[Paul_Guraedy]

My carving has taken a somber mood this summer. Learning woodcarving is easiest for those of us who are retired and have the time to dedicate to the art. This, of course, means that the majority of the woodcarving community are in the stage of life where they start to disappear off the scene. I have lost a woodcarving friend and a painting mentor.

The first was not too unexpected as Dr. Arline Mouzer (a veternarian in Urbana, IL) had lived a full life retiring 22 years ago and had experienced some health problems for the last few years. In retirement, here in NW Arkansas, she started woodcarving. Although in demand as an instructor, Dr. Arline took classes until a year ago when health problems interfered. She was a superb bird carver, an excellent instructor,a really nice person, and a very good friend.

The second was totally unexpected and therefore affected me greatly. Mary Dell Jones was killed in a traffic accident. Young enough to where I expected her to be around for the rest of my life and very much a part of the extended family of Diana and I. Mary Dell (an artist in ceramics) moved me from smearing paint on a carving to making the piece start to resemble what I had in mind in the first place. She taught me that paint should not be used to "cover up". She taught me what "dry brushing" really meant.

I miss both these ladies a lot!

[Blake Lunsford]

I'm sure the memory of them will be appearant in the work you produce Paul. May God bring you peace during these difficult times, and encouragement to continue reminding others of the joy that they brought to your life. It's never easy losing a friend, but your life has been touched that they were a part of your lives while they were on this earth. God Bless!

Blake

[Kenny_S]

That is a big AMEN!

No words can relieve the sorrow so All I will say is,God's Blessings