand, glass, repurposed or organic materials into a piece, with glue and paint, binding the materials into one creation.

This is how mixed media pertains to my work. I use a variety of new and vintage papers in my work. Then I paint over the top. I feel like the papers add interest, depth and dimensions to my paintings. Every paper is well thought out. I am presently working on two Gustav Klimt inspired desert landscapes. I’ll use those as my example. Klimt had the most glorious use of colors and patterns, among other great talents and intrigue.

First, I prepare my idea in my sketchbook. My sketch is about 3 x 4 inches. Next, I contemplate the image I want to portray. I sketch it on canvas and begin assigning papers to objects or backgrounds. I paint the background. Then using tracing papers, I add my subject matter.

The painting on the left measures 24″ x 30″, and the one on the right measures 20″ x 24″.

Using tracing paper, a window and the Arizona sunshine as my light board, I transfer the images on to the chosen papers. The I carefully cut them out with an x-acto knife.

When I am confident that I like the layout, I adhere the papers to the canvas with Matte Medium (similar to Modge Podge). Sounds easy, but wet papers curl and tear, and air bubbles are the enemy! I have learned many tricks over the years, but it takes patience and commitment!

The next step is paint over the top of the adhered papers (which is my next step with these). I use acrylic paints which are water-based. They can be applied transparent to let the papers show through, or with dry brush technique, or with heavy strokes. Acrylic paint dries quickly in the Arizona climate so choices must be decisive, although mistakes often lead to better ideas. When I am confident that a piece is finished, I apply a gloss varnish, which protects the piece, and gives its colors radiant depth.

That is a general overview on mixed media in my studio. But every artist will have their own description and process. If you remember, check back to see how I finish painting these landscapes.

Raising the Southwest Stakes

Several years ago, I created large scale playing cards on canvas. Two were portraits depicting me and my husband. I also created a four seasons series. What had intrigued me was the meaning behind the suites of a deck of cards.

Using these representations, I am creating face cards based on the history and diverse cultures and interests in Arizona, although they will connect with folks outside of our state, as well. Each card is researched and thoughtfully pieced together. Creating these cards has been enormously entertaining, especially at a time when we could all use a distraction or a chuckle.

Myth states that the four suits represent the four seasons, and that the 52 cards represent the 52 weeks of the year. I discovered that each individual suit has many themes.

Hearts represent spring, home, hearts, emotions, love, childhood, vulnerability, art, poetry music, water and Karma. Clubs represent summer, education, mind, intellect, musing, young, irresponsibility, literature, air and drama. Diamonds represent fall, career, security, values, judgement, adult, responsibility, entertainment, fire, and material goods. Spades represent winter, environment, wisdom, health, acceptance, old age, transformation, scripture, earth, workaholic, old souls and warriors.

The options are endless and the series will continue to grow weekly with new characters: a pilot (in honor of the many pilots who we have met with and served with in Arizona), biker (El Tour de Tucson), tennis player, a pickleballer (to honor Jalapeńo, who introduced me to this fun sport!), musician, and artist, a fisher, a chef, and of course, we will need Aces for Wilbur the Wildcat, Sparky – Forks Up, and a Northern AZ Lumberjack.

I have prints made of each piece. The background colors are all similar. They are full sized canvas or paper (12″ x 16″) and a smaller paper set (9″ x 12″) . My hopeful gamble is that people will want to piece together their own Full House, Black Jack, Straight or Flush, or even a single card, as a entertaining conversation piece for their wall or as a gift for someone special.

From August 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021, you can find these pieces and more of my work at the Southern Arizona Arts Guild Gallery, located at the lovely La Encantada Mall, 2905 E Skyline Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718.

Hidden Pictures and Mixed Media

When I was a kid, one of my favorite challenges was working through a Hidden Pictures puzzle. I had a subscription to Highlights (who remembers Highlights??) and every month when the issue would arrive in the mailbox, I would race off to my room with a pencil and turn the pages until I found the Hidden Pictures puzzle.

The challenge began and the excitement lasted until the last picture was found. And then I had to wait an entire month for the next issue! They were certainly entertaining. They also forced me to look at things from many angles. I think about Hidden Pictures often. You can now purchase the books online. Or you can print them at home for free (a GREAT distraction for anyone/children in quarantine, by the way!). You are never to old to enjoy them. I even sent these puzzles to my father-in-law to keep him entertained. And I keep a book of Hidden Pictures Puzzles in our family room.

