My Grandma Ricke loved flowers.  Every year, she planted impatiens on the east side of her house which grew into a long, luscious line of color.  We used to joke that she planted them for Margaret, her neighbor across the street whose living room window overlooked the flowers.  I created these two pieces, For Margaret Penning, in memory of Grandma’s generous and loving spirit.

Self Portrait, Granville, IA (1981) is based on a drawing I did for my Grandma when I was 5 years old.  After she died, it ended up back in my hands – I had no idea she’d kept drawings I made for her, but of course she did!  I know I have it around here somewhere “where I won’t lose it” and when I find it again, I’m going to add an image of the original drawing to go with this mosaic.  There are so many ways that her love continues to touch my life.  Thanks Grandma.