RAK for my mother

[kat]

I have thought long & hard about asking for a RAK for my mother (Kitty). But I finally have decided that it is the right thing. I'd appreciate your help, and you may enjoy the story.

After her mother died of a brain aneurysm, Kitty's life (age 12 years) was changed forever. Her grandfather & aunt came to live with the family after the tragedy to help raise the 5 children. (Kitty was the eldest.) Letters document that her father used Kitty as his confident throughout the remainder of his lifetime. [Not such a tough task in her adulthood as in her childhood.]

A few months after her mother died, Kitty's grandfather was killed in an automobile accident. That was a rare occurence in 1928. The social mores did not allow her aunt to continue to live in the household and take care of the children because she was a single woman & her brother-in-law was a single man. So they married. I love my step-grandmother, but GUILT was her middle name. She loved well, cared well, & made everyone feel like they had done something horribly wrong... daily. It was a rough life by any standard.

Kitty's father arranged, despite the world-wide depression, to send her to art school.

After earning a BFA at Tulane University, Kitty met my dad as a commercial artist. When I was 10-years-old, Mother returned to graduate school in art. Then, she launched her art career. http://www.fineartsleagueofcary.org/O-Meallie.htm

After 50+ years as an artist, Mother is going blind. She has fought successfully cataracts & glaucoma for years, but macular degeneration is finally destroying her vision.

Nevertheless, Kitty is working on another piece of art. Maybe, her last.

She has finally decided after all these years to let her friends know her age. On October 24, 2011, she will turn 95.

If her story moves you, please send either a piece of art or a card to celebrate her birthday. ATC size would probably be best because Kitty has limited space. High contrast will help her enjoy it more, but she can still see fairly well with a strong magnifying glass. We have a large one that is also a lamp set up on her desk. It's big enough to see a whole ATC at once.[/COLOR]

Love to all,
kat

PLEASE LABEL THE ENVIE FOR KITTY SO I DON"T OPEN IT. :)
I'm having artists send their cards, etc. to me. Address it to Kitty O'Meallie Johnson c/o Launey. It also means that I can help her keep track of who sends what without overwhelming her. She has followed my association here with great enthusiasm, but because of her difficulty lately, she will need assistance thanking those who help her celebrate her birthday.
[B]PM me for my address.



http://www.fineartsleagueofcary.org/O-Meallie.htm

[lemurkat]

Wow, that's quite an achievement. I should totally send her something.

What does she like?

[cdraz/ceedee]

Macular degeneration is a terrible thing, even more so for an artist. Can you PM me the address?

[lini]

Kat, I would be more than happy to send her a card...Please PM her address. My MIL had macular degeneration and it stripped the joy from her last years. She lived to 96. Her hearing was gone too. Getting old is not easy.

[Gerry]

I would love to send a card please pm me her address.
A couple of questions.
Do you want them to arrive for her birthday or anytime.
Also has she any special likes that I can use for the theme for making a card.

[kat]

Thanks to each of you. I have been sending PMs to those who have responded. Please PM me if you haven't heard from me.

I plan to make a presentation from ATCsforALL to Mother during the week of her birthday when the family & friends are here to share it with her.

Second to art, Mother loves a good conversation starter. It is extra nice when the conversation starter is ART. (Mother refers to ART in all caps most of the time.) :) The big birthday party has an invitation list of 200+ guests from Kitty's retirement community, but I plan to host two small, family dinners just prior to the big bash. (The family members are either artists or have to live with artists most of the time :twitcy:.) She and I have had hundreds of conversations about art since I joined ATCsforALL. Before that, she did not considered me "arty" enough. Now, she considers me a peer & values my opinion. Thanks to everyone here for that change in my life!!

I'm having artists send their cards, etc. to me. It also means that I can help her keep track of who sends what without overwhelming her. She has followed my association here with great enthusiasm, but because of her difficulty lately, she will need assistance thanking those who help her celebrate her birthday.

