This painting of violet leaves is part of my Painting a Day for Pandemic project. Every day through the end of the April (May 1st is a bonus!) I'm going to paint & sell an original watercolor for $50 & at the end of the month, donate half the proceeds to a person or organization in particular need due to the current economic situation. The organization I’ve chosen is the Greensboro chapter of the Church World Service. They’re raising money for 20 refugee families who, like many, are facing economic difficulties due the COVID19 crisis. However, unlike most, they do not qualify for federal relief because they've arrived in our country within the last 6 months. They are also among the most vulnerable when it comes to job stability, as you might imagine.

‘Violet Leaves’ | My mom cracked two of her ribs this week. It happened when she was helping someone. . . which is pretty much a given if you know her at all. I grabbed these violet leaves from my backyard and headed to her house yesterday afternoon. There’s wasn’t much I could do to help (aside from bending down to get essential things like chocolate & tea from low cabinets) but at least we could chat a bit while I painted & she watched TV— & intermittently got up to do things around the house. sigh You can’t keep this lady down! Today is the last day of the Painting a Day for Pandemic project and I genuinely have VERY mixed emotions about that. I cannot tell you what a joy it’s been for the last 20 days to paint & paint and be met with your enthusiastic support, all the while knowing that we are going to be able help someone in need. At the same time, I’m creatively drained after so much output & can feel the need to switch gears for a bit. So, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart; you have made this weirdest of all Aprils a truly joyful time for me. And to the lady who has always modeled the importance of helping others for me- many times to her own detriment- thank you & also SIT DOWN FOR GOODNESS SAKE!