For Dee

Two and a half years ago, I met my friend Dee. We met at a shoebox party. There we were,
crafting the day away, in different rooms of a mutual acquaintance's home, when I noticed Dee
was wearing a Harley-Davidson sweatshirt. I told her I like her sweatshirt and that we should
be friends. She thought I was weird! Knowing her as well as I do now, I know what that look meant.

We exchanged numbers, and I thought, heck, she'll never call me. But she did. We ended up getting together to go stamp store shopping in a town about 30 miles away. We had a good time. Had lunch, got to know each other and it just felt good to be around her.

She invited me to go to a stamp convention with her, then to her house for another shoebox party to celebrate her birthday. She found out mine was three days later, and she included me in her celebration. We've been buds, ever since. Our daughters are about the same age, they too, like to do the same type of art and we just have a great time.
Dee always makes me the most wonderful gifts for all occasions that call for one. Her books are wonderful and she just has a great time making all sorts of different types of books and holders for fun things. Not always being sure of my own talent and art, I've been very hesitant to make her too many things. I made her a Christmas house for that holiday this year, and she loved it, so
I thought I would try my hand a something I really like to do, collage. This is what I made her this year for her birthday. I made it to match her new studio. She loves her gift, and I'm thrilled
that she does. Her friendship has meant the world to me. I feel very fortunate.

This is paper, paints and ribbon on canvas.