Beauty and Sadness

It is always an honor to have work you have done displayed for the public. As artists, we strive to reach a point where that is possible.
Today, however, I find myself wishing this was one time my work was not on display as it is offering an altar of solace and healing for PGA player Chris Smith, whose wife was tragically lost in an auto accident. The extended Smith Family attends my church, and Steve, my minister, had e-mailed me yesterday morning that he had set up the altar Sunday evening with the stole for those who wished to come and pray. He also mentioned I might want to come see it.

I immediately went into town with camera in hand, and these probably are the most detailed shots of the altar cloth and stole that I have. Steve and I talked, and as chance had it, I had grabbed a rosary on the way out. Despite the difference of denominations, I found it a perfect place to use the small, white beads.
So for over an hour, I was at one with beauty, grief, prayer and the fragileness of this life we call our own. We have no guarantees of tomorrows; the todays are what we must use well and cherish.
Make use of your time and love those around you.
Pax.