My mixed media creations are a lot like Hidden Pictures. I always encourage people to zoom in and look for surprises that develop the stories behind the pieces. It is always fun to point out what is really there. So let’s have a hidden pictures challenge (mine are much easier than the Highlights version!).

Cowboy King, 2020, Mixed Media, 12′ x 16″

I am creating a new series of playing cards based on my home state of Arizona. As I am planning pieces, I fill my sketchbook with ideas and I even do research on my subject. My Cowboy King is the first of the series to celebrate rodeo and the ranchers of Arizona, which are both significant here. So here is your hidden pictures challenge: boots, spurs, brand, bucking bronco, rope, stirrup, wagon wheel, bandana, horseshoes, music, guns, a longhorn, saguaro, and constellations.

Pueblo Queen, 2020, Mixed Media, 12″ x 16″

My second piece in the series is the Pueblo Queen. I enjoyed reading up on the women of the tribes, who were massive contributors in every way, from hunting and gathering to rearing children and making tools, among many other things. Here are the hidden pictures to discover: map of the plains, American flag, fish, dream catcher, corn, berries, a bear paw, tepees, arrow, fire, kokopelli, feathers, horseshoes, blankets, music.

The Arizona series will soon be growing. We will have a King of the (Golf) Course, a Bikini Queeni, a Jack of the Trails, and a Cowgirl Queen, along with many others. Be sure to look closely when you see them. You just never know what you might find!

live·ly lanc·er

·live·ly

adjective /’līvlē/

Definition of lively: full of life and energy; active and outgoing

lanc·er

noun| \ ˈlan(t)-sər \

Definition of lancer 1a: one who carries a lance b: a member of a military unit formerly composed of light cavalry armed with lances 2lancers plural in form but singular in construction a: a set of five quadrilles each in a different meter b: the music for such dances

This is how Merriam-Webster defines a lancer, but in the heart of Tucson, Arizona it means something special. The lancer is the mascot of Salpointe Catholic High School. It’s a fierce mascot, but the Lancer community represents so much more. Faith, family, service, education, determination, diversity, teamwork, creativity, friendship, kindness, a sense of belonging. And that list is just the short list. The teens attending Salpointe celebrate unique interests. Typical for high school, there are scientists and mathematicians, writers and humanitarians, artists and athletes, student councils and thespians, dancers and cheerleaders, musicians and cowboys, introverts and extroverts, hunters and video gamers. I am pretty sure that most of them eat pizza.

Lively Lancer, Mixed Media on Canvas, 20″ x 24″

I created this colorful mixed media piece to celebrate Lancer life, charging across the saguaro speckled desert with mountains and an Arizona State Flag in the background. If you look closely, you will find many Lancer interests hidden in this piece of work…cameras and keyboards, guitars and basketballs, music and constellations, cowboy boots and flip flops. Spiderman graces the Lancer’s shield, while a flowing cape states the Lord’s Prayer. The American flag decorates the uniform of this Lancer. The horse charges bearing crosses, and a map of the world resides on its armor, as Salpointe prepares and sends our Lancers bravely into today’s world. It’s a fun depiction of Lancer Life. Of course, you will find pizza. But other surprises I will leave for you to zoom in and find for yourselves. 

I am donating this Lancer to the 33rd Annual Salpointe Gala whose proceeds benefit the Aspire: Arts, Academics and Athletics capital campaign. I do so happily to support a community in which my Lancers, Tony and Olivia, are absolutely thriving.

Lancer Fight Song

We’re going to tell you something tonight, About the team that you’re going to fight, We’re the Lancers, Salpointe High, If we don’t win, we’re willing to try! Out on the field we’re ready to fight, (FIGHT!) We’re going to fight with full force and might, (MIGHT!) Win or lose we’ll stick together, Onward to victory! Lancers, Lancers, Let’s take State!

Gratitude for the Little Gallery – Showing and Sharing

 DeGrazia left an amazing gift to artists, locals and visitors in the Tucson community. The gift is not only the Little Gallery. The entire Gallery in the Sun Museum is a gift and historic treasure. The grounds are peaceful, rustic, and inspiring. I treasured my time as the guest artist in the Little Gallery.

