A Double Joy

Sometimes those you love give you a present that makes your heart sing.  I have a birthday coming up in a couple of days; so my Nana sent a present.  I had no idea what she would send but she always finds something that she knows I will enjoy.
There is a LONG story behind this one.  Here is what I found inside the box:

Yes, it is a book on Abstract Art. But, it isn't just any book on abstract art, oh no!  You see this book was written by the teacher of the very first art workshop I ever took.  The Nana had taken classes from her before and knew she was a good teacher.  So she convinced me to go to the workshop.  It was amazing!  I learned lots about color theory, design theory, and lots more.  I also learned a lot of techniques for painting.  I loved the class and I painted this painting in the class:

Even though it is abstract, I see a "picture" in it. I see a community of birds on branch.  Thus the name "Community" This piece hangs in my living room. I love it as much today as I did the day I painted it. (the color is off a bit in this picture as it is not as green as this appears.) 

In the class,  the teacher and author, Joan (pronounced like JoAnn) kept misplacing things. She would say "where did I put ____"  I was always watching intently and trying to remember every detail, so I knew where she put it and would say "look ---where ever---"  She told me I needed to be in all her classes and be her assistant. Ha ha. 

The special surprise in this book was the autograph AND the little extra sticky note. 

Now, the workshop was years ago - well prior to the start of my blog in 2006. Maybe so long ago that the year started with a 19 and not a 20 (I really am not sure!)  But, if you can read the note, she still remembers me fondly!  Needless to say, I am still smiling and will probably always smile when I see this. The sticky note will be in the book until it falls out and I lose it. (or I may glue it in!)

I know I will enjoy reading this book - and who know what it will inspire!
(Thanks Nana, I love you.)