Monday, July 28, 2008

Wedding Present

Joanne and I had a great time at our friends wedding this weekend. The last time we saw Neal was in 2000 so we were all happy for a reunion. His best man, Jim, was also a friend of ours from our year long stay in Neepawa, Manitoba. The four of us almost completed a reunion of our old bowling team from so many years ago. Neal had named our team ‘The Smackdown’ inspired by his love for wrestling.

Later this week I’ll share some photos from this weekend. Today, I’ll share a peace of artwork that I gave to Neal and his lovely bride Miranda.

It was Sunday morning, the sun was shining and a cool breeze was lightly blowing as many friends and relatives gathered at Miranda’s parent’s house for the gift opening. There was a lot of food left over from the wedding reception, the night before, so we all had another good belly fill and then the wedding cake was cut and passed around. By the time we left a few belts were loosened around people’s waists.

‘Pines Of Temagami’ was a painting that I had created earlier this spring. I was preparing for a children’s art workshop and developing ideas for that class. I was inspired by design styles that artist’s use when working with stained glass – small, individual shapes molded to fit together like a jig-saw puzzle.

Neal and Miranda were delighted to receive a “Kogelheide original”, as Neal had said.

Jo’ and I had been asked to help two friends get to the airport and bus terminal in Toronto, later that afternoon, so we had to leave before all the gifts were opened.

It was a good thing that we were not slowed down by traffic jams or construction or Jim (getting dropped of at the Yorkdale subway station) would have missed his bus. Neal’s other friend, Troy, had about two hours to while away before his flight took him home to Edmonton.

Joanne and I were both happy that we made it back into London just before the kennel closed, so we were able to pick up Koly a day early. Koly was sure happy to see us.

Exhausted and happy Jo’ and I lazed on our couch with Koly snuggled in between us and Guido (our cat) purred around our heads as he lay on the top of the back of the couch. Our happy family was together again.

It’s times like these that make us realize how fortunate we are. Our family was separated because of a joyous celebration for only a few short days. Other families are separated sometimes forever because of war, politics or even environmental disasters. Let it be everyone’s desire to strive to create a world where man made issues do not tear our families apart.

Jim

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