This is the first painting I ever did. I took painting lessons with my step mother’s friend when I was in the 7th grade. She was my art mentor. She was very encouraging and patient, and always had multiple craft and art projects going at once. Her house was full of self made decorative touches. I loved visiting with her and going to Denny’s with her art friends after classes. There I was. Probably 12 at the time, sitting with a bunch of middle aged home makers, and listening to thier middle aged tales while chowing down on a Moons Over My Hammies. Those were among the best moments of my middle school years. They were an escape from the drama of home and school, and where I felt most accepted and free to express myself without harsh judgment. Every time I see this picture, which still hangs in my dad’s living room, it reminds me of those happy times.