For My Sister

To my readers I send my apologies for not following through on my my promise to write about my California trip and the conservation efforts for Mission San Antonio de Padua. The truth is I  lost a sister this month who was very dear to me. Andrea's death was unexpected and has created such a hole in my world that I don't have the desire to continue with" business as usual". I feel a need for reflection rather than words. This will be my last post for a while.
Throughout her too short life  and her heroic 45 year battle with the effects of childhood diabetes, my sister Andrea always maintained her own brand of fierce love for the people in her life and a genuine enjoyment of everything of life that I could not have mustered if I was in her shoes. She was and will always be my loving big sister, my protector, my friend. 
White peonies were her favorite flower. I dedicate this painting to her memory.

Peonies