History Lesson

I have started reading a hefty biography about James Madison, and it has sparked my interest. It has been a long time since Civics and US History classes!

Some interesting facts are: He was George Washington's closest adviser. His life's work was all about getting this new nation off to a good start with a foundation, the Constitution, that would establish a republic with checks and balances. It called for new ideas, specifically limiting the central government and allowing for strength and fairness for the states and the people. It was his big idea, but Jefferson and Hamilton were his primary co-workers. His wife Dolley set up the first inaugural ball.

The quotes of his that I chose are:
1. "Democracy is the most vile form of government." 
2. “What is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.

75 Now

It is like when I turned the long awaited age of sixteen. I wondered if I would I ever reach it, but I did, and in spite of myself I kept going. Through good and hard times, adventures and misadventures, I have safely landed at 75. Throughout my middle adulthood as I considered the increasing numbers, I saw what the years were doing to me, and it wasn't pretty. What would happen to me?! I thought when I reached the milestone age of seventy-five I would truly and officially be old.
Now I am of a different mindset. Who knew that seventy-five was so young! There is plenty of life ahead. I think of all I have learned since I was a youth of  fifty-five and eligible for free senior banking. This is a good time of life, and I enjoy and cherish my days, whether I am sipping a hot cup of coffee in the morning, doing repetitive household duties, making art, talking with my family or friends, or being awed by the sky. I am thankful.
The joy of the Lord is my strength.

paintings today

I can't help it. This is how I paint. What was interesting is how (to me) different the painting looked as black and white. I can't change it like I would a photograph, but I like the B/W better.

silver

There is a new silversmith in the studios. I held this box of her beautiful earrings on my lap today and took the pic. They don't look very silvery in this picture, but they are.

from the pier

How nice to have some time at the beach today.

and just like that . . .

She is gone.
It was a joy to have Caroline in the house for the past couple of months while she went through her first semester at the community college, her first step toward leaving the nest on her way to adulthood. Yesterday she moved out and began the second and more independent step, sharing an apartment with two other girls. It is not quite like dorm living but close. She has better sense than I had at that age, is even tempered, and makes and carries out plans. She is going to be fine.