DEGRAZIA’S LITTLE GALLERY

I entered this show an artist intending to show my work, but I departed an artist who spent 78 hours in two weeks sharing with friends, family and strangers, and once again, growing as a person.

ONE FINAL WALK THOUGH AFTER SET UP

The purpose of the Little Gallery (https://degrazia.org/exhibitions/little-gallery/) is to connect artists to the community. This purpose served me well, as I visited with interesting people from around the world. As I reread the comments written in the guest book, I was heart-warmed, entertained (thank you, Lick McCracken!), and inspired to continue to create and evolve, as I should… My two weeks were about art and people…sharing, listening and learning. For even though I had a story to tell, every person that visited the Little Gallery had a story, as well. Many people took the time to listen and to share. It wasn’t about the sales, even though it is honestly exciting to sell a painting. It was about the interaction, the commitment, the conversation, and the experience.

The guest artist in the Little Gallery is required to be present throughout the course of the show while open. It began with a highly energized opening day with family and friends, and continued though my gifted time. Visitors explored my creations and shared their connections. I cannot write about everyone, but I must share a few.

A PEACEFUL MOMENT WITH BELLAMY BEFORE THE OPENING RECEPTION

Mike and Jacquie collect predator art, and I learned about their collection. They were drawn to Evening Song, my musical version of the coyote singing in the light of the moon. JR took home Chief, a fond reminder of his days attending Miami of Ohio, when the mascot was proudly a redskin. My vibrant version of Giverny went home with Mec, an avid gardener. The Eiffel tower went home with a beautiful soul who is terrified of heights, but bravely ventured to the top of this monument to share a glass of champagne with her sister.

Anita lived in Tucson for years but had not been to the DeGrazia Museum. She was wonderfully drawn to my painting of DeGrazia’s Mission. June admires mixed media and follows mixed media groups in Southern California. She has shared great insight and decided to make “Body” a part of her personal collection. Mabel created a paper works association in Tucson and was a fantastic advisor for connections in the local art scene.

A darling gentleman from South Korea visited with his daughter and son-in-law, his interpreters. He wanted to know about Divine Magic, which he called “Maria,” and purchased a print for his Catholic sister, who he thought would enjoy it. A lovely couple, John and Karen, who are embarking on a new beginning together, knowingly purchased a boot called “Partner”.

PARTNER, 2019

I met people from Australia, a Mexican man from London, a South Korean medical student who loved the architecture of the gallery, and delightful Tünde, a new American from Hungary, who was joyously determined to find her village on the European map hidden in my mixed media piece, “Embrace”.

EMBRACE

I welcomed children, like Lorelei, who brought her sketchbook. I was stunned when folks enjoyed my paintings of Dubrovnik, Cinque Terre and Santorini. My paintings were a connection to memories for them, and for me. My heart was warmed when an attorney called me to buy a favorite painting of Sabino Canyon for his beautiful, dedicated secretary. I had surprises, especially the large number of people fascinated with stories behind my “Four Seasons” mixed media playing cards.

GUEST BOOK

There were sweet moments, like one shared with Lee. On the last day of the show, the electricity went out for a few hours. It was raining. The lighting was dim, and the gallery was chilly. A woman named Lee walked in with her daughter and granddaughter. We chatted and I learned that Lee was headed to a ranch in New Mexico to celebrate her 90th birthday with her family. It was hard to believe that Lee was 90! These three women were full of life and warmth. Lee wanted to purchase a print of “Pretty Tough” but my technology wasn’t working due to the loss of power. So, I gifted Lee the print for her birthday. She was darling, spunky, 90, and absolutely deserving of uplifting. She was so grateful for that moment, and so was I.

PRETTY TOUGH, 2019

This show was a gift in so many ways. I was reconnected with friends from the past. I made new connections. I met a beautifully kind couple, Lance and Anne, who lost their home in the Paradise, CA wildfires. They chose to rebuild their lives in Tucson, so it was fitting that they took home “LOVE AZ”. I pray Tucson treats them well.

