This Summer has been a hot one for most of us from coast to coast in the USA. There have undoubtedly been plenty of trips to water, be it the shore, lakes, rivers, coastal beaches, swimming pools, or the backyard sprinkler. Along with swimming and cooling off, I'll bet there has been much laughter and family fun going on as well. At least, I hope so. Summer, fun, and families seem to go together, don't they?

My thoughts for making this last month of summer even better: Keep communication open. Give your loved ones the benefit of the doubt. See only the good in each other, and share your appreciation of the little things.  

Thinking of you as I write this, I feel blessed by knowing that you, and myself as well - WE are all doing the best we can to live in integrity and love.    

I hope you enjoy the playful, joyful art I'm sharing with you this month. Above, a new 5x7 watercolor original "Tilted Budding Flower V" continues a series I started in Sausalito years ago. Way at the bottom are more magnets with qualities to affirm and remember, and in the middle are several treasures, old and new, that express my wishes for you this summer, including my newest poem "Appreciating Mother."