Be Glad.

TODAY IS MY DAD'S BIRTHDAY.

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Read this if you haven't yet. And, if you have. Read it again.

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He is precious to us. 

So today is too.

Every day is.

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And I am taking my show down today on his birthday. 

Which is fitting.

It is like a giant exhale. 

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But it is extremely painful to be without him. It is the worst. 

Sometimes it is ok to be really honest about that.

Because. He is NOT AROUND. 

And I mean - To Hug.

and To Talk With.

It is awful. 

I have a million questions to ask. and even today I reach to call him when something happens. 

I hope that instinct never goes away. And I dont think it will.

*

Good dads are supportive and attentive. 

My dad was GOOD.

He would bring home pamphlets from his conventions that applied to creativity. And sit on the bed and tell me about everything that was excellent and difficult and smart about design. and about going for it.

and about WHEN I did. and HOW I would get there.

So when I drive my truck to the studio from the gallery, 

looking at branches and flowers and puppets in the rearview mirror, it is quiet. 

in my heart.

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and I know he is so glad I am trying to make it.

But he is also probably freaking out about a lot of things too.

No. 

No he isn't.

I dont think you freak out after you die. 

I am pretty sure he is just smiling. 

with capers. 

And hot sauce.

and a really good book/ watching something with Angela Lansbury.

He always read AND watched TV at the same time.

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My dad was really strong and brave and brilliant. 

I got the best one.

I just wish my dad, in his navy blue suit, would sit with me at this coffee shop.

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I am so blessed that he put everything he had into our lives.

I miss him during every glorious moment. and every scary one too. 

Good job Daddy. 

Love you.

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pssst. also, don't forget:

Read this if you haven't yet. And, if you have. Read it again.

xo

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THANK YOU to The Gallery at Unos for letting me inside.

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Setting up a show is







and

I am convinced my mom would help me rob a bank if I told her it meant a lot to me.



Blurry is actual life.

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Two Months Ago I had a show opening.

It was wonderful.

Thank you Thank you

Thank you

Thank you Thank you

Thank you 

Thank you Thank you

Thank you 

Thank you Thank you

Everyone.

I was blown away.

and to those who weren't there physically, but were there in my heart. and cell phone. Thank you so much. to you also. I am very aware of supportive people in my life. 

This includes you. yes.

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So thank you.

from the very tip of the point at the bottom of my heart.






___________________________________________________________



I don't have any words for the rest of this. so.


Here goes an opening of dreams....






there are a million people not pictured. And, I am so sorry about that. but 

I am so thankful for these pictures by Becca Hankins and Melissa Bruster. Without them I would have nothing. I never once picked up my camera. I just talked to everyone. And I am mostly glad I did that.
I soaked it all up.  So, thank you Becca and Lissa. xo.
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And now it is coming down...

TODAY is the closing reception. 

Thursday, April 26th

If you want to stop by, you should. 

The gallery will be open from 5- 7 for a last little hoorah.

It will be smaller. 

I can't replicate the opening.

I don't think anything can. 

But come by from 5- 7 if you want to peek at the show one last time.

THE GALLERY AT UNOS

700 North 4th Street. Richmond, VA

Near 4th and Jackson.

Free parking available

*

*

*

I never doubt the support, but it was magical to see everyone.

I will keep saying it.

Thank you.

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My sister got me this for the opening. 
I had been checking on it every now and again in a store display case. 


She set him free. 


I am so glad. I love it.


Thank you.

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About UNOS: 

April is National Donate Life MonthLEARN ABOUT THE AMAZING WORK DONE AT UNOS! www.unos.org

Sign up to be an organ donor at: donatelifevirginia.org

United Network for Organ Sharing is a national nonprofit based in downtown Richmond which matches lifesaving organs from deceased donors to those in need on the national waiting list.