LOVE AZ, 2019

With 15 minutes remaining on the last day of the show, a woman from Fresno came in with her sister and sister’s children. She was mesmerized by “Divine Magic”, my mixed media piece of the Virgin Mary. I explained the deeper meaning of this piece and she said she had to have it, and that she depends on Mary, like I do. I had not thought that I would ever sell this piece. It is close to my heart and was the starting point of my mixed media world. This painting has hung visibly in four of our homes. I was internally torn, but then I asked my visitor her name…. she was Maria. And I knew it was time to let Mary go watch over someone else, as she does so well. Maria left happily with my painting. After she left, I shed a few happy tears. Matt and Olivia were there to hug me. It was a sign to keep my faith and keep creating.

DIVINE MAGIC

Thank you, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, for the opportunity. Thank you, Julio, the kind groundskeeper for starting a lovely fire every morning and sharing stories. Thank you, family and friends, new and existing, for taking time to visit me and my work. From these connections, I have gained inspiration for my future and for new work, and the next step in this journey.   Life shouldn’t be all about work and dollar signs.  It should also be about people.

ONE LAST MOMENT
GRATITUDE

Bon Voyage, Mr. Lee

Art is not just for sale.  It is also for celebration.

When we lived in Pennsylvania six years ago, I made weekly runs to several local thrift shops.  I would find stacks of perfectly preserved LIFE magazines and Saturday Evening Posts from the 1940’s and 1950’s.  I would pour over these magazines with great intrigue, both from a historical and creative standpoint.  The photography was amazing.  The articles were crisply written.  The advertisements were colorful and representative of that “dress to the nines” and “white picked fence”  and wartime era. 

As I perused one Saturday Evening Post, I came across a fabulous, full page ad for United Airlines.  Most people would just keep flipping, but this 1954 ad was special.  It caught my eye because my brother-in-law had spent his entire career at Continental/United Airlines. 

Tracy began his work with the United (then Continental) airlines after graduating from Texas Tech in 1986.  He successfully moved up the ladder, starting with crew tracking and pilot scheduling, he has overseen manpower, dining, inflight services, cargo, food services, flight operations, labor analysis, operations, planning and efficiency.  Over the course of  these positions and earning an MBA from the University Texas, he advanced from manager to Senior Vice President of Customer Service and then Senior Vice President of  United Express.  His career has not been without exhausting challenges, yet he remained without complaint.  In hard-working 1950’s fashion, Tracy was dedicated to one organization, without chasing dollar signs and higher titles, and without being fortuitous or opportunistic.  I have always held him in high regard because of this.  He was still enormously successful.

I had to preserve this United ad and someday, when Tracy retired, I would work it into a piece of art to commemorate his stellar professional journey.

In June of 2019, and after 32 years with the airline, Tracy made the decision to retire. I pulled out the ad (which had thankfully survived four military moves) and pondered what to do with it?  It sat on the counter and I would walk by it and try to think of what might be interesting, and it took a while.  Why not place it in an airplane window, making the window somewhat vintage, to reflect the 1950’s spirit?

Bon Voyage, Mr. Lee, Mixed Media, 2019

Clearly, I thought of the national and worldwide travel that United has provided.  I also thought of the places Tracy was able to generously explore with his family and friends. Vintage postcard paper became wallpaper.  Papers with compasses and American flags frame the window.  Looking out the window, you see the advertisement on the tarmac. 

The ad itself is a reflective and entertaining work of art.  Zoom in and check it out.  Travelers are dressed in their Sunday best and walking on a red carpet with cameras running.  The ad mentions games, music, meals by world-famous chefs, and white-gloved treatment of your luggage.  Folks did not take their ability to travel lightly.  It was an event and a gift.  For the first time people were more connected.  It was really a celebration.  Wouldn’t it be great to get a glimmer of those days?

This piece is primarily a celebration of Tracy, but also a reminder to be our best and be grateful.   Times have changed.  The world has become more casual, less appreciative, and takes things for granted.  But not my brother-in-law. He is optimistic. He has known for years that hard work and dedication pay off.  He just started a new adventure in retirement. He’s relaxing, playing more golf, dating my sister, watching football, traveling with family, cooking up a storm, and evening brewing some beer.  He is grateful. He has earned it.  His smile says it all.

Tracy and Anne-Marie.