Atheist Symbol Abstraction, watercolor on paper, 7"x7"

According to the Internet University of All Knowledges where I am getting my masters degree (;

I learned that Atheism is the third largest group of "religions" in the world, Christianity being the first at 2.1 billion , Islam the second at 1.5 billion,. Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist at  1.1 billion).

from http://atheists.org"

 Atheists  define their lifestyle as follows. An Atheist loves himself and his fellow man instead of a god. An Atheist accepts that heaven is something for which we should work now – here on earth – for all men together to enjoy. An Atheist accepts that he can get no help through prayer, but that he must find in himself the inner conviction and strength to meet life, to grapple with it, to subdue it and to enjoy it. An Atheist accepts that only in a knowledge of himself and a knowledge of his fellow man can he find the understanding that will help lead to a life of fulfillment."

Buddha, 5"x5" acrylic and paper on panel

This season is rich with religious and spiritual experience. Each day I will explore a different religion and post some words gleaned from my search.

When things go wrong in our life and we encounter difficult situations we tend to regard the situation itself as the problem, but in reality whatever problems we experience come from the side of the mind. If we were to respond to difficult situations with a positive or peaceful mind they would not be problems for us; indeed we may even come to regard them as challenges or opportunities for growth and development. Problems arise only if we respond to difficulties with a negative state of mind. Therefore, if we want to be free from problems we must learn to control our mind.

This painting was done from a drawing given to me by my friend Tori.

Spirit , 8"x8", acrylic on panel

I have been going to different churches a lot lately. I consider myself a spiritual person, but not exactly religious.
I don't really know where I belong, but I like comparing the different philosophies and seeing where the connections are. 
I do believe in love and kindness. That's pretty universal.

This is for my monthly challenge group-our theme this month is "spirit".

ch- ch -ch- changes

It started out easy-but I had to change it a lot- still working on this one.

Everytime I looked at it I didn't like it. I put sand in the paint and scumbled it on the foreground, when that dries more color will go on top- lately I feel like I need more texture in my painting. I like it more now.

Hope everyone had a grateful Thanksgiving- I sure did!

Happy Thanksgiving! (Work in progress)-untitled (for now)- 20"x20" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

I hope all of you have a wonderful day - where ever you are- with friends, family or

 out and about.

I am so thankful for all of you -

 I know you are out there and sharing 

what I do with you has been the most gratifying and wonderful experience. 

Eat a lot! (and go Pats!)

Maluhia Chickens-"12x12" acrylic on canvas

These girls are strutting their stuff!

They live in Hawaii- the rest of it I made up..

Kate

I painted this bowl with two pears this morning- Kate made it and I love it.

Kate is fighting a malignant brain tumor. She is the most courageous person I know .

Here is a picture of her in my back yard playing frisbee-- this was taken in 1975.

Below is a group of us at a sleepover- I think it was in 1972

Clockwise from left: Joyce Salvaggio (Arnold). Debbie( Rushton) Ellis, Daryl (Smalley) Mackenzie, Kate (Lyons) Disantis,Cheryl MacKenzie, me, and Janice Cumming.

I think we had all been swimming( or in the rain)

oh the good times.....

The fundraiser was a big success.

They raised over 60,000 tonight at the event. Governor Patrick made an appearance- he was a customer of Kates at Bella's in Randolph ( I shook his hand!)