Thank you so much for helping make Mother's 95th birthday extra memorable!!:yes:

Take care.
kat

[Art101]

Sounds like a great project to help with. Can your mom easily see a small ATC, or is something larger more appropriate? And I assume regular sized (handmade) greeting cards are OK?

[butterflygirl24]

Kat - I would be honored to create a card for your Mom! Thanks for letting us know about her story.

[lilbad]

Kat, u know I am 'in'!! What a wonderful story...!

[lini]

Kat, please PM me your address so I can make a card for your Mom. What a life she has had. I've loved hearing about it and about her interest in ATCs and her validation of you as an artist because of it. I so admire your work and certainly consider you one of the most talented artists on the site.

[kat]

Art101 wanted to know the best size for cards or art:

ATC size would probably be best because Kitty has limited space. High contrast will help her enjoy it more, but she can still see fairly well with a strong magnifying glass. We have a large one that is also a lamp set up on her desk. It's big enough to see a whole ATC at once.

[bernie712]

Of course I'm in! You're the best!

[chatty]

What size art are you looking for?

ATC's
Chunky
Bookmark

[kat]

Thanks, chatty. I posted my answer in the introduction.

[bluelotusflower]

Your mom DESERVES a card! Great story.

[kat]

Thanks, Blue!

[chatty]

Ooops! I pm you ..giggle.. I made a tag that could be hang instead is that okay? If not just let me know ..giggle.. I am really burnt out on ATCs right now so I'm working on larger art size ..giggle.. anyway the tag is in my gallery and I don't mind making your mom a ATC instead so don't be afraid to to say no tag atc please instead ..*smile*..

[kat]

I've seen your tags, chatty. They are small enough to fit under the big magnifing glass/light, so she can see it all at once. The last piece I showed her was 10x14. She had to look at it in pieces & try to imagine it as a whole. She's still a pretty sharp cookie & can do that well enough to comment, but I'm not sure she imagines what I see. BTW, she beat the socks off me in gin rummy last Wednesday.

[chatty]

Thanks Kat! ..giggle.. wish I could meet your mom she sound like quiet a lady!

[balletbon]

Kat, I loved the story of you dear mother! what an inspiration> i would be happy to make her a RAK, please send me her or your address, whererever you want it sent, Hugs Bonnie

[lemurkat]

Posted today.

[kat]

The envies for Mother have started showing up already! I'm getting more excited by the moment. Kitty will be so surprised to find that artists around the world care about her.

Thanks again to each of you. The generous, loving spirit of ATCsforAll never ceases to amaze me.

[malicea10]

Kat, I would love to send a card! Please PM your addy. Congratulations to your mom!!

[kat]

Super, mal! Thanks.

[kat]

Thanks, lemurkat! I'll be looking for that NZ return address.

[KESagers]

What a wonderful way to celebrate your mom! I have your addy already. ;)

[Pennyquilter]

Count me in. I'll try and make it tomorrow and mail out.
What a wonderful life story on Kitty.

[kat]

KESagers & Pennyquilter -- Thanks for joining in the celebration!!

[lilbad]

Mine should be reaching your door step asap!

[kat]

lil -- It has arrived. I'm itching to open it, but I'll let Mother enjoy that part of the fun. Thanks again!

[1 Art Lady]

Working on it!

[kat]

KentuckyDakota -- Your envelope has also arrived today. Thanks!

[shayNOLA]

Kat, thank you for sending this to me. I would love to send your mother, a fellow New Orleanian, a Birthday ATC. I'll post it so you won't be tempted to open it. ;)
PS. I love that your Mother is an artist and her art, her legacy, will carry on forever.

[Pochadiva]

Hi Kat....delighted to send your Mom a card. What a special thing you are doing for your beloved Mom. My Mom loves to watercolor so I can relate. She even wants to attend the afa conference with me next year. She is 83 and still really with it.....I still have your address from previous trades.

