My quest for art expression is really a tribute to my grandmother. Although she never went beyond eighth grade in school, Grandma was probably the most literate person I ever met.

Throughout her 96 years on earth, Grandma never stopped learning. She was extremely well-read and could recite many, many poems. She told wonderful stories and wrote frequent letters to all her friends and relatives.

When she was in her nineties, I asked her if she ever had wished to be a writer. Her answer really surprised me. She said, "No, but I wished to be an artist. I would have loved to express myself with paint,"

Among her many descendants are a sculptor, two professional artists, several musicians, two doctors, two lawyers, two scientists, several teachers, and several amateur artists.

Thanks for the legacy, grandma