Varla Bishop Dogs and Cats, portrait, Watercolor Paintings

The Smile of a Child

One of the things I enjoy in making art is in giving art to others. Isn’t that what we do with our talents? Aren’t we meant to share it with others? In this case I painted portraits of two little girls. Future artists who love to create just like me. They asked “what art project are you working on now?” “We need to do some art together.” Grown up questions from one artist to another.

As grandparents or family elders we have a tremendous influence over the younger generations. They listen to everything we say and believe that what we tell them is a truth. It is responsibility I do not take lightly. These young girls believe that I can do anything with a paint brush and canvas. If only that was true. But I do love to work on projects with kids. From magic wands to acrylic pours it is all messy and fun.

I have my good days and bad days as an artist. Sometimes everything comes together just like I imagined. Then there are the days when I feel discouraged. It’s on those days that I remember the faces of my young future artists and I can’t help but smile. I smile in their belief in me. I smile because in their eyes I am capable of greatness. How can I not pick up my brush and try again.

I suspect the paintings will hang up in their rooms. I hope they will think of me when they look their pictures. I hope they know it was painted for them with love. ❤️❤️❤️

Varla Bishop driving

A Kiss for the Road

This time of year involves traveling for many. Some of us travel by plane, car or bus; we travel near and far. Traveling can make me a we bit anxious. I know the facts about traveling but it doesn’t always help. Fact: we are safer in planes then on the road. Fact: people die in crashes closer to home then faraway. Fact: seat belts save lives. I could go on and on. Highway safety was kinda my thing before retiring. I was in law enforcement for over 30 years so this was what my agency focused on.

I think about these facts whenever we leave the house. My husband and I get additional insurance when we travel out of state. Before we leave our driveway we kiss and say “safe trip”. I really don’t remember when this started, but we’ve been doing it for years. Once we reach our destination we kiss and say “thank you God”. We always do this.

I’ve seen the aftermath of enough vehicle crashes that no matter how good of a driver you are you can’t control the other drivers who share the road with you. You can’t control the deer that may run out in front of you. You can’t always know when your vehicle will have a major equipment failure. So many variables that are outside of your control.

So when we travel I like that we kiss. That we take a tiny moment to say out loud what is in our hearts. We hope this trip is uneventful. We hope everyone gets to where they want to go safely. We don’t want any excitement along the way.

So this holiday season have a safe trip. Do what you need to do to arrive safely. I would be interested to hear if you have a ritual you would like to share. In the meantime be safe. 💋

Varla Bishop Fun with Grand Kids, portrait, Watercolor Paintings

A New Title

I have had many different titles in life. Being a daughter, sister or friend were titles I didn’t give a lot of thought too. They didn’t feel like special titles, but more about the roles in life that I found myself in.

As I entered the adult world and began my work life there were more titles that came with different responsibilities. Titles that would define my position in the agency I worked for. Titles taken away when I retired. But in 1988 I got a new title. One that I still have today. It is one of my most cherished of titles. I’m called grandma.

So when I learned that two dear friends of mine were becoming grandma and grandpa for the very first time, I wanted to do something special. They have sent us pictures of their granddaughter when she was born, her first day in child care and her first tooth. Yep, I remember well the excitement of those moments.

So here’s to you Grandma and Grandpa. Enjoy your new titles. Enjoy making memories. Enjoy the laughs and hugs. Especially enjoy the kisses and the cuddles. That is the very very best thing about this new title.

I love to hear “Grandma I miss you”, which makes me so glad I lived to enjoy this moment. ❤️