[LittleRedShoeDesigns]

I'd love to do this, even though it's a bit intimidating to have a seasoned artist scrutinize my work! :twitcy:

[chatty]

Going postal Tuesday ..*smile*..

[RobbyGirl]

Wonderful Story Kat and a lovely thing you are doing for your Mom! I will do my best to create something in time.

[Laffqueen]

I haven't made a single ATC since my own MOM died in January but this community was so caring to me that I would be honored to help celebrate your Mom. Please send her address.

[Pauline]

Kat I most certainly will endeavour to make a card for your mum. My mum is 89 and also has Macular etc. What an amazing lady and you must be very proud to have inherited the artistic genes. I shall make sure my card is Australian ....

[PAMI]

I'm sitting down to make a beautiful Birthday card for your Mom. It will go in the mail today.

[lazyshadows]

Kat,i will do my best to send something all the way from Greece in the next few days.

Wish i could be there to give you and your mum a hug!:)

[jo.on.the.go]

I would be honored to make a card for your mom. Since I have been doing ATCs I have realized how much art means to me. I am all in favor of honoring artists who have made a contribution to the world of art (as well as encouraging new artists to develop their skills...but that is a different story).
I will have something in the mail in the next day or so.

[TimeInMyHands]

After seeing the surprise and joy on my daughter's face as she opened the RAK envies I had requested for her awhile back, I would love to contribute! :yes:

What a lovely way to celebrate your Mother's birthday and shared love of art!
((HUGS))

[jo.on.the.go]

This will go out tomorrow.

[ceejay]

Nice card, jo.on.the.go Kat ... please include me in this RAK for your mom.;)

[1 Art Lady]

Mine will go out in this afternoons mail.
Jo on the go, Lovely roses.

[kat]

Wow!! I am continually amazed at the generosity & love that defines our group. What a blessing you all are! Thank you. Thank you.

jo -- love those roses!!

[Trinasatc's]

Kat, I would also feel very honored to make your mother a card.I will pm you in a couple days for your address when I am ready to send it off.

[RoOskie]

What an incredible woman! Off to make a RAK!

[xstitcher]

Kat, what a wonderful and thoughtful thing you are doing for your mom.

I have everything together to start stitching.

I hope to complete it by the weekend so it will arrive in plenty of time for the celebration!

[Just Ducky]

Kat, sure hope you mother has a sence of humor as my attempts at drawing will probably give her a giggle....
I had a RAK just this past April for my mama's 90 and our great members here just filled her birthday with such great love... I also held her cards till HER day.. so I know you will have fun receiving all her goodies... but handing them to her is so GReat...

[rubyragdoll]

Hi Kat, please count me in, I'd love to make your mum a card. Please spm me your addie . Is there a date the card needs to be sent for and does your mum have particular likes or dislikes?
best wishes to and your lovely mum, Gloria.

[Joss]

What a trouching story and an incredible age. I will MOST definitely make a card for your darling Mom.

[kat]

cdraz/ceedee -- Your envelope arrived. Thanks!

[jo.on.the.go]

Thanks to all for the nice comments about the roses I drew.

[kat]

Freedom119 -- Your card arrived today!

[kat]

Kitty rec'd mail from balletbon, KESagers, Tambilina, 1 Art Lady, ineedtocreate, mzspurslasso, PAMI, & Lafaver!! Thanks to each of you!

[kbutts]

kat,

Do you think your mom would enjoy a needle felted wool card or other art? She isn't allergic is she?

BTW, what day is her birthday?

[kbutts]

Oops... I just looked again and saw the date. Ignore that part.

[kat]

kbutts -- I think she'd love that. No, she is not allergic to wool.

Tambilina -- That's lovely. The contrast will help, too. Thanks!

[kat]

Goodies arrived for Kitty from chatty, Bernita, Robin, & Bernie712!!

chatty -- Thank you for the beautiful tag. Mother will love it! I can already imagine her attaching it to her walker. Right now she has it decorated with Mardi Gras beads so that no one will take it by mistake from the walker "parking lot" outside the dining room. The tag will be so much classier and a wonderful conversation piece.

