A birthday surprise

On Thursday, my art friend Kathy came to Wichita and picked up my other art friend Dana. Kathy and I planned a birthday surprise for Dana, whose birthday is next month. Kathy's only day to come to Wichita was Thursday, so we made the most of it, even though I was in pain much of the day.

Before Dana and Kathy got to my place, I started the coffee, which I ground just before I made it.


I also supplied the party atmosphere as much as possible with "Party" napkins.


I started snapping photos as soon as Kathy and Dana pulled up. I have not made this public before, but my dear friend Dana gave me permission to share this on my blog. A few months ago, right after Dana and her husband moved to their new home, her husband was diagnosed with massive organ failure. Her husband died in August, not more than three weeks after the diagnosis. Although I have seen Dana since the memorial service, this is the first time I've taken photos and shared her loss on my blog. Today was to be a happy day, a day when we can enjoy each others' company.

Dana is on the left in this photo, and Kathy is on the right. Kathy is emptying her car

and it looks like Dana is the pack horse.


As an aside, Thursday was also Bleubeard's birthday. But I couldn't give him a proper birthday celebration due to the gals coming. However, you can see his bright new blue collar, my gift to him.


He will join us in the celebration and leads the way to the festivities.


Here's the birthday girl. Although technically not her birthday, we're acting like it is.


I'm not sure what Kathy is digging for, but it sure isn't the rolls.


They would never fit in her purse! Dana doesn't stand on ceremony, but jumps into her roll.



What a lousy photo! Dana brought out her camera to show us the trip she took recently to Ghost Ranch in northern New Mexico, where she spread a small amount of Richard's ashes. Ghost Ranch is where Georgia O'Keefe lived till her death, and where her ashes were also spread.

I managed to get a decent shot once I switched to macro (often known as the "tulip" setting). Here is one of the alters Dana built and placed some of his ashes under.


Dana is trying to get her camera to advance to the next photo.


I don't remember what was said, but I know Kathy and I thought it was funny enough for me to get a blurry photo!


Here is another alter made from rocks that Dana made to hold Richard's ashes. There were several places Richard wanted his ashes spread and Ghost Ranch is just one of those places.


Dana explained that there were lots of ashes left for the other places she had yet to place his remains.


She also showed the chapel at Ghost Ranch where they were fortunate enough to get there just in time for Sunday services.


After our "party" at my house (where Kathy and Dana showed me I actually owned a zipper foot for my sewing machine) Kathy wanted to go to Fashion Bug, a clothing store in my neighborhood. We were there over three hours. I've never seen anyone who could look at everything in a store before deciding what to buy. At this point, Kathy wanted some jeans like Dana had on.


Unfortunately, she didn't seem to find her size in the color she wanted.


I wandered around the store and found a sweater I decided to try on. I even took a photo (actually about a dozen photos) of me modeling it in front of the mirror, but all you can see is my head and arm sticking up over the sweater. I didn't realize how lousy the lighting was, but at least I took a photo of myself for once!


Instead of going to the local craft store, we spent so much time at the clothing store, we only had time to eat and head home. I told the waitress Mica that we were celebrating Dana's birthday and she brought Dana a birthday shooter.


Kathy and I learned it was a hot fudge sundae in a shot glass. There was no alcohol, though!


And I leave you with photos of my dear friends who brightened my day.


What more could I ask for while trying to heal my back?

Well, maybe I could wish for a peaceful Saturday catching up with my blogging friends. Thanks SO MUCH to all of you who have left such awesome messages these last few days, while I stayed away from the computer. Your love and generosity have shown through, even when I was in too much pain to visit you. Just know my thoughts are with each of you, though. By the way, I hope you aren't tired of the Old Cowtown Museum photos. I have a ton more and will be sharing them again tomorrow.

Today's blog pick is Antony Gormley, another British artist. His art ranges from abstract geometric drawings and sculptures to the human form. He is famous in England for his life sized sculptures and is taking them to other places like Austria. Be sure to check out his other projects, too. There are enough photos of his drawings, sculptures, and projects on his site to keep your interest well into next week. He is the most prolific artist I have seen in a long time. Be sure to check out Antony Gormley's site today.