Our friend Gloria has found a beautiful way to remember her mom and keep her traditions alive.  

“Mom tried to teach us to notice the beauty of nature around us and the contrast of colors. She taught us art lessons as children and as adults.  We learned to paint with water colors, oil, and acrylics. Most days we would laugh throughout the entire lesson.
 
“I wanted the grandkids to enjoy this too so I bought easels from an art store and cut down others from a second hand store. I bought the inexpensive watercolors from the grocery store – they work great til you are ready for a larger pallet of color. I usually have a picture for them to look at, but encourage them to be creative, and that is what they do, it’s great. Throughout the lesson I remind them of things Grandma used to say and we just reminisce and keep the memories alive.
 

“We usually have art lessons 5-6 times a year, but we have a special one on her birthday, with photos of her around while we paint.  In the summer, we collect all the pictures and hang them in the backyard in the trees and on the fence.  We have an art show and invite friends and family to show off their work. I make mini sandwiches and desserts. They love it.”