[lilbad]

Mardi Gras beads.....the apple didn't fall far from the tree! So cute!

[bluelotusflower]

chatty -- Thank you for the beautiful tag. Mother will love it! I can already imagine her attaching it to her walker. Right now she has it decorated with Mardi Gras beads so that no one will take it by mistake from the walker "parking lot" outside the dining room. The tag will be so much classier and a wonderful conversation piece.


Brilliant idea, chatty! :idea: I've seen similar "walker parking lots" and anything to distinguish one walker from the other is all to the good. Some of those walkers are festooned with seasonal trappings, flags, talking dogs, you name it. Mardi Gras beads are pretty tame in comparison. Hmmmm. I'll have to think on this....

[kat]

delli -- you card arrived today.

[chatty]

Goodies arrived for Kitty from chatty, Bernita, Robin, & Bernie712!!

chatty -- Thank you for the beautiful tag. Mother will love it! I can already imagine her attaching it to her walker. Right now she has it decorated with Mardi Gras beads so that no one will take it by mistake from the walker "parking lot" outside the dining room. The tag will be so much classier and a wonderful conversation piece.

I'm delighted you like it kat, what a good ideal to add it to her walker ..*smile*..

[kat]

Mother rec'd more mail: Thanks to Pochadiva & Lemurkat!!

[DebbaPeot]

Fabulous idea Kat! My Gma will be 99 this year with an absolute fabulous birthdate to remember: 10-11-12. I will send off something to you. Now what to draw for the extreme artists she is and a daughter to follow suit! lol Hugs!

[kat]

Thanks Debba! That's super about your Gma. How are you celebrating her birthday?

[kat]

Thanks, again, to each of you for helping celebrate Mother's birthday!

I spent today with her, & if I'm lucky, we have finalized her dress, the food, the decorations, the room, the guest list, the invitations, the servers, the three minor related dinner parties... etc.

BTW, the invites were designed by my niece in Toronto. Sooo... we have struggled through the third & fourth-hand exchanges through email & long-distance phone calls; the input from extras on both sides of the border; enthusiastic, random, creative innovations; deaths of friends in Canada & the USA; the ever-changing guest list; the border inspection; and...
we expect the invites to the party to arrive tomorrow. If not, I'll be doing family therapy on 2 sides of the border.

Love to y'all; Pray for me,
kat

[lilbad]

If anyone can do it, it's you Kat!! Have fun!

[1 Art Lady]

It Will Happen, and it will be wonderful... Repeat, repeat, repeat... I will have prayers, fingers and toes crossed, whatever I can do! Just remember to Breathe, just breathe! Hang in!

[kat]

Thanks, prayers are best!!!

[kat]

Kitty rec'd mail today from miss & AnnaAardvark! Thanks again!

[kat]

Mother had another nice mail day! Thanks to Sharon P. Martin, lini, Just Ducky, & Lazyshadows!!

[lini]

Kat, does your Mom know this is going on?

[kat]

No, it's going to be a surprise. I plan on giving them all to her on the Saturday before when it's just the extended family.

[lini]

I imagine it will take her awhile to open all of them along with all the other cards she will no doubt receive. Do take pictures and do take the time to enjoy the party yourself too. You are such a good daughter!

[lazyshadows]

It reached you just on time,i am sooo glad;) Have fun!

[kat]

Pennyquilter -- Your envelope arrived today. Thanks!

[kat]

jo.on.the.go -- an intriguing purple envie arrived today for Kitty! Thanks.

[kat]

Cards arrived today for Kitty from ladywatersnake & Pauline. Thanks to each of you!

[ceejay]

Hi, Kat ... just finished my card for your Mom. Will go postal in the morning.

[Hazartist1]

I mailed my card yesterday...I'm sure you will get it in time.

