I started this painting in October 2013. It is 9 individual 12x12 canvases. I noticed that when I paint with iridescent or metallic paint the digital images do not capture it well.

In a gallery setting, this is meant to be shown next to "Roots Before Branches".  There is a third piece which will be placed to the right of "Roots" which is entitled "Spring Forth" - and just one week before my November 2014 show, I have started a fourth tree painting titled "Summer of Hope".

On November 22, I was frantically looking for something (I can't even remember now what it was) but I bumped into the easel and the painting came tumbling down.  One of the main pieces was torn.  I was devastated, but then a friend told me that it was still beautiful and that this tear was part of the creation.  She encouraged me to mend it.

This happening made me realize that the damage/tear IS part of this piece of artworks creation.  I mended the canvas and that patchwork is part of its' story.  I used gesso, glue, cotton fiber and a photo of Nick to adhere to the back side of the canvas.  After all, November 22 would have been Nick's 53rd birthday. I guess the Universe was sending me, yet another precious message.  I have mended the tears in the canvas - see below.  I've incorporated the tear as the stem of an oak leaf.

Every day is a reminder that WE are ALL TORN in some way - and it is NOT to be ashamed of - but to celebrate and embrace those tears as they are the fabric and foundation of who we are.

Without the support and vision of my friends, I would not be able to so easily see the brighter side of life and that moving forward includes the mending of torn pieces of me.  To that end, I celebrate the creation and re-creation of my soul through friendships and my cathartic artistic efforts.

IF I DIE YOUNG by The Band Perry

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors
Oh, and life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
Ain't even gray, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time

And I'll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom
I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger
I've never known the loving of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand

There's a boy here in town, says he'll love me forever
Who would have thought forever could be severed by
The sharp knife of a short life
Well, I've had just enough time

So put on your best, boys, and I'll wear my pearls
What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I'm a goner
And maybe then you'll hear the words I been singing
Funny, when you're dead how people start listening

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The ballad of a dove
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket
Save them for a time when you're really gonna need them, oh