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Dear Art,

We've been together for a long time, and I often forget to recognize the role you play in my life.  When we first met, I was a young scribbler, and you were a distraction from childhood things.  As I grew and explored my world, you were there to help me document my discoveries, and to share them with others.  In adulthood, you manifested as a fascination with crafts and making things, from making my own silk flowers to designing gardens and sketching cartoons.  We got closer during those years, and you introduced me to a treasured mentor who taught me to see you even clearer. As a novice, I stumbled through creative processes, but you led me to make efforts to be more accomplished, more informed and to master my skills.  Maturing in life, there were events around me that tested my strength, my resolve, and my emotions to the limit.  There were times I didn't know if I could go forward.  But there you were, patiently waiting, offering me a solace and a sense of peace in the upside down world I was living in.  When we spent time together, I could relax and look up from my daily grindstone to appreciate beauty in all its forms.  It wasn't long before you were inspiring me to create works that were prized by others, and through those efforts I came to know a larger world.  Then in my darkest time, and my life was forever changed, you stood with me. We found other ways to express in works what I could not in words.  You offered a freedom to create that I had never known before.  The days lightened, and hope again was a regular visitor  You brought that.  As you know, you and I are together every day now.  What fun we are having! I can share my love for you with my grandchildren, who are learning to love you, too. The future is bright, and I cannot imagine it without you. You define me. You are a blessing to me. I love you.

Always,

Karen