[kat]

ceejay & Hazartist1 -- Thanks! THey should arrive in plenty of time.

Joss -- Your intriguing envelope just arrived!

[kat]

Big mail day for Mother! Thanks to TimeInMyHands, Stuwaha, Hazartist1, & ButterflyGirl!!

[kentuckydakota]

KentuckyDakota -- Your envelope has also arrived today. Thanks!

Glad it made it. I think I might have addressed the card inside to you not knowing your mum was opening it and my art is a bit larger than standard atc size. You might want to ease open the envie just to be sure it's ok- I don't remember what I wrote- and then glue it back if it's ok. pm me if you want me to send a smaller size. I don't mind at all. Sure hope Kitty's day is wonderful!

[kat]

Shay -- Your card just arrived. Thanks!

[kat]

Mother delivered her 200+ invitations on Thursday single-handedly -- via walker. My daughter offered to deliver them for her, but that was not part of Kitty's plan. She wanted to make sure that all of her friends were SHOCKED at the same time with her advanced age & the beauty of the invitation my niece (yes, another family artist) had created.

The result was as gratifying as it could be. Within 15 minutes of Mother arriving home, the first call came in. "Kitty, this is the most beautiful birthday invitation I've ever seen!!! And I was astounded at your age...."

She's loving every moment, and each of you will be a wonderful part. I know that she will be amazed at your generosity and art. And I thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[lilbad]

Kat, you are so lucky to have your Mom. This is going to be such a wonderful party!!

[1 Art Lady]

I am so excited about her day, from a far! I wish all of you the best day ever!

[kat]

Today, Kitty rec'd cards from Art101 & Cee Jay!

[kat]

Gerry, your card arrived today! Thanks.

[Joss]

What a gal your ma is! What a pleasure sharing this with all of us, so far away - yet so near in our hearts!

[malicea10]

Kat~ Mine went in the mail the other day. There are some Polymer beads in the envie for you as well. I addressed to you with a card for your mom inside. So you may chose how you open.

[kat]

Goody!! Polymer beads! Thank you, mal!

[kbutts]

The one I made is going in the mail today.Should I post a picture here or would you rather be surprised?

[kat]

kbutts -- I'm sure everyone here would love to see it.

mal -- Your envelope arrived today. Every item is lovely. The birthday card & ATC for Kitty are both beautiful. The polymer beads & pendant miniatures are a wonderful surprise. Thanks for everything.

[LittleRedShoeDesigns]

I finished my RAK and will be sending it your way, Kat! My scanner decided to fart out, and I can't figure out how to get it on line again, so I'll scan a copy and go from there.

I decided to go with some texturing (not sure how obvious that is through a scan), so Kitty can experience the image even without a magnifying glass! I can't wait to hear how the Big Reveal goes. :D

[kat]

NYJunkie --Your card for Kitty arrived today.

[kat]

Mother's mailbag is getting full!!! The latest additions arrived from KarenKensek, HHC, dmnh, & Judith Meisner. Thanks to each of you.

[delli]

Not long now - nearly your mums birthday...just read through this thread - you really got wonderful and warm replies and heart felt feelings in amongst this...are you going to show Kitty this thread when all is finished?...will you be uploading any photos taken of the day?...
- Happy Birthday Kitty

[kat]

I'll definitely be sharing pictures of the mailbag delivery & the Big Bash :).

[lilbad]

Have fun and take lots of pics!!

[kat]

Right now I'm making mini photos of Kitty to add to the table decorations. This is my favorite: Kitty with one of her first pieces of art. You can see that she has always been a modern artist.

[lilbad]

LOL, adorable!

[kat]

Mail arrived: from kbutts, LittleRedShoeDesigns, Shoreart, & bluelotusflower. Thanks!

[kentuckydakota]

Wonderful picture! How did that dress stay so clean?

[1 Art Lady]

That photo is just adorable! How fun to have something like that!

