A Young Artist

For the past 2 1/2 months I have been teaching a young art lover who is not only very talented but such a lovely young lady.  It will be strange when this is over next week but I don't doubt that she will continue to work on her own as she has been painting quite steadily since I've gotten to know her.  We've worked in pastels, oil paint, watercolour, print making, charcoal, pencil, clay and of course my favorite (and thankfully hers, too), acrylic. 

Another lovely young lady, my daughter, has been asking me to read a book she really enjoyed and now I finally have and have to admit it was pretty fantastic.  I highly recommend it no matter what your age.

Between Shades of Gray
by Ruta Sepetys

The story begins in Lithuania near the beginning of World War II with fifteen-year-old Lina's family being forced from their home to eventually end up working at a Siberian labor camp.  She is able to overcome atrocities because of her drawings.  A few years ago I read 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak, this had a similar feel and also brought to mind 'The Diary of Anne Frank', both a child's perspective of the war.  The strength of children often amazes me...their courage and ability to forgive is astounding.  It certainly reminds me to be grateful...for a warm home, clothing, food...so many things we tend to take for granted in our society.  Aren't we fortunate to be able to do that?