May 3, 2012:   Continuing with yesterday's
theme of the gift of being 'seen, accepted and
loved'...as we are, for who we are.

The person who has given me this gift in the
truest sense and for the longest time, is Paul.

For over 31 years, he has been there through
thick and thin, sharing my sunniest moments
and, more importantly, companioning me
through my darkest shadows.  His loving
kindness changed my life...and I wanted to do
something to honor him.

It's hard to get him to sit still for a few minutes,
as his activism for a better world takes a lot of
time and energy right now.  (I gave him a
'heads-up' about wanting to do a portrait, a
couple of weeks ago).  In addition to his
job at the university, all the everyday house-
hold things he does, creating art and music,
Paul puts in countless hours each day in
support of the environment and public health
...without pay, with no personal / political
agenda, no 'green' business to promote,
without recognition or accolades.

Today's painting is a tribute to his generous
spirit (picture me bowing deeply in gratitude).