We lived for 14 years in Arizona in the heat and the dry dirt. We grew roses, black-eyed Susans, sunflowers, and even a willow tree in our yard while we raised our kids. The light in the sky just seemed brighter there. I have memories of laughing with our family and friends with the yellow flowers, the forests, the mountains and lakes. We took the time to put down roots and had beautiful relationships.

 

I had a goal for myself, learning to oil paint in a more realistic manner and occasionally I would pluck a yellow flower and struggle to make it come to life from my brush before it died on my table. This yellow flower bloomed on my canvas not in a controlled way, but naturally. Much like our family flourished in the golden Arizona sun.