Arthritis Walk 2011

This year my niece Monique and I walked for the first time in the Arthritis Walk 2011 in honor of my mom and her Oma.

It was a wonderful, inspirational and fun morning.

Monique and I started at the front so we could walk fast, and by fast I mean fast for me.

I was one step behind her the whole time.

Times have changed - she used to follow me, and she used to be shorter than me.

Oma and Opa watched the walkers go by - Oma with her arthritis, Opa with the remnants of the flu.

We walked with the Chris, another fast walker and former triathlete. Lupus put a kabash on that level of athleticism for her. Nonetheless, her looks and walk belie the constraints of lupus.

And then there is after the walk. HOTDOGS - let the summer begin!!!

The Little People entertained the walkers and even kissed the Oma, as did the big black hawk.

And the final entertainment was done by these rather handsome Chicago police men and their dog. All pleasing to the eye!

I want a dog!

It was a good day - ha-ya!

Sarah Graduates from the American Academy of Art!!!

It's that time of year when celebrations of life's major moments and accomplishments joyfully envelope our lives.

In our family, Sarah's graduation from the American Academy of Art, with honors I might add, was one of those events.

Little Sarah, yikes!!! How times does fly - way too fast!!! Can't we have several versions of her? I love who she is now, but I also miss who she was at age 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 , . . . . you get the idea. Just ask her parents and the gushing love they have for all ages of Sarah will speak for itself.

Where do I begin with this wonderful event . . .

Sarah was so embraced by her professors.

Their affection and mutual admiration was palpable.

Then there's her proud parents . . .

proud Opa, Grandmother, and Oma . . . .

her proud Autie and sister Hannah . .

and artistic friends (and Oma!)

This collage is a sampling of the more familiar art pieces that were produced by AAA alumni.

Please excuse the quality. They are photos of photos from a bit of a distance.

Visit Loren Long's webpage, the AAA alum who was honored at this year's graduation. You will thoroughly enjoy his work!!! It's prolific including illustrations of President Barack Obama's book "Of Thee I Sing a Letter to My Daughters."

This blog entry would be remiss if I didn't note Sarah's art. I need not say more, for the work speaks for itself. However, I am only able to display one piece. So check out her website and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Sarah Kasch

Congratulations Sarah!! On to the next chapter in your life.