[kat]

smokeysmom -- A large, intriguing padded envelope arrived from you. Thanks!

[kat]

I'm heading down to Mother's tomorrow with the decorations, the RAKs, art supplies, games & entertainment for out-of-town guests, hopefully some clothes & a toothbrush, etc.

I'll be picking up my sister & her husband if the Air Canada protesting employees permit(Since the are not allowed to strike, they are delaying customers by 5 hours for each flight.).

Then, the next day I'll come back here to teach my class & pick up everything I forgot :). Meanwhile, my older daughter & her family will arrive at Mother's.

Then, back to Mother's when we'll have the big RAK reveal! Younger daughther & her family arrive Friday; I'm hosting my DH's birthday party. Saturday, my niece, nephew, & his wife arrive, also through the disgruntled Air Canada employees. I'm hosting a big family luncheon.

Then, Monday my son arrives. The big bash is scheduled for 5:30-8:00. I plan to take plenty of photos if my brain is not too scrambled.

Blessing to each of you for your suppport.

[bluelotusflower]

Good grief, Kat, you have quite an agenda ahead of you! We're wishing you all the best. Keep calm and carry on! :swoon:

[lini]

Kat, I hope you have time to breathe and enjoy a bit of the "fun." What a huge undertaking. Wish we could all be there peeking in the window when your mother finds out about your surprise for her. What a good daughter you are. Do you know how many RAKS she received from this site?

[kat]

Smokeysmom's envelope made an even 50!!! This is a generous group!

[malicea10]

Whoa Kat! Thank you for sharing that delightful photo of your mom!
I fell on the floor after reading your agenda:shocked::swoon:

Hugs and Best Wishes for the parties! And have a little drinkie for me will ya?:twitcy:;)

[HHC]

Wow, Kat, you are going to be one busy woman. Here's hoping the Air Canada folks cooperate for these specific flights, and you maintain energy and your smiling face throughout the weekend. Hugs for you! And a Happy Day to Kitty!

[1 Art Lady]

I hope that all the plans work out for you and your family... take a little time to enjoy yourself during all of this too!

[kbutts]

Best wishes to your mom and the rest of your family during this happy occasion. Take care and have fun!

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=260990

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=260991

[kat]

The big reveal was yesterday. My sister (safely arrived foam Canada), Mother, and I started opening envelopes at 3:00. We took a break for dinner, but otherwise kept opening and enjoying beautiful art, lovely cards, and fond wishes until 8:00! Kitty was astounded! She was amazed at the time that each of you took with your thoughtful gifts. My brother-in-law joined us in the after dinner session. He said, Kitty, it's just like Christmas.". She responded,"I've never had a Christmas with this much! More later.

[ceejay]

W O W That's terrific ... we'll all be following this story.

[kentuckydakota]

Oh what a lovely thing to share together- I'm sure she felt honored and loved by her thoughtful daughter!

[lemurkat]

So sweet! Got photos?

[kat]

Photos are in the works. They were not a realistic option while she was viewing the art because the lighted magnifying glass was between us. But Kitty has decided that we need a separate table to show off this wonderful gift on Monday. There will be pictures of Kitty at the big event and the art display as well.

[1 Art Lady]

Please tell us that you are having fun too! (later) I am so glad that Kitty is loving it! But we can wait until after, to see everything, while you enjoy your time with Kitty and family!

[ceejay]

Sounds sooo wonderful, makes me think of my late Mother, fondly. She always encouraged
my endeavors in art ... In fact ... after she passed, I found the very first watercolor painting, I did for her ... about 6th or 7th grade. A large apple tree, with a red and white tablecloth. Thanks for the memories ... and for sharing these precious memories of yours with us.

[kat]

Kittythf-- "Neon Leaves" arrived yesterday. It's beautiful!!

Mother wanted to know WHAT I had been saying to you. After reading our exchanges, Mother just said, "The response has been amazing & wonderful."

