This is the last of the Dia de Los Meurtes paper flowers. While making them I could almost smell the Marrigold fragrance.

My Uncle Patrick has crossed over. and now paints with light, and the dew of heaven much as he did in life.

I did not get to spend as much time as I would have liked to with him.
Seems ,saddly, its always that way at the end.

He was a wealth of knowledge and talent and love. He touched many many lives and influenced many people around the world.

He was a source of encouragement for me, even from a distance. My life is rich beyond measure, for having him in it. I will always remember him and miss him dearly.

Some of the paintings of Patrick Betaudier..

The sound track of my child hood.

In the background there was Charles Asnivor... selected calypso music.. Mighty Sparrow , and the likes...
and one of my favorites Miriam Makeba. I remember well that very first record album that came out. and how it played a prominent role in the gatherings and parties that my patents held.
Mostly that sound, that wonderful strong and sweet magical soulful music, was there as part of my mothers influence and the things we enjoyed in common.
I remember after meeting Miss Makeba after a concert, and calling my mother up to share with her, and how happy she was to learn that even if she could not be there, at least I was ,and how happy she was that I enjoyed it as, much if not more than she would have..
I did the same thing after meeting Hugh Masekela, another one of her favorites... and more of that fabulous music of my child hood that stayed with me all of these years..
Learning of her passing today touched me in a deep way , remembering our shared experiences and loves... it was a little like losing my mother all over again...
Not all sadness... I was thankful for all of our shared experiences and thankful for all that she taught me and exposed me to... even in these moments of sadness, there are opportunities to remember love, and happiness

Mamma Africa, Miriam Makeba .. Rest In Peace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45chFXL0SUg

What a Difference a Day Makes

I was going to post some pictures of the bags Im finishing for the upcomming season,
and the swaps from my first charm/craft swap. ..
...But,... after a most historical evening,...
I am still in deep reflection
submerged in hope,
and noticing
how things actually do look just a bit differently today.

I take a very deep breath... and a step forward like so many


I, too,
sing America.
I am
the darker brother.
They send me to eat
in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dareSay to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"Then.
Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--
I, too, am America.
-- Langston Hughes