Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Not because of all the gifts, but the one gift that we can truly never repay. Since we are called to be thankful, I am thankful for that gift above all things. I am also thankful for my family and their health.

I am also very thankful for my wife, whom puts up with me 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. She also knows I love my art and encourages me to do so.

This year she gave to me a Jullian Easel, a wonderful gift for any artist. I have never painted outside, unless you count finger paints when I was a kid. So since I love to paint the outdoors, it will be great to actually paint outside! Of course at 9 degrees, I think I will wait until spring.