[xstitcher]

I am so sorry I missed all the festivities. There has been so much going on in my life, I had it in my head her big day was the 24th of October so I thought I had a few more days.

My card is ready to go in the mail tonight. Better late than never I guess.

[kat]

Yes, you have the birthday right. However, my sister, her husband, my older daughter, and her family all arrived the week before, so I moved into a motel in Kitty's town. Other family members are bringing the mail as it arrives. My DH's birthday was Friday, so we had a family dinner party at the Outback. Yesterday, more family arrived from Canada, so we had another big get-together at O'Charley's. We're having a wonderful time!

[xstitcher]

Good to know I still have a bit of my mind!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Kitty!

Sounds like you all are having a real good time together!

May you contine to do so for years to come.

[LittleRedShoeDesigns]

How wonderful. I'm glad Kitty is enjoying all this! Thanks for letting us be a part of this!

[bluelotusflower]

Happy Birthday, Miss Kitty, happy birthday to YYOOOOOUUUUU! :laugh:

[kat]

xstitcher-- Your lovely card is here! It came in time for me & my sister to share in her enjoyment.The artwork is beautiful & because of the high contrast, Mother can see it well. She is still dumb-founded by the generosity of the artists here.

This is my last day down in Cary, NC. I will be taking my sister & her husband to the airport in an hour. Then, I will toddle on home to recover. After my recovery is complete (& I have passed my next calculus test on Monday & sent out the Crustacean Swap), I'll be making a memory book for the family. I'll post some of the photos, etc. as I edit them. Somewhere in there I have to complete my moleskin journal entry for Els. But life is good. Mother's birthday was an enormous success, and each of you added to it. The guests were fascinated by all the art and artists of AFA who participated in the RAK. THANKS!!!

[kat]

Robbygirl -- Your wonderful card arrived. I know Kitty will enjoy it, especially since it has a bird on it.

[xstitcher]

Glad to know it arrived.

I hoped what I did would be easy enough for her to see.

[kentuckydakota]

Sounds like the birthday celebration was a smashing success Kat. Hurray! Looking forward to seeing those pics.

[smokeysmom]

smokeysmom -- A large, intriguing padded envelope arrived from you. Thanks!


That large envelope contained an ATC album I made for Kat's Mom to hold all of the lovely ATCS she got from everyone:)

[kat]

Yes, she opened that one first!!!

Here's the first pic of the Big Day: Kitty and my niece Lee-Lee.

[shayNOLA]

Oh WOW, Kat... she looks AMAZING! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[kat]

Yep! She is amazing. Her latest round of rehab after a fall has done wonders for her balance & her confidence. She's looking good :yes:

[ceejay]

WOW ... sure hope I look that good ... if I get there LOL ... She's as beautiful as her artwork!

[lilbad]

Kat, what a doll your mom is....she looks like a movie star!

[1 Art Lady]

I would have never ever guessed her at her age, She is doing really awesome! I am so glad that you all had a great time, and that we could help in our way with this! Rest up now! Good luck with the up coming school stuff!
I hope that I can make it there and look so lovely! :)

[bluelotusflower]

GASP!! Kitty is GORGEOUS! Looks like her daughters and their daughters inherited her beauty gene. So happy the big event went off without a hitch. ;)

[kat]

Thanks to you all. I've made a list of your comments to read to Kitty.

Blue -- the Marilyn Monroe art doll was a big hit!!! If I didn't know better, I'd be sure you had met my mom :)

[butterflygirl24]

So I have tuned in a little late - things have been busy up here. But I am really glad to read about how much fun your family had opening all the cards.

[bluelotusflower]

I'm so delighted your mom liked MM! To be honest, as soon as I saw Kitty's photo above, I thought my intuition was right. She looks like she would enjoy a good joke. ;)

[kat]

Thanks, Butterflygirl!

Blue -- She loves a good joke -- and she loves a good off-color joke as well.

I just read Kitty the wonderful compliments on her photo. She appreciated all the kind words, but I had to first deal with the fact that one of her best friends just went on hospice. He & Kitty both loved bird watching, the arts, and global issues. She changed his life with her friendship, and he loves her for that. Unfortunately, no one told her how extreme his condition was. One of his last comments was, "I wish I could go to Kitty's birthday party."

[kat]

Here's a link to photos of the generous gifts to Kitty. A few pieces are not in the photos; I'll add them later after I get caught up. Again -- thank you all!

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?c=7&u=786

[Pennyquilter]

Thanks for the photos - what beautiful cards for a beautiful lady. You are so lucky to have your mother for so many years!
Have a delightful day!

[Hazartist1]

Kitty looks like a movie star!

[kat]

Indeed! Kitty always cares about her appearance. My daughter, a Mary Kay consultant, did her makeup. They fought over the lipstick color, but Kitty won. Big surprise there, HAHA!

Lee-lee, my niece, wrote & performed 2 songs. She & her brother started the performance with "Amazing Grace."

[AnnaAardvark]

I am so glad that she had a happy day and we could be part of it in a small way! :)

[kat]

You all made my day when I presented her with your art!!! She was truly touched by your generosity and appreciation of her art. Thanks.

[chatty]

Kat, your mom age is so youthful ..*smile*.. I am deligthed to hear that she had such a lovely birthday.

[kentuckydakota]

Just love the picture of your beautiful Mum and niece. You have a truly blessed family-so glad we got to be a part of the celebration! :)

[1 Art Lady]

Trolled through the photos that you posted. I am so happy that Kitty had a wonderful birthday, and that I got to be a part of it! I hope that you also had a great time and got to enjoy your time together! Hope the school stuff is going well! :)

[malicea10]

Oh Kat! How wonderful! She looks like she is having a great time! What a great daughter you are to honor her in such a beautiful way!

Thank you for sharing these precious moments with us.

[kat]

Here is Mother looking at one of her cards.

[balletbon]

Wonderful!
So happy to be part of that!!!

[bernie712]

Hope she enjoyed all her "little" gifts!!!! Looks like she had a blast! Great idea Kat!

[kat]

BTW, the Marilyn Monroe art doll singing Happy Birthday to Kitty is from bluelotusflower. The ARC album was provided by Smokysmom!

[kat]

Kitty appreciates all the art, cards, & best wishes!

[NYJunkie]

Thanks for sharing your mother's birthday with us. It looks like she was having a great time.

[ceejay]

Kat ... I just got a thank you card from Kitty. You are soooo fortunate to still have her here on earth with you for all these years. Love is a many splendored thing.

[1 Art Lady]

Kat I too just got a thank you card from Kitty! She really didn't have to do that, but I will enjoy the painting of hers on the front! :)

[xstitcher]

I received one of the lovely thank you cards, too.

[lini]

I, too, am pleased to have a piece of Kitty's art. Thanks so much Kat!

[kentuckydakota]

Oh what a lovely treat! Please pass on to Kitty how much I love the card- her artwork is wonderful!

[bluelotusflower]

What a thrill to find a lovely note in the mail from Kitty. LOVE the card! Thank you so much.

[kat]

"Glenaire Composite" was painted by Mother when she was in her mid-eighties. It is an acrylic that represents her retirement community. Most of the cottages flew the American flag daily. The community preserved quite a bit of the woods, so there is a wide variety of wildlife there which is represented by the red-shouldered hawk in the painting.

[lilbad]

I will treasure Kitty's art always! This has been fun to follow along. You are the bestest dd !!

[Art101]

Please let Kitty know that her lovely card is being enjoyed by yet another happy recipient. :)

[kat]

Last night, I read the responses to Mother. She is still amazed & very grateful.

[smokeysmom]

I received a lovely thank you card, too. I'm happy I was able to contribute to Kitty's birthday event. She sounds like a lovely person (and quite talented!). Thanks Kat for the opportunity:)