Sir ELTON JOHN

Elton John - DANIEL

As has always been the tradition and intention of my blog - I bring you a mix of my art, along with music (cuz I can't live without it), and occasionally my little thoughts...

As I looked for an Elton song to carry your eyes through my Work-in-Progress photos here - I found this particular version of DANIEL.

I simply love the song... the two brother aspect of it always tugged at my heart (I have two sons). I never knew the context of the song until Elton explained it via the movie behind him as you can see in this Live version. The song is forever changed for me.

My Dad was a WWII soldier, and my grand-nephew is currently serving in the Navy.

God Bless the US Military & their families.

For lyrics to another song that perfectly illustrates my heart's cry - scroll to the end of this post... "What did he die for" ...

Reggie emerges...

On exhibition at Rick's STUDIO13 Grille & Bar in Mentor, Ohio

Please scroll waaaaay down this blog for MORE WiP - pics.

My affordable art is here:

http://www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com/

~kD

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WHAT DID HE DIE FOR

" He was twenty-one in 1944

He was hope and he was courage on a lonely shore

Sent there by a mother with love beyond her tears

Just a young American who chose to rise above his fears

And as I watch him struggle up that hill

Without a thought of turning back

I cannot help but wonder

What did he die for?

When he died for you and me

Made the sacrifice

So that we could all be free

I believe we will answer each to heaven

For the way we spend a priceless liberty

Look inside and ask the question
What did he die for?

When he died for me

To the darkest day in A.D. 33

Came the mercy and compassion of eternity

Sent there by a Father with love beyond His tears

Blameless One, the only Son to bear the guilt of all these years

And as I watch Him struggle up that hill

Without a thought of turning back I cannot help but wonder

What did He die for?

When He died for you and me

Made the sacrifice So that we could all be free

I believe we will answer each to heaven

For the way we spend a priceless liberty

Look inside and ask the question
What did He die for?

He died for freedom

He died for love

And all the things we do not pay Him back

Could never be enough

What did He die for?

When He died for you and me

Made the sacrifice
So that we could all be free

I believe we will answer each to heaven

For the way we spend a priceless liberty

Look inside and ask the question

What did he die for? When He died for me "

~Twila Paris

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iO1LSwfbAc

D-Day

Criss Cross - Sailing

PRESS PLAY as you read this Blog Post



D-DAY


June 6, 1944 — the day on which the Battle of Normandy began — commencing the Western Allied effort to liberate mainland Europe from Nazi occupation during World War II.

My Dad, Sam, was a gunner in the Mighty Eighth - in a B-17 Heavy Bomber… usually high above the personal battles that ensued on the ground.
How different my world is from my Dad’s - 63 years later.

Dad painted “things” while I grew up - lots of “things” -- cars, walls, furniture… anything… and everything… but no one ever considered him an artist. But what an artist he always has been! As I look at my piles of art stuff, collections, and half-finished schemes ... and when I experience brain-explosions (ie: new ideas) I know where I got it from!



He would “doodle” if we asked … and it was always fascinating… his sketches were locked in a 1940’s style… very distinct…very good.


A couple years ago I set him up with artist materials: brushes, canvas, paint…
An artist was "officially" born - one that other people could recognize.
He found his niche - at 81 he began painting lighthouse ACEO’s (artist trading card size pieces) 2.5” x 3’5”. I have appreciated it more than he knows - as he painted these tiny things - I know how hard it is to see what you’re doing on something that small…and my eyes are half his age!


He was excited to have many of his tiny lighthouse paintings sell on eBay last year. I stopped listing them because he stopped painting regularly. I covet the ones I have remaining and cannot sell them. You understand.
I’m sad he isn’t painting- he was on such a roll. His studio was packed up and put into storage by the owner of the house they are in who plans to move my parents - someday. Apparently a ‘messy’ studio is detrimental to selling a house.

I, on the other hand, think real life inside a home is essential to selling a house.

Enjoy Dad's art - I sure do ~xo~

joy in the journey,
Katey-D

UPDATE (JANUARY 2008): Dad is back painting! He was reunited with his supplies and is creating again. In addition to painting small works of art, he has been painting water scenes (Lake Erie, boats, lighthouses, etc) on furniture.
Most recently he has stopped painting traditionally and has been working on a 3-D 1:12 scale model of the interior of a B-17 - complete with gunner 'guys' (they are not 'dolls' mind you, thay are 'action figures' !) I hope to get photos and post them.