I did this piece for another contest. It's a banshee from Aes Sidhe (ancient fairy mound). If I win; the image will be stamped on a metal cuff bracelet. I think it turned out pretty cool so I hope I win so I can get one of the bracelets with her on it!

My maternal grandmother died February 24, 2003. When she passed she left behind her sister, (the last of ten children), five adult children, 19 grandchildren, umpteen great grandchildren and a great great grandchild. The night she passed I wrote a poem wanting to give voice to everyone she left behind:

Tell the ones gone before dear Sister,

That my memories are still strong.

Tell mom how much I miss her,

And pop it's been too long.

The lord has called you home Mama,

The ones left behind will understand.

As much as we wish you could stay Gram,

Someday we to will join you in his land.

Time was not on our side Nana,

But don't worry we will still know who you are.

So many people who love you Nonnie,

Will tell us you're never too far.

There was an old broken down doghouse on the backside of my sisters yard when she bought her house. The children, my nieces and nephew, decided it was their "playhouse". The girls being the older bossy sisters they were decided boy's weren't allowed and plastered the walls with "girl power", letting Matthew in upon their wims, (usually when they wanted him to do something). This image was caught when 8 year old Megan convinced 4 year old Matthew to help her up on the roof of the playhouse.
I loved the image of the little guy struggling and determined to complete his mission, getting his sister on that roof.

This is my second entry into the Artist Challenge website. The theme was The Patriot and I immediately thought of the ultimate patriot. Here is a poem that I wrote to accompany the painting:

THE ULTIMATE PATRIOT

Family left behind;

In a foreign world with no respite;

Ideological beliefs,

For which patriots are willing to fight.

Mind alterred,

By mans cruelties to one another;

Nightmares that begin there,

Will stay with the patriot forever.

You may not understand,

Why a patriot would be willing,

With prior knowledge of what may come,

To be a target the enemy is killing.

The only way to answer such a question;

If inside yourself you see,

The passion, pride, love and honor,

The